"Avoid virus tips" handout to customers

[MM PC Solutions]

I saw a good suggestion from "PR Tech" on the front page with regards to creating a hand out to customers to help them avoid getting another virus or similar in the future.

I have started to create such a thing noting idea's from other web pages but thought it would be good to share with the forum in such that we can all participate in creating it with suggestions and amendments.

Three notes I feel are important to point out:

1: This is for an end user. It should be kept as simple as possible for them to easily understand.

2: All content should remain on one A4 page only.

3: No one holds or can claim copyright to this. This is open to anyone who wishes to use it in what ever way they see fit.


With that out of the way, this is what I have so far, suggestions?



Tips to avoid getting infected by a Virus or Spyware

1: Install an Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware program. Be sure to keep this up to date and do weekly full scans.

2: Set up your Windows Update to automatically download patches and upgrades. This will allow your computer to automatically download any updates to both the operating system (i.e. Windows) and Internet Explorer. These updates fix security holes in both pieces of software.

3: Install and use an alternative web browser such as "Firefox" or "Google chrome" which generally pose less of a security risk.

Doing the above is the basic minimum that you should do to help protect your computer but will not guarantee 100% protection. To further reduce the possibility of getting a virus or similar please read the following advice:

1: Email is a common way of getting infected
Whilst you can safely open an Email, NEVER click on a link within it or open an attachment that you are not positive is from a trusted source.
Here are 2 scenarios:

I. You get an Email from someone you DON'T know. You open it. It tells you (or, persuades you) to click on a link in the Email. You do so. That is when you get infected. Frequently, the Email appears to be from a bank or a company you know. Do not fall for this. Businesses do not normally send unsolicited Email.

II. You get (what appears to be) an Email from someone you DO know. Unknown to you, a virus generated that Email (and not your friend). It could be that your friend's computer is infected, but, not always. Obviously, the actual Email writer doesn't know you and cannot say anything personal to you, so, typically, it says something like "Click on this link for some important information... “. You are now infected.

If in doubt, delete the Email.

2: Instant messengers. The same caution should be used with opening links and attachments as Emails.

3: Web sites
Visiting Adult, Free game or gambling sites pose a high risk of infection. In addition, do not download software or “Addons” from web sites that you are unfamiliar with. This includes sites such as “Facebbook” and “Myspace”.

4: Do not click on sudden pop-up windows whilst browsing the internet.

5: Do not use disks or usb drives that other people give you.
They could be infected with a virus. Of course, you can run a virus scan on it first, but Anti-Virus programs are not 100% effective.

6: Stay away from file-sharing sites.
Sites that distribute illegal software, music, or movies are known to be riddled with viruses. This includes torrents or other forms of P2P activities (Limewire for example). Staying away from these sites and programs is in your computer's health's best interest, as well as a good way to avoid being sued for copyright violation.

The above advice is generally good practice to follow but is not a 100% guarantee that your computer will not get infected again in the future, however, by following these tips you minimise the possibility greatly.

[TriadPCSolutions]

I would say to expand the e-mail to also mention facebook myspace etc do the same types of tricks

and probably add a line on using an alternative browser.

[iisjman07]

You may want to mention something about instant messengers. Other than that though it's quite cool

[MM PC Solutions]

Amendments added (Thanks very much for the feedback so far):

Alternative web browsers
Instant messengers
Sites such as Facebook etc

Unsure of my grammar though! lol

[MM PC Solutions]

A friend of mine has thrown a spanner into the works!

1: Am I doing myself out of repeat custom with this?

2: If the customer follows this form and gets a virus later on, would they hold me liable, even though I state that there is no 100% guarantee?

Opinions please?

[lgtechcomputers]

The legal stuff is pretty gray sometimes and I am not lawyer so this is just what I think about it.

As long as you have the disclaimer visible and also label the text as "good practice", I would think it does not make you liable.

I find the guide to be a good idea!

[MrUnknown]

Originally Posted by MM PC Solutions

A friend of mine has thrown a spanner into the works!

1: Am I doing myself out of repeat custom with this?

2: If the customer follows this form and gets a virus later on, would they hold me liable, even though I state that there is no 100% guarantee?

Opinions please?

Any help or tips you provide your customers can prevent problems on their computer will probably reduce how often they will need you. However, they also need to follow them, which usually does not happen unfortunately.

There is also the fact that they sometimes simply do not know. I had a client fall for the fake AV scam and entered their credit card number. While I know this is a scam, and can easily spot it, he treated me to showing me some old roman coins and told me some amazing things about them. We each have our areas of expertise. You could probably sell me a fake Roman coin very easily.

I am still waiting for the fake AVs to just flat out steal Norton's logos and design. I doubt they are worried about copyright infringement.

As for legally responsible, as someone else said, make sure you are stating that they are just tips or guidelines and there is no way to guarantee you won't get a virus even with all the protection in the world.

[TriadPCSolutions]

Originally Posted by MM PC Solutions

A friend of mine has thrown a spanner into the works!

1: Am I doing myself out of repeat custom with this?

2: If the customer follows this form and gets a virus later on, would they hold me liable, even though I state that there is no 100% guarantee?

Opinions please?

Honestly IMO repeat customers is good, but it's better for them to be repeat because of other issues, rather then feel like it's inevitable. This shows you as going the extra mile for them, which rather then encouraging the same customer to come back with the same problem, it triples his chances of recommending you to friends and family.

When you take care of the customer, the customer takes care of you, and no there's no way you are liable for what happens to them. You make it very clear that these are preventative measures. The analogy I always use with my customers, "think of this as a doctor's recommendations, I can tell you to wash your hands, avoid people who are sick, but the advice can only lower your chances of getting sick, nothing is 100% immune"

[the rescue tech]

Might want to include mention of porn and gaming/ gambling sites being hazardous locations as well.

Regarding potential loss of revenue, I want to serve my clients in such a way as I would like to be treated in hopes that they trust me with their other support needs.

[Computer Fixer]

Thank you for this invaluable information. I'm going to make sure my client's read this!