Three Ways to Prevent Computer Infection

Viruses infect millions of computers every day.  Most are common corruptions of files, data, and other personal information.  Whether you are using wireless internet for laptops or cable connections for desktops, your security must never be compromised. Actually, most threats can be prevented as well.  Here’s how:

 

It is important to install an anti-virus program on your computer immediately after setting it up.  Most stores will do this since the sell the programs right along with your machine. Top anti-virus software is available and blocks malicious programs from acquiring information and adhering to search histories and other potentially pertinent bits of the user’s personal life.  Firewalls are common parts of these programs, and they can help block harmful websites and advertisements.  Also, this software periodically scans the computer for any new intruders, thus keeping the machine virus free.  Updating the actual software is also crucial for keeping your computer clean.  Every so often, updates can be sent online or bought in the store.

 

Computer users should be sure to scan attachments in emails for viruses before opening them.  Although most people only receive emails from those they know, every so often a harmful email slips in.  Many people call these spam emails, and some networks deposit them directly into a spam folder.  However, if content is questioned, be sure to scan the email first.  Many companies do this as the email comes in, regardless of user preference.  It helps keep the computer safe.

 

Another way to restore and protect computers is by isolating them from networks if they have viruses.  Viruses can be detected by malfunctioning of the computer, slow connection speeds and activity, or sudden power losses.  By disconnecting the infected system, users can prevent the virus’ spread.

How to Stay Protected When Using the Internet for Leisure and Entertainment

There are risks that come along with surfing the internet for entertainment. Many websites are infected with malware and other viruses that are designed to steal your personal information or make your computer run badly. This means you need to take measures to ensure that you are protected.

One way you can make sure you are protected when surfing the internet is to have antivirus software installed. This way, if you do get a virus, your antivirus software will detect and remove the harmful files from your computer. A lot of the time, the antivirus software will prevent the programs from even being installed in the first place.

One place on the internet that can have malware and viruses is online gaming websites. This is because a lot of the time you have to download some files in order to play, and sometimes the files do not come from trustworthy sources. Make sure you are using a reputable website if you want to download games. That way you can enjoy playing poker on your computer without having to worry about your information getting stolen or computer getting infected.

Another thing you can do to stay protected when surfing the internet is to never give information to a website that does not have a secure certificate. You’ll know if the site is secure if you see the “S” in the bottom of your browser or a lock symbol.

The internet is a fun place to spend your time, but don’t make the mistake of trusting someone you shouldn’t. Get antivirus software and be on the lookout for scams.

Don’t Give the Keys to the City to the Rampaging Hordes.

An illustration of where a firewall would be l... 

Image via Wikipedia

Most users of the Internet know that one has to exercise a certain degree of caution in navigating the online world, just as with the real one. From “phishing” emails from so-called “Nigerian princes” to virus-filled links waiting to wreak havoc on your computer, there are a lot of dangers on the Internet. They’re not hard to avoid as long as you use common sense, but is important to have some basic tools to protect your computer. Chief among these are a firewall and an anti-virus program.

 

The firewall is like the gate to the city of your computer, preventing foreign invaders from getting access. Any time you connect to the Internet, you’re accessing other people’s computers. Presumably these people gave their permission in the form of hosting the websites you’re visiting, but just as you can approach their computers, so other users can approach yours and try to gain access for any variety of malevolent ends. The firewall identifies anyone attempting to gain access and make changes, then either blocks the entrance outright or else asks you for permission.

 

Malware logo Crystal 128. 

Image via Wikipedia

 

Anti-virus protects you from the diseases of the Internet, those dangerous and notorious “bugs” that are malevolent software programs. If you click on the wrong link, you could end up installing a program that identifies the keys you type (such as your passwords) or causes irreparable damage to your computer’s hard drive. Viruses are bad news; anti-virus programs fight them. Fortunately operating systems come with built-in firewalls and you can purchase others for relatively little investment. Many good anti-virus programs are available for free. Make sure you have these tools.

Caution with Downloads

Do you download many videos from the internet? Do you pick and choose what you do and don’t download from the internet? Whether you have good anti virus software installed or not it is still up to you to continuously question everything that you choose to put on your computer.

Many anti virus protection software programs will check the file before you download it. Is this full proof, no. Your web browser may also check the file you are downloading. Is this full proof, again, the answer is no. It is possible that a new malware program is out there and this won’t be recognized by the protective software that is on your computer.

