PC and Network Support - Exterra Networks, Inc. - IT Solutions Built from the Ground-Up

Exterra Networks - IT Solutions Built from the Ground-Up

Varitech Equipment, Cedartown
varitechequipment.com

Updating your IT infrastructure can be a challenge, but Exterra Networks was there to help when Varitech Equipment made the leap to Windows Vista. Extera Networks helped develop data backup strategies and repaired mobile device synchronization issues enabling Varitech Equipment employees to be informed on the road.

"You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a man is wise by his questions."

- Naguib Mahfouz

Virus Prevention - Exterra Networks Support Resources

Steps You Can Take to Avoid Computer Viruses:

New computer viruses are discovered at an alarming rate these days and each new discovery presents itself as a threat to the security of Internet users everywhere. Viruses over the past few years have become much more insidious in their method(s) of propagation and thereby have become easier to get. Following the following steps will help you keep your computer clean.

General Steps for Preventing Computer Viruses:

Always have the most recent AntiVirus software installed on your computer (AVG Free from Grisoft, Norton Antivirus or MacAfee)
Keep your AntiVirus software up-to-date by downloading new virus definitions at least once each week and know the latest virus threats
Install a firewall on your PC (ZoneAlarm, BlackIce, etc.)
Always check for and install Windows Updates by using the "Windows Update" feature in the "Start" menu (yes, these updates take time to download, but each update will patch vulnerabilities present on your computer) Run Windows Update at least once a week
When browsing the web, when Internet Explorer asks you whether or not to install an ActiveX Control, be absolutely sure that you want to and that you completely trust the company signing the ActiveX control before answering, "Yes". Many such controls contain spyware that monitors your web browsing habits and inundates you with pop-up advertising.

General Steps for Receiving an E-mail and Instant Message Attachments:

E-mail attachments are one of the most popular methods to spread computer viruses. Follow these simple steps to stay protected:
- Scan each received attachment with your AntiVirus program
- If you don't know the person who sent you the attachment, Do Not Open the Attachment!
- NEVER open an attachment that ends in the following three-letter extensions unless you are ABSOLUTELY sure about the attachment:
  - .exe
  - .com
  - .pif
  - .scr
- If you do know who sent you the attachment, but weren't expecting to receive an attachment, E-mail the person who sent it to verify that it actually did come from them. Many E-mail viruses will fake the sender's address hoping you will recognize the person who sent it
- If you did expect to receive the attachment, scan it with your AntiVirus software anyway. This is the only way to be sure about each attachment.

Additional Steps to Make Your Computing Endeavors Bug-Free

When you are on-line and ads for "Free" software, smilies, cursors, or any other free program presents itself remember one simple fact: "There's a reason these things are free."
- Many freeware programs are funded by advertising programs that will also install themselves without your knowledge.
  - If you've fallen victim to this, you will notice a sizable increase in the number of pop-up ads you receive.
Never install any free program that you did not obtain from a reputable source, such as Tucows or Download.com
Stay away from free screen savers. Remember, just as in the example above, there's usually a reason that they're free.