By: Patty McFeeney
If you've established a home-based business of any kind, you're probably letting your computer do a lot of the heavy lifting for you. If you're really serious about your business and file sharing (you'll be doing a lot of it as a VA), you need a comprehensive computer security program, right now.
The name McAfee is synonymous with computer security. They've been around for as long as we've had the Internet, and probably longer. Their Managed VirusScan Plus AntiSpyware performs automatic, silent updates of all your precious computer files, and proactively blocks anything that might harm your computer. This is a first and crucial step to protect yourself.
If you want to go a step further, and bolster your computer's protection against the plethora of worms, viruses, and other malicious computer codes out there, get a Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Firewall Router. It's incredibly easy to configure, and blocks Java, ActiveX, cookies and anything else that's likely to attack or commandeer your computer and its files.
To be completely safe, it's always wise to back up all of your files (and those of your clients) after running your virus program. We do it at the end of each day. That way, if the files get re-infected, you don't run the risk of losing any crucial information. We love our SanDisk Cruzer Micro 2GB flash drives. They hold a ton of files, and have lightning-fast download speeds. Who knew big protection came in such a small package?
And to be completely, anally safe from computer viruses, you need a backup plan for your backup. After all, most clients don't just "understand" when you've inadvertently sent them a virus along with your invoice. Norton Ghost is the program to have. It makes backups and data recovery a breeze, by performing all scans automatically, when you're shutting down your computer for the night. Quickly and quietly, Norton Ghost protects you from system failure, too, which will go a long, long way towards building fruitful, long-term relationships with your clients. Plus, you'll sleep better at night, knowing you and your computer are both safe and sound.
