Antivirus: Layman Tips From a Pro

Selecting an Antivirus

1. Read reviews of antiviruses at about.com, cnet.com, pcworld.com.
2. Select an antivirus which is effective but whose normal running doesn't slow down your system considerably

If Scanning for the First Time

3. Choose a time when your computer is idle or least used
4. Close all running applications so that no application on task bar is running
5. Run a thorough scan on all hard drives/partitions
6. Go to item 9 below

If Scanning Periodically

7. Run a scan once a week
8. Must scan “Windows”, “Program files” and “Document and Settings” folders
9. If any infected files are found, carefully read the paths where they exist.
   • If the paths refer to any program that you use, uninstall the program properly. Run periodic scan again
   • If paths refer to a temporary folder, or a location like root drive, simply delete the file or ask the antivirus to delete it

After Running the Scan

1. Take an image of the now clean OS. E.g. you can use tools like Acronis.
2. If you are copying a file from outside your computer, always right click on it and scan it first
3. If you surf web frequently, use a firewall like ZoneAlarm so all access to your computer is safe
4. Install a good antispyware software e.g. Spybot to keep a check on any spywares.
5. Keep your antivirus and antispyware updated once a week