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Security Software
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Security is a major issue on computers running windows operating systems these days, yet a lot of the advice seems to assume a certain level of technical knowledge on the part of the recipient.
Security on a computer is not that different from security in your home. Think of your PC as a house for a second, the front door being your access to the Internet, CD Roms etc.
The front door is your windows standard security, and each time you go online the door is opened. All a virus has to do is act like a wooden wedge, placing itself over the threshold of the open door so that it cannot close properly again and leaving a gap for all sorts of other spyware, pop up providers and general nuisance makers to slip in through the gap.
Okay, that explains the risks, but what about the cures? Well, let's carry the house metaphor on a little.
Anti-virus software is a bit like a bolt and chain on the front door. This software has a checklist of known viruses that it vets all incoming content against and prevents items on the list from entering the house.
Given that there are a dizzying number of new viruses every week, your anti-virus software is only as good as the latest issue of the checklist, so you must at a minimum allow your software to check for updates every couple of weeks. Personally, I recommend that you check for an update every day if you log on daily.
If your machine is already infected before you install anti-virus software, you may wish to call me to get your computer's software serviced, thus flushing out any damage caused by the viruses, together with any "nasties" that have slipped in through the gap.
So, back to our metaphorical house. Now you have a bolt and chain on the door, but how about having a guard dog positioned outside the door, inspecting not only everything trying to get in, but also anything from the house (computer programs) trying to get out (access the internet). That guard dog is what is called a "firewall", and this can be a valuable safeguard in addition to your anti-virus software.
There are also packages available to keep spyware at bay (spyware being the nasties that can slip in, cause too-many pop-ups when you're online etc). Think of this as the spring cleaning to keep grim and dirt at bay from the corners of the house.
If computer security has been a mystery to you so far, hopefully this has helped enlighten you a little.
Ad-aware SE Personal Ad-Aware is a spyware removal utility that scans your memory, registry and hard drives for known spyware and scumware components and lets you remove them safely. These components are used by advertising supported software to 'call home' and exchange statistical data. Ad-Aware will list all detected files. Removal is optional and may cause some so-called 'adware' programs to stop working. You can build backups easily before removing adware components or fixing your registry. The included backup-manager lets you reinstall a backup with a single mouseclick. You can also select to ignore certain components, and keep them on your system without triggering an alert each time you scan. Be sure to check the Web site for the latest reference file after installation. AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic AntiVir Personal Edition detects and removes more than 80,000 viruses and includes a resident Virus Guard which monitors file movements automatically. It has an Internet update wizard for easy updating of the program and virus definitions. When updates to the program are available (as opposed to simply updates to the list of viruses it is to check), you will be prompted to download the new installation file and re-install the new version over your existing one. Note: only run one anti-virus package at a time on your computer. AVG AntiVirus Free Edition AVG AntiVirus protects against viruses in a number of key areas. The Resident Shield works in the background and checks all files and file types (including floppy disk, CD content etc.) for viruses, while the AVG email scanner works with Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express to prevent viruses infiltrating your PC. The AVG Boot-up Scanner operates at start-up, and checks the most important areas of a PC before loading Windows. Every aspect of AVG's virus protection can be configured using the Control Centre, which allows you to modify a number of program settings and to schedule scans, among other things. Spybot - Search & Destroy Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean program and web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer with other users. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For advanced users, it allows you to fix registry inconsistencies related to adware and to malicious program installations. The handy online-update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listings of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents. Version 1.3 adds enhanced immunisation features, an improved interface, and integration of BrowserManager for spyware detection, plus the new Hosts File feature and bug fixes. ZoneAlarm This firewall software provides top-notch basic intrusion security for your PC. Pro version offers many extras at a price. ZoneAlarm is free for individuals and non-profit charitable users. This program includes four interlocking security services: a firewall, an application control, an Internet lock, and zones. The firewall controls the door to your computer and allows only traffic that you understand and initiate. The application control allows you to decide which applications can and cannot use the Internet. The Internet lock blocks Internet traffic while your computer is unattended or while you are not using the Internet, and it can be activated automatically with your computer's screensaver or after a set period of inactivity. Zones monitor all activity on your computer and alert you when a new application attempts to access the Internet. |
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