There are a number of procedures that companies can
follow to ensure that computers are protected, working efficiently and are not shut
down by viruses and other Internet based malware. These procedures can be
divided into Daily, Weekly and Monthly categories and should be run on every
computer. There are some advantages to having one person run these procedures,
as this reduces the total man hours required to complete the tasks. A single
person is also more likely to spot any differences in operation between one
computer and another.
DAILY PROCEDURES
1) As noted in previous newsletters we strongly
recommend that daily backups be performed on each computer to protect My
Documents and E-Mail files. The simplest device for this purpose is a
2) Check the bottom right corner of your computer screen
for Microsoft Windows Updates and Java updates. These are important to apply,
as they patch any security flaws found in Windows and Java based programs.
Viruses and other Malware are always looking for new ways to invade computers
and these updates aid in the fight.
WEEKLY PROCEDURES
1) At least once a week go into your Anti Virus to
confirm that it is up to date and functioning normally. If
you see any warnings, red circles or exclamation marks on your Anti Virus icon
this may mean that it has been compromised and is no longer working properly.
Anti-Virus updates come out at least once a week so you want to make sure that
your Virus Definitions are current within a few days of today’s date.
2) Similarly, Spybot and other Ad-Ware/Spyware removal
programs should be run, updated and immunized to ensure that you are protected
from malicious web-sites and software. Keep in mind that most of this type of
software is installed when users click <OK> to some warning they see
while browsing the Internet. These warnings are virtually 100% fraudulent and
try to scare people into downloading unnecessary or dangerous software to fix
problems they don’t have. Exit these warnings if you see one.
3) Scan your computer with a
good Anti-Virus once a week. This is often an automated procedure that runs at
night since it can take up to two hours or more to complete. Generally we
schedule these to scan every night that the computer is left on, but generally
once a week is sufficient. Norton, Symantec, McAfee and AVG are good choices to
provide this form of protection.
4) Scan your computer for Spyware, Adware and other
Malware using a program like Spybot Search & Destroy to detect and remove
any unwanted software programs. Users that download software, like screen
savers and such, unwittingly invite this sort of software into their computers.
There are some good free programs on the Internet but many companies have
ulterior motives associated with all of the software they are giving away.
MONTHLY PROCEDURES
1) Run \ Accessories \ Disk Cleanup to remove any temporary
files and help clean up your hard drive. Internet properties can be used to
cleanup cookies and Internet files as well.
2) Run \ Accessories \ Disk Defragmenter to help
organize and Optimize your hard drive.