The internet is a dangerous place these days no matter if you have a PC or MAC, you download or you don't. In this article I'm going to show how to protect your Windows PC with some free software that essentially makes your PC impervious to ANY virus (or potential unwanted programs - PUPS) while browsing websites on the Internet.
First, let me explain how 90% of my customers get infected. We'll use "Bob" as our example.
- Bob never installs his Windows critical updates for whatever reason.
- Bob has basic antivirus (also known as signature based antivirus) that may or may not be updated.
- Bob gets on the Internet everyday and mainly reads the news from various news site, searches for stuff on Google and maybe plays free online games.
- One day while searching for a cheap cell phone Bob all of the sudden is inundated with lot's of popups and a new (fake) antivirus program that says he's infected and needs to buy this antivirus "right now!!!"
- Bob is infected with malware and a fake anti-virus.
Bob could have prevented this malware infection with a few free anti-malware applications, and when I say a few I only mean two:
- A free anti-virus - There are 3 free anti-virus applications that are pretty robust and easy for the average PC user to install. Avira's AntiVir, Avast Antivirus and Grisoft's AVG Free.
- Sandboxie Free - This application places all files downloaded from the Sandboxie web browser into a "virtual computer" that runs on your computer (ya never know it's there). If configured properly, once you close the Sandboxie web browser the virtual computer is destroyed along with any malicious files that you may have accidentally downloaded to it.
Now we're going to secure your PC with both applications: A free Anti-virus and the Sandboxie web browser.
- Pick your antivirus. My personal favorite is Avira, but any of the 3 anti-viruses I previously mentioned will work just fine. Download, install and update it (updates are usually automatic). Remember, anti-virus by itself is not enough protection for your PC these days, you need additional protection.
- Now it's time to install Sandboxie. You can go to Sandboxie(dot)com and download the free version of Sandboxie from there. Once Sandboxie is installed you should have an icon on the desktop called "Run Sandboxed Web Browser". If the shortcut is not on the desktop you may click start, all programs, Sandboxie, then right-click over "Run Sandboxed Web Browser" and click send to desktop. Next, we'll configure the Default Sandbox to DELETE all contents once the Sandboxed Web Browser is closed. This is the most important part.
- Click Start (or click the Windows globe for Vista).
- Click All Programs.
- Click Sandboxie.
- Click Sandboxie Control.
- Right Click Sandbox DefaultBox.
- Click Sandbox Settings.
- Click Delete.
- Click Invocation.
- Click the First Checkbox (automatically delete the contents of the sandbox).
- Click Apply and OK.
- Close Sandboxie Control.
Ok, now we're all set to say goodbye to any form of malware (viruses) that get's installed via browsing ANY site on the internet. Go ahead and double click "Run Sandboxed Web Browser". Looks just like you're default web browser (firefox or IE) right!
Notice the little # signs on each side of the title bar at the top of the web browser. This means that ALL files downloaded unintentionally are stuck inside the sandbox and are DELETED as soon as you close the web browser. Basically this means you can visit any website without having to EVER worry about getting infected. That is the power of browsing the web via a sandboxed web browser.
One last quick note. If you want to intentionally download a file (like a picture) Sandboxie will ask you where you would like to "recover" the file. This is up to you. You can recover to the default folder or choose a folder. Please be aware that recovering files can be dangerous, this is where you'll need your free anti-virus (to scan recovered files).
My name is Matt and I offer st. louis computer repair and consulting services. If you're not in St. Louis I can help with your PC remotely right over your internet connection! Call my St. Louis office at 314.226.4279 and schedule your appointment today. I also have a site that reviews cheap all in one printers.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Browse the Internet Virus Free
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