Gateway MX6452 8511385 - User Guide Gateway Notebook - Page 71

Protecting your notebook from viruses Data security Help and Support For more information about protecting your notebook against viruses, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword viruses in the Search box, then click the arrow. Tips & Tricks For more information about modifying security settings, see "Modifying security settings" on page 169. A virus is a program that attaches itself to a file on a computer, then spreads from one computer to another. Viruses can damage data or cause your notebook to malfunction. Some viruses go undetected for a period of time because they are activated on a certain date. Protect your notebook from a virus by: ■ Registering your copy of McAfee SecurityCenter and subscribing to the virus definition update service. You may have received a free limited time subscription to one of these services when you purchased your notebook. ■ Using the McAfee VirusScan program to check files and programs that are attached to e-mail messages or downloaded from the Internet. ■ Checking all programs for viruses before installing them. ■ Disabling macros on suspicious Microsoft Word and Excel files. These programs will warn you if a document that you are opening contains a macro that might have a virus. ■ Periodically updating the McAfee VirusScan program to protect against the latest viruses. ■ Making sure the Windows Security Center is configured to provide you with the highest level of protection. 61