How to Avoid Getting Computer Viruses in Public Places
In public, computer viruses spread faster than you can say, “Atchoo!” But simple measures can protect your laptop whether you’re on public or private Internet.
Sometimes you just need to get out of the house with your computer. Working in a coffee shop, library, or restaurant can give you a much needed change of scenery, but it can also make your laptop more vulnerable to computer viruses than they are on the private, secure Internet you have at home. Publically-transmitted computer viruses don’t have to turn you into a homebody, however. Here, we’ll talk about four ways to keep your laptop safe no matter where you take it.
1. Don’t click on anything.
One of the only ways that computer viruses can download onto your computer in this day and age is if you click on a pop-up or banner ad that appears on your screen. Don’t do it! Even if the ad features cute puppies or asks you to donate to orphaned children, close the ad and navigate to the company’s website through your regular browser. Additionally, configure your browser to ask you before it runs files and downloads, rather than running them automatically.
2. Turn off image previews in your email.
Viruses can sometimes be transmitted if you just view infected images in your email client. Instead of leaving yourself vulnerable, disable image preview in your email client, and only view images if you trust the source.
3. Don’t open email links or attachments.
This may be one of the most basic protections, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t warrant repeating. Again, viruses often can’t be downloaded without you doing some clicking. So, even if you get what seems like an innocent attachment from your great aunt, don’t open it without scanning your files with an anti-malware application.
4. Turn off autorun.
Viruses often work by attaching to your drive and then automatically installing themselves on other media connected to your system. This means that thumb drives, external hard disks, and network drives can put viruses onto your system.
The best way to keep your computer safe is with a quality antivirus software program. We suggest PSafe Total. Our software has real-time computer virus scans 24-hours a day and seven-days a week, so your computer will be protected from online viruses on public and private Internet. Installation is automatic and free, so there’s no reason not to try it.