So it is up to you. At each site you visit and choose to download information you have to ask yourself what the likelihood of a problem. malware can be embedded in all kinds of software including images, documents and videos. Look carefully at a web address every time you download. A site may look like a site you trust but there are look alike sites out there. Malware for those that don’t know can include viruses or other malicious software like spyware. Not only can you be downloading a virus but you could also download a program that will steal personal information from your computer while you are on the internet.

Emails are also important to question. Although protection is better than ever it is still possible to get hit this way. If you don’t know the sender, even if the email looks official don’t open or preview it. It is your job to protect yourself.

Choosing Antivirus Software

Chances are you are reading this article because you just got a new computer and you are wondering what antivirus software to choose when the free trial that came with your computer runs out. There are many useful antivirus software programs available on the market. Many of them offer far more than just antivirus protection and it is important to know what you are getting and why it costs so much. If you are looking only for antivirus software you may consider a program that includes protection for malware not only viruses. Some programs offer protections that you may or may not want, such as password protection and so forth.

There are reasonable options to the primary antivirus software packages that are available on the market. Some of the most well known programs are Norton or McAfee. Alternatives to these programs are actually free and available for download right now. Free means that the programs are of no cost to you and you are welcome to use them. Some programs are worthy and others are not, it is important to investigate the program you choose whether you spend money on it or not. The protection of your computer is very important.

One good resource to investigate free software is to contact the Open Source community. the Open Source community can give you current information about which programs are reasonable and useful to your system. There are many free programs out there and AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2011 is probably the most popular. Do your research and see which program is best for you.

The Development f Anti Virus Software

The development of antivirus software began long ago before the internet was as widespread as it is today.  In the 1908s the first computer viruses started to appear. This isn’t long after the personal computer started to become popular. At first the computer virus was limited to executable files and the files that booted from a disk. As soon as viruses were around discussions began about techniques for dealing with these issues. Some viruses, possibly a nuisance, didn’t cause as much damage as the virus that came later. As time progressed and the use of the internet grew, viruses were transmitted in new ways either through the macros in word processor documents or even in emails. It quickly seemed that without protection the internet might not be a very safe place to use your computer or do business.

This issue has continued to concern people as they use the internet. All of this grew great support for the development and commercialization of anti-virus software. There are many brands of antivirus software available today, many of these offer similar services but each in their own way. There may be better antivirus software choices but the only bad choice is to not  have any protection at all. Computer viruses are something that seem to get into every users computers that uses the internet at some point. So, whether you choose, McAfee or Symantec, maybe Norton, do so now before you have an issue you can not repair. Antivirus software not only detects viruses on your computer but also finds methods for quarantining those files and removing them. This is an important process that must be completed every day on your computer. Continuously new viruses are released into the network and everyday previously released viruses are downloaded onto personal computers.

Choosing Antivirus Software

Over the past several years antivirus software has become a hotbed for programs. Rivaling a category such as time management within software, antivirus software continues to be released on a regular basis. Of course, that just adds to the confusion when it comes time to choose a reliable and top-level program to protect your computer.

Choosing a piece of antivirus software that is widely known is important. Antivirus software is not just a small utility that is independent; in other words, your antivirus software will need to stay updated, and a wide customer base is important for feedback in keeping it as safe as possible.

A popular program that is constantly updated is a must. If the product stays updated with viruses that are discovered on a daily basis, you will be that much better protected against computer threats.

Look for reviews that attest to these elements of a successful antivirus program. Make sure that the product is updated on a regular basis, noting both critics’ and readers’ reviews of the program. You should also make sure that customer support is top-notch (and free!), as this is a more integrated type of software in regards to the business with its customer base. Antivirus software is interactive, after all, as the business and customer base work together to keep everyone protected.

Certainly it can be difficult to choose from the many different types of antivirus software. It is a very fluid market with regard to the many programs that are released. Of these programs, PC Tools antivirus software is a reliable program that is widely known and constantly updated. You will find it suitable to your needs as a secure piece of software that will protect you against future threats. Take a look at what PC Tools Antivirus software has to offer. It is a program that is highly regarded among antivirus software options.

