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How To Stop Spyware From Robbing You

by: Tom Jenson

Booting up the computer in the morning seems to be taking
longer and longer. The pauses between asking for a web page
and it loading increase. Suddenly, even keystrokes aren't
registering on the screen as quickly as normal. Is your PC
on the verge of a breakdown or has some version of spyware
made a nest for itself on your machine?

The average user doesn't contemplate that the numerous
websites, free offers, giveaways or games they surf in a
day will damage their computer. And, nor does this average
surfer believe they could be downloading potentially
hazardous software that is going to cause their computer to
go on the blink, eternally.

The Internet is teeming with fantastic websites,
information, tools and interactive activities. Some of
these cost real money and some don't. It's easy to take a
freebie and feel like you got the better deal, but when a
lot of freebies come packaged with spyware to infect your
machine, the free price tag isn't really worth it in the
long run.

Spyware is an umbrella term covering malware, adware,
viruses and worms. Virtually any type of software (benign
or malicious) will track, record and send your activities
(online and off) back to its source. Similarly, in the
beginning, adware was designed with the idea of preventing
end users from being besieged by unwanted advertisements.
However, those more interested in harvesting your personal
data, whether it is credit card numbers or other personal
information, have unfortunately warped the idea.

Prevention is the best remedy for all of these ills. Good
anti-virus software, effective firewalls and reputable
anti-spyware tools can save you time, money and a lot of
headaches later. Most users don't think it can happen to
them, yet the best viruses and worms are so insidious, you
don't even realize it is happening at first.

Benign programs that just want to know the type of items
for which you like to shop, can interfere with your
Internet connection, overwork your CPU and even tie up
valuable RAM. While it may not 'mean' harm, it will become
a nuisance when left unchecked.

With the numerous anti-spyware tools available on the
Internet and in your software stores, it doesn't make sense
to stick your head in the sand. Ignoring problems on your
computer doesn't make them go away. Because spyware can
come in so many forms and be potentially fatal, it doesn't
make good sense to allow it the opportunity to inflict
damage before doing something about it.

Comparison-shop the various available anti-spyware tools.
There are many sites that cover current information on the
anti-spyware upgrades and latest problems. Educate
yourself to your options so that you can invest in the type
of software that will work for you.
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About the author:
Tom Jenson has worked in software development for 20 years.
He's seen spyware develop from an occasional problem, to a
daily, hourly threat to all pc's. He made it a mission to
research these threats, and work out how best to combat
them. Now this series of article helps others protect
their computers too.

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Top 10 Ways To Protect Yourself From Computer Viruses
by: Jim Faller

As more and more people are becoming comfortable using their computers at school, home or in the office it�s only a matter of time before they encounter a computer virus. Here are our top 10 steps to protect you from computer viruses.

Use a high quality anti-virus program. There are many different anti-virus computers programs on the market some of them are better than others. Look to reputable computer magazines or websites for ratings to help you find the one that matches your needs.

Always use your anti-virus software. Make sure your anti-virus software is always turned on and scanning, incoming and outgoing email messages, and any software programs you run.

Keep your antivirus programs up to date. Most programs come with a yearly subscription make sure you take advantage of the updates. More advanced programs allow you to schedule updates or full system scans for �off hours� like 2AM when you aren�t likely to be using your computer.

Keep your computer up to date. From time to time operating systems fall victim to security holes or issue updates. Make sure you check periodically to make sure you are running stable up to date versions of your software.

Backup your data regularly. Most windows computer users keep their documents in the �My documents� folder. This makes it easy to back up all of your important documents. Make weekly or monthly copies to CD or USB drives.

If you use floppy disks or USB drives on public computers like your school computer lab, Kinko�s, or even digital photo printing store make sure you scan them for viruses. Public computers are notorious for not being up to date and properly protected.

Be wary of email attachments. Treat any email attachment as potentially dangerous. Never open attachments from people you weren�t expecting. Also be careful of attachments from people you know but weren�t expecting. Many computer viruses replicate themselves by reading the contacts from an infected computer.

Use text email if possible. While HTML email is prettier and allows you more control over formatting it also can carry computer viruses. If you use text based email the only way to get a virus is by opening an attachment.

Use downloaded freeware and shareware files or software with caution. Try to download them from popular reputable sources that scan the programs before they are uploaded. To make sure you are safe scan the program before you install it on your computer.

Be wary of links in IM or instant messaging software. Don�t accept invitations from people you don�t know and never click a link from someone you don�t trust, they can easily redirect you to another website that will try to install a virus on your computer system.

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