Turn on Windows Firewall

• 1). Click "Start," "Control Panel," "Security" and "Windows Firewall."
  
  
• 2). Click "Turn Windows Firewall On or Off" and type your administrator password if prompted.
  
  
• 3). Click "On (Recommended)" and then click "OK." Windows Firewall, included with Windows XP, Vista and 7, will help prevent viruses from infecting your computer.
  
  

Check for Updates Regularly

• 1). Click "Start," "All Programs" and "Windows Update."
  
  
• 2). Click "Check For Updates."
  
  
• 3). Click "Install Updates." Windows will install software updates. Often, these updates include tools to prevent, detect and remove the latest computer viruses. Consequently, you should install available updates regularly.
  
  

Run Windows Defender

• 1). Click "Start," "All Programs" and "Windows Defender."
  
  
• 2). Click "Tools" and "Options."
  
  
• 3). Check the box next to "Use Real-time Protection" (under the "Real Time Protection Options" heading) and click "Save." Windows Defender, a free anti-malware program included with Windows Vista and 7, will help prevent viruses from infecting your computer.
  
  

Modify Online Behaviors

• 1). Do not open email attachments sent from people you do not know. Computer viruses are commonly spread through malicious email attachments.
  
  
• 2). Download only applications from websites that you trust. Often, computer viruses disguise themselves as legitimate applications and are found on malicious websites.
  
  
• 3). Remove viruses immediately. If your computer does become infected with a computer virus, remove it immediately. Some viruses actually have the ability to download additional viruses onto your computer.