Your computer’s Internet connection allows you to communicate with an infinite number of Web servers, Web pages, individuals from across the globe and allows you to search through an unimaginable amount of information on almost any subject but, it also endangers your computer and the sensitive information it contains about you.

On any given day virus, spyware, and adware creators invent completely new, destructive and unethical ways to find entry to your computer system. These 9 easy pointers will help protect you and your system from unwelcome visitors:

Take a second before you act: Attachments that end with .exe, .com, .bat, and .scr, (also files with .doc and .xls extensions), can render your computer completely useless with a single click. Most e-mail clients prevent access to any attachments so take an extra few seconds before you make a judgement on whether you trust the source and decide to open it or not.

Make use of a spam filter: Most viruses and spyware are installed by various methods of Internet browser hijacking however, spreading by email is still possible. Use of a junk-mail filter will significantly reduce the likelihood of running harmful scripts contained within messages.

Update your antivirus software: Letting your antivirus software continue running after its subscription period has expired is significantly worse than using no antivirus software at all: You will lack the essential new virus definitions and specifications AND you also now leave your computer exposed to any known flaws found in the antivirus software.

Prevention against WORMS and Viruses: Install antivirus software, update regularly, and use it regularly. Never open unsolicited e-mail attachments.Disconnect your network or modem cable when you are not using your computer.

Antivirus software is software that is installed on your computer that protects you from viruses. Antivirus software programs can have in the region of 50,000-100,000 “malicious software specifications” that are updated on a daily or as needed basis.

I highly recommend Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus (Free) for antivirus protection.

If in doubt try online: You should only install and use one single antivirus program at a time on your computer because multiple antivirus programs will conflict with one another and cause your computer to completely grind to a halt. If you have any doubt about your antivirus program’s effectiveness, you can use a free online virus scanner, such as Panda Software’s ActiveScan) or Trend Micros HouseCall.

Take care when downloading: Every program you download online and run on your PC system could potentially result in spyware or virus infection. Download programs only from reputable online sources that preferably have a strict no spyware policy.

Install a two-way firewall: Windows XP and Vista each come with a firewall that blocks unwanted or unexpected incoming traffic; it is enabled by default in Windows XP Service Pack 2 and later. However for full protection, you will also want to block unwanted outgoing connections made by spyware, viruses and scripts on your PC that attempts to either connect to a remote server or send out spam.

Windows Vista’s firewall does have that functionality, but configuring it is not the average Windows user. Instead, you can get one of several free bidirectional firewall programs, such as Zone Labs ZoneAlarm Free, or Agnitums Outpost Firewall Free.

Use an antispyware program: Anyone who uses a computer can succumb to spyware infection. In fact, 9 out of 10 Internet-connected PCs are infected with some kind of spyware. Spyware can be any application that tracks your online or offline PC activity, serves you adverts, redirects your pages and bombards you with pop-ups. If you use the Internet, its very much likely some form of virus threats are already present on your PC.

Spyware can occasionally go undetected however, it is more likely that you will notice that it is installed on your PC due to the obvious symptoms that your computer may experience. It is EXTREMELY difficult to get rid of but not entirely impossible.

Even if you are sure you have successfully removed an unwanted program manually, a remaining dormant file can trigger a complete re-installation the next time you boot-up your computer. And as a survival tactic, spyware programs often leave similar traces elsewhere on your system so you can often never eliminate it completely just after one attempt.

Spyware, adware, and some scripts / trojans slow down your system, cause crashes, and track your online activity. Antispyware utilities work much like antivirus software, detecting and removing the unwanted software from your PC.

One free tactic you can employ is to upgrade from Windows XP: As Microsoft service Pack 2 makes Windows XP much safer, but the operating system still has security holes, and it remains prime target for spyware authors.

Steve Ross is a Microsoft certified computer technician and has developed many solutions for beating Spyware, computer Viruses and Adware. More information on his techniques can be found at Slow Computer Help

Author: Steve Ross
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Filed under: Security

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