It is quite easy to protect your computer from viruses, worms, and Trojan horses: install a good antivirus program (for example, Norton AntiVirus 2007, McAfee or ZoneAlarm) and keep it up-to-date. A good antivirus scanner will not only be able to detect and block any viruses, worms, or Trojan horses that try to enter you system, it will also be able to remove any malware already installed on your PC.
It is important to keep the antivirus application updated (it’s recommended that you upgrade the main software package yearly) and that you download and install the latest antivirus detection databases regularly, because hundreds of new viruses and worms are released weekly. If you don’t keep the detection databases in the program up-to-date, the application won’t be able to detect and repair anything new that finds its way onto your PC. Consult the help file or manual for your antivirus program to find out how to do this (most are able to update themselves automatically).
Scanning a file using Norton AntiVirus software.
Visit Download.com for a selection of popular antivirus software downloads that you can try on your PC.
For more precautions you can take to keep your PC safe, see the related tip Safeguard your PC from online hazards.
The information in this tip originally appeared in the PC Protection 101 online class.