How can I Secure my Computer against Viruses and Spyware?

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Summary

This article describes how you can improve the security of your computer connected to the WildBlue network. An infected computer affects everyone on the network, so WildBlue may remove your service from the network temporarily while you clean the computer. An infected computer also affects your service's performance, and is the leading cause of slow connection speeds.

If WildBlue detects abnormal traffic coming from your service, we send an email to your Contact email address outlining several steps that you need to follow before reconnecting your computer to the network. See the text of this email here.

Remember that your Customer Agreement with WildBlue requires that you use anti-virus and anti-spyware software on computers connected to this network. We provide WildBlue Security Center free for the first 12 months of your contract; however, you may use any reliable anti-virus and anti-spyware software.

Rules

Prerequisites

Content

Critical Windows updates and Service packs

  1. Using Internet Explorer, go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
    Note: This web site requires Internet Explorer and will not display with other browsers.
  2. Follow the steps on the screen and install all critical updates and all service packs.

Anti-virus Software

Do you have anti-virus software installed and running on your computer?

If no, do one of these

  • Download and install the WildBlue Security Center. If you need help installing, follow this link for more detailed instructions.

  • Install reputable anti-virus software, such as Norton Security, McAfee, or AVG. Search the Internet using keywords "anti-virus software" (including the quotes) for other suggestions.

If yes,

  1. Update your virus definitions. Check the software's Help file or web site to find out how to do this.

  2. Configure your software to update automatically.

Not sure?

  1. From the Windows Start button, select Windows Control Panel.

  2. Click Add/Remove Programs.

  3. Review the list for keywords such as anti-virus.

Anti-Virus Scan

  1. Make sure the anti-virus definitions are up-to-date first, as described above.

  2. Perform a full computer scan with your anti-virus software. Usually this starts from a control center. Follow all suggestions to delete, remove, inoculate or quarantine any suspected viruses that it finds.

For help scanning with WildBlue Security Center, follow this link.

A step further for advanced users

If your anti-virus software recommends a deeper or more rigorous scan, carry out this suggestion. Check the program's Help file or web site for detailed steps. This may include rebooting your Windows computer into Safe Mode, a temporary diagnostic mode that allows the anti-virus software to remove more stubborn viruses. When it has finished, you will reboot the computer again.

Anti-spyware and Adware Software

Do you have anti-spyware software installed and running on your computer?

If no, do one of these

  • Download and install the WildBlue Security Center. If you need help installing, follow this link for more detailed instructions.

  • Install reputable anti-spyware/adware software. Many good anti-virus applications offer this feature. Search the Internet using keywords "spyware removal software" (including the quotes) for other suggestions.

If yes,

  1. Update your virus definitions. Check the software's Help file or web site to find out how to do this.

  2. Configure your software to update automatically.

Not sure?

  1. From the Windows Start button, select Windows Control Panel.

  2. Click Add/Remove Programs.

  3. Review the list for keywords such as spyware or adware. 

Firewalls

A firewall provides another level, and type, of protection for your computer. A firewall prevents unauthorized access to your computer from anywhere else on the Internet. If you have a wireless router as part of your home network, it may have a firewall. Windows has a software firewall as part of the Windows Security Center.

 To enable the Windows Security Center firewall, follow these steps:
  1. From the Windows Start button, select Control Panel.

  2. Double-click Security Center.

  3. Click Windows Firewall.

  4. Check On, and click OK.
    Note: You may need to add specific programs that access the Internet to the Exceptions list for them to work through the firewall.

Ask for Help from a Computer Expert

In some cases, you may wish to hire a computer expert to isolate and repair a deep-seated problem.

Internal Notes

This article was last modified on 6/23/2009 3:03:41 PM
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