These days, most computer users realize they need to be using antivirus software. The trouble is, there is a lot of equipment providing services to these users on the internet. What is being done to protect them from virus infections? Computer viruses attack servers - web, file, ftp and e-mail, along with routers and other network gear - along with individual PC's. Many of these servers are really not that different from a desktop PC. They may have more memory, multiple processors and larger hard drives, but they're still more or less the same type of equipment when you get right down to it. Most operate much like an individual's system and are subject to the same kinds of attacks. They can therefore be protected by many of the same means - regular use of reliable antivirus software and being firewall guarded to shut down vulnerable entry points on the Internet. What Other Options Are There? Because these servers provide internet services to many users (sometimes thousands at a time) they are a popular target for the people who create viruses. As an end user, you can help to keep these systems virus-free by ensuring that your computer stays that way. And the system administrators on those systems can help by limiting the type of software that gets installed on them. By keeping your computer protected by antivirus, firewall and other internet security software you help to minimize the target area for the attacks to hit. It can also help to keep your browser and operating system updated with the latest patches, and possibly even run an alternative browser such as Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. Avoid booting from or loading software from CD's, DVD's or other disks that haven't been scanned for viruses, if you're not sure of the source. If a single file on one of those disks contains a virus, it can spread like wildfire. If you use FTP, you should look into switching to a more secure system for file transfers. FTP passwords are sent "in the clear" - there is no encryption on them at all. So when you log into an FTP server, if someone is monitoring your internet traffic, they can easily get your password. It's up to all of us to make sure these systems remain secure - not just the system administrators. They have a lot of work on their plate and aren't always as quick to respond to security issues as they would like.
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