Gateway MX6650 8511226 - Gateway Platinum Edition User Guide - Page 83

Protecting your notebook from viruses Protecting your notebook from viruses 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 your virus protection program and subscribing to the virus definition update service. You received a free limited time subscription to your virus protection program when you purchased your computer. ■ Using your virus protection 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 your virus protection program to protect against the latest viruses. ■ Making sure the Windows Security Center is configured to provide you with the highest level of protection. Tips & Tricks For more information about modifying security settings, see "Modifying Security Settings" in Using Your Computer which has been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation. 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. www.gateway.com 77