Buzz
However, we will clarify the concepts so you understand when to take action?
Using Antivirus to Protect Your Computer While Keeping It Running Smoothly and Preventing Hard Drive Damage
We all know that a computer is divided into two parts: Hardware and Software. In a living body, the software acts as the brain controlling functions like hands, legs, eyes, nose, mouth, etc. These parts, like hands, legs, eyes, nose, mouth, can be seen as 'hardware.' Antivirus software is typically a program that prevents intrusion, data theft, system or hardware control software.
This article is aimed at experienced computer users, providing valuable advice starting from the basics.
In summary, depending on the importance of your data or the behaviors you predominantly engage in on your computer, caution with viruses may be necessary.
However, it's worth noting that certain viruses can pose hardware damage risks such as to the BIOS or HDD (potentially indirectly), constituting a threat to anyone encountering them.
Classify websites and configure options for the antivirus to ignore trusted sites.
After spending time accessing and utilizing various websites, if you find a website to be safe, you can add it to the list of trusted sites in your antivirus. Apart from these trusted websites, when accessing others, the antivirus will remain active and provide timely warnings.
Understanding Trojans
Trojans are also computer programs, but they are designed with the capability to purposefully steal data as intended by the Trojan's creator. Typically, Trojans infect a user's computer and then execute behaviors to copy or directly send data to the 'information thief'.
So, if you work in an organization requiring high information security like banks, financial institutions, or handle sensitive, critical company data, Trojans will be your relentless adversaries.
Understanding the sources of virus and trojan infections is crucial.
Similar to the law of conservation of matter: Viruses neither spontaneously generate nor disappear; they simply transfer from one computer or device to another.
When users download a file, installation file, etc., from the internet to their computers, even if not opened or installed, the risk of computer virus infection is very high. Nowadays, viruses have mutated into many types and are more dangerous than before, so users need to pay attention to data sources, software of unknown origin, or unsecured download links.
What data needs protection
Most data formats on computers and entered on computers need protection. From text files (*.doc, .xls ...) to installation files (.exe, *.iso ...). Another type of data that needs absolute protection is data information on web browsers such as banking account information, game accounts, etc.
When to run Antivirus software
Users often run the default Antivirus program with Windows. That is, from the moment the computer starts up until it shuts down, the Antivirus program runs alongside the system. However, instead of doing so, you should only run the Antivirus when absolutely necessary, such as when plugging external devices (memory cards, USBs ...) into the computer, or when accessing websites you've never visited before and are at high risk of virus infection. This reduces the number of times the Antivirus reads the hard drive, making your computer run faster and extending the lifespan of the hard drive.
Actively checking and manually eliminating viruses instead of using Real-time antivirus protection. Whenever there's a new data file, users can manually check and eliminate viruses using the antivirus software itself, instead of enabling Real-time scanning.
Disable regular daily scans and enable scanning of new files only.
Many believe that enabling daily scheduled scans will enhance their computer's safety. While this is true, when you're not accessing the internet or have any external connections, having the Antivirus running silently in the background will slow down your computer as Antivirus typically consumes a large amount of CPU resources.
Therefore, if you set the antivirus to scan new files only, it will only work when new files are detected within the system.
Adjusting the default settings of the Antivirus program
Scan for viruses when plugging in USB drives.
Turn on antivirus, enable access protection when visiting hacking, cracking, sensitive content websites...
Regularly update Windows and disable firewall protection, only enable when necessary.
Windows is often updated, however, due to the nature of work and study, users often turn off Windows update feature. To better protect your computer without frequently using Antivirus, you should regularly update Windows. The firewall helps block unauthorized access from external sources, however, only enable it when accessing the internet, connecting to public WiFi.
In the current market, there are many antivirus software with superior features such as Kaspersky, Avira, AVG... These software are designed for various users, from those with limited computer knowledge to experts. Among them, AVG and Avira offer Free versions for users who do not need to purchase a license like AVG Free or Avira Free. Kaspersky and other antivirus software like Norton, Avast... are commercial software, users need to purchase a license to use them for a long time.
