Five ways to prevent your computer from becoming a zombie

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The criminals operating on the Web can use viruses to simultaneously control a large number of computers and turn them into "zombies" in that they work together as a "botnet" or "botnet" to commit malicious acts.

Botnets, which sometimes turn out to consist of thousands of computers zombie, can distribute spam, spread viruses, attack other computers and servers, as well as commit other types of crime and fraud.

Botnets are a very valuable weapon for online criminals and have become a serious problem for Internet users.
How to tell if a computer is infected

A virus that turns a computer into a zombie might cause your PC run slower, mysterious messages are displayed or to respond in an unexpected way.

Usually, these viruses do not disable your computer, since a zombie PC must be operational and connected to the Internet for the botnet to work.


What to do if your computer is infected

If your computer shows symptoms of virus infection, you must first make sure the software is updated. Then run the Removal Tool Windows Malicious Software. The removal tool for malicious software on computers running Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003 infections by specific, prevalent malicious software and helps remove them.

Read detailed information about how to remove a virus.

Five ways to prevent your computer from becoming a zombie

1. Never open attachments in e-mail, instant messages or mobile messages, unless you know exactly what it is (even if from someone you know). Attachments can contain e-mail viruses.

2. Use an Internet firewall.

Note: Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) includes a firewall active by default.

3. Keep up to date. Visit Microsoft Update and select the option for Automatic Updates.

Note: If you installed Microsoft Office 2003 or Microsoft Office XP, Automatic Updates will also update your Office programs. If you use an earlier version of Office, use Office Update.

4. Subscribe to antivirus software and anti-spyware industry standard and maintain these programs to date.

5. Use licensed software products. Often botnets are comprised mostly of computers that are running illegal versions of operating system software and productivity applications. The unlicensed software may be more vulnerable to viruses and even include viruses already installed without the knowledge.

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The following are some symptoms that might indicate that your system is infected:

• It works more slowly than usual
• Stops responding or locks up often
• The computer system crashes and restarts every few minutes
• It restarts itself and does not operate normally after
• Applications do not work properly
• Disks or disk drives are inaccessible
• Not printed correctly
• Error Messages unusual
• They are menus and dialog boxes distorted