Which of the following does NOT help prevent a computer from being infected by malicious software?

• A. Updating the operating system regularly
• B. Installing shareware into a system's root directory
• C. Using anti-malware software
• D. Updating with the latest security patches

Answer: (B)

Focusing on how to reduce the chance of malware infection relies on strengthening the system's defenses and closing gaps attackers could exploit. Keeping the operating system up to date and applying the latest security patches fix known vulnerabilities that malware often targets, so they directly reduce infection opportunities. Using anti-malware software adds a proactive layer that detects, blocks, and quarantines malicious software, and it can respond to suspicious behavior even for threats that aren’t yet fully understood.

Installing shareware into the system’s root directory, however, goes against these protective practices. The root directory holds essential system files and privileged code; placing unverified or potentially malicious software there can bypass normal safeguards, grant high privileges to unwanted programs, and introduce backdoors. This choice actually increases the risk of infection rather than preventing it.