7 Free Download Websites for Open Source Codes

Some people collect shoes or baseballs, and some collect software. Anything that does something and leaves a result is what these software-specific collectors want. To be considered a great freeware program, it must do what it says it will, it must be free and it must be easy to use. Ease of use is determined by the user’s level of experience with different software like that which runs Windows Media.

Open Source is freeware that comes ready to use, but it can also be customized, rewritten and tweaked by anyone who wants to and anyone can download it. Lots of program writers love Open Source because it takes much of the work out of writing a complete program; they just make a few tweaks and it’s done. It’s fully customizable and anyone’s name, logo and color-scheme will work with it. There’s Open Source freeware all over the Internet. Here are just a few samplings.

New Technology From old Ideas

  • SourceForge.net – This site is fast, secure and free! Downloads galore in Open Source codes.
  • OpenSourceWindows.org – As the name implies, there are scads of Open Source codes on this site, free for the downloading.
  • OpenOffice.org – Free Open Source codes for programs that an office suite would need.
  • ClamWin.com – Open Source GPL virus scanner. Very popular and it must work well because it has over 600,000 daily users!
  • gnucash.org – Free accounting Open Source software to download.
  • OSWD.org – Open Source codes for web page design templates.
  • FreewareFiles.com – this one is pretty self-explanatory. Everything from stopwatch software to a cheat-book database for over 20,000 video games for PC and Console.

Most all of the sites claim their software is safe, but be smart and use your own judgment. Scan all your downloads just to be sure they’re safe as far as bugs go. Open Source is written to be fully customizable, so they’re really good for everyone.

Computer Security and Data Safety

Any home computer owner who has ever had their computer bitten by a virus will tell you that it is frustrating and maddening. A virus can also be expensive and time consuming to remove. With those thoughts in mind, there are a number of steps that owners can take to improve computer security and protect data.

The single most proactive step owners can take is to purchase an anti-virus software program installed on their computers. An anti-virus program routinely checks every file to look for patterns and profiles that fit a virus signature. There are several good anti-virus programs on the market that will check incoming and outgoing documents, email and attachments as well as the files you share when you download ares the P2P file sharing software. The software should also include a two way firewall.

Another important action that computer owners can take is to periodically back up all important documents on a CD or with an online storage provider. Many online computer service providers provide backup storage, often free of charge to users of their service.

Users should be particularly careful with unsolicited email – especially email with attachments. Messages and attachments sent from an unknown source can contain viruses that are activated by opening the email. A good rule of thumb is if the name of the sender is unfamiliar, do not open the email or better yet, delete it without opening.

Always use strong passwords that are a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. Users should avoid passwords that are easily guessed, such as individual name, family names or pets names. Any words that might be familiar to others who know the user should not be used.

Be aware of the potential for problems with items downloaded from the Internet. Ensure that the download source can be trusted. Free computer programs that do not include instructions for installing and use or that do not provide a contact person or number for help with the program should be avoided.

Trust and the Internet – The Growth of Computer and Data Security

In its infancy the Internet was built and designed by and for academics and computer professionals to communicate with each other. The notion of unethical intruders stealing information was not even considered by the Internet’s builders and developers because they were sharing concepts and information that rarely had any real monetary value. To them the Internet was a safe and trustworthy place to communicate.

The Internet grew and spread – into entertainment, commerce and finance – during the late 1980s and on into the 1990s. The first Internet Service Provider (ISP) companies saw the lucrative potential and made the Internet available to the general public. As more and more people began using these pioneer ISPs services a new breed of criminal emerged. They were computer savvy and able to “hack” into computer systems to steal personal information and money from computer users. The Internet was no longer safe and trustworthy.

Computer designers and the ISP companies began to build more security into computers by improving confidentiality to ensure that information could be accessed could only gained by authorized users. The primary intent of advances in computer software was to protect users personal information.

With each improvement in computers and computer operating systems design, intruders became more sophisticated in their ability to penetrate computer security measures with an array of viruses, worms and other malicious programs designed to disable and corrupt computer operating systems and programs or access personal data – information including bank accounts, social security numbers and credit card data.

Intruders also became more advanced in their techniques and capable of using individual computer Internet connections to get into a vulnerable computer’s hard drive disc space and processor to use that computer for attacks on other computers. Hacking became increasingly difficult to detect and track.

The intensity and depth of criminal intrusion in computers spawned a new industry within the Internet community focused entirely on improving computer security, data safety and trustworthiness.