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Visit TechSoup's Security Corner for all security-related content, including articles, blog posts, and partner content to keep your office secure
Virus Prevention Toolkit
Resources, software, and tips for protecting your nonprofit's computers
Viruses are some of the biggest and most constant threats your computers face. This toolkit offers resources, software, and tips for keeping your organization's machines virus-free.
Do the Homework
Understanding how viruses operate and replicate will help you devise the best defence for your organization. Knowing your adversary is winning half the battle.
- Virus FAQ
- If you have questions about how viruses can affect your machines and data — and what to do if you suspect you have one — this list of frequently-asked virus questions may be useful.
- Removing Spyware, Viruses, and Other Forms of Malware
- Whether your computers have fallen victim to a stubborn virus, a nasty piece of spyware, or a stealthy Trojan horse, this article offers tips on banishing them for good.
- Secure Computing: The Key Ingredients
- The right combination of security software can help keep your computers and important data safe from harm. This article explains what different types of security software (including antivirus programs) do and how they work.
Protect Your Computers
The antivirus programs listed below are either free or allow you to try them for free for a limited period of time. Note that since many antivirus programs conflict with one another, you will want to uninstall one before installing and evaluating the next.
- BitDefender Antivirus
- BitDefender will let you evaluate its Antivirus Plus 10 program free of charge for 30 days; the full version costs $40 for a one-year subscription. Bit Defender Antivirus also comes in a Free Edition that lacks the extra security features — such as a firewall and anti-spyware protection — found in the Plus version.
- Comodo Internet Security
- Comodo Internet Security is a free package that includes a firewall and antivirus built-in. The free version lacks the support of the $39/yr Pro version, but is reliable and robust as a free offering.
- Grisoft AVG Free Edition
- Grisoft's free antivirus program scans your machine for infections and shields your computer from threats in real time; the $39 Professional Edition adds extra features, such as more elaborate virus-protection methods.
- Kaspersky Anti-Virus
- The latest version of Kaspersky Anti-Virus — which also protects against spyware — offers a 30-day trial period and can be purchased as a one-user, one-year subscription for $60.
- McAfee VirusScan Plus
- A one-year subscription to McAfee's antivirus program costs $40, though you can try the software free for 30 days. McAfee also provides a free online virus scanner, though it is only compatible with Internet Explorer.
- Symantec Donation Program
- Available at TechSoup, Symantec offers a wide array of desktop and enterprise antivirus solutions. Some of these products protect against spyware as well. If you want to test Norton Antivirus before you buy it, you can download a free 15-day trial version.
Stay Informed on the Latest Threats
New viruses are unleashed on the world every day. To make sure that your organization is totally protected from the latest threats, you may want to frequently visit one of the following Web resources.
- CNET's Security Center
- CNET's Security Center provides up-to-date information on the latest viruses, as well as a Threat Watch meter that indicates how serious current outbreaks are.
- McAfee's Recent Threats Page
- This resource from security-software vendor McAfee lists recent threats and their level of seriousness and includes a clickable map showing the number of computers infected in each country in the world.
- TrendMicro's Top 10 Security Threats Page
- Security-software manufacturer TrendMicro also provides information on the most recent viruses and malware attacks and assigns them a seriousness rating.
Get Advice from Others
If one of your computers has contracted a virus, chances are that someone else has battled the same problem. The discussion forums listed below allow you to seek virus-fighting advice from other members and users.
- TechSoup Virus Vaccination and Computer Security forum
- Got a stubborn virus you can't get off your computer? Visit TechSoup's Virus Vaccination and Computer Security forum to discuss solutions and get tips from nonprofit techies and security experts.
- TekTips Virus/Spyware Discussion Forum
- Along with a dedicated forum for discussing viruses and spyware problems, TekTips also offers forums for discussing specific antivirus programs, including Grisoft AVG, McAfee, and Symantec Norton.
