How you might have gotten it and how to help prevent it from happening again.
A computer virus can infect your computer from many different sources. They can come attached to an email in the form of a program disguised as a game, joke or even a patch for your computer. They can be loaded from web sites that are less than scrupulous, included in that new game or program that you just downloaded from your favorite P2P network or it could even be inadvertently included on a CD that you get from a friend or buy in a store.
Proper system security although not infallible, is by far, your best defense against a computer virus and online intruders.
Your first line of defense should be the installation of a good full version antivirus program. CCS Computer Solutions recommends that you use an anti virus program that updates it's virus library automatically so that you don't have to do anything but connect to the internet to keep your program current and will always have the latest virus definitions. This first step is essential to protecting and keeping your system running smooth and infection free.
Secondly, If you are connected to the internet in an "always on" situation, such as a cable modem or DSL, you should have some type of software firewall installed to prevent intruders from getting in and malicious software from making connections out.
When you are connected to the internet with one of these high speed connections, you run the risk of someone being able to break into your computer from the internet and possibly gaining access to all of your data which they could then copy, change or delete. An intruder ultimately could gain more control over your system from the internet than you have. The firewall will monitor your internet connection and warn you if someone tries to make an unauthorized connection to your computer or if any program on your computer tries to access the internet without your permission. The firewall will also give you the option to stop all internet activity if you think you are under attack or want to insure complete privacy and total control of your internet connection
