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More Free Tools Increase Security For Your PC

by: Jim Edwards

- by Jim Edwards

(c) Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved
http://www.thenetreporter.com
=====================================

A recent article about preventing hackers from breaking
into your computer caused an overwhelming response by
readers.

It seems everyone has an opinion about the best software
and advice for keeping your computer safe from viruses and
online predators. The following will help you increase your
online security and usually without spending a dime!

Zone Alarm

Zone Alarm offers several versions of their
popular firewall software with various options for
increased security. The basic firewall software comes free
of charge and ranks among the most highly rated firewalls
available. The paid version helps you to eliminate
everything from pop-up windows to unwanted advertising and
also helps you track hackers back to their source.

Visit www.zonealarm.com to download your copy today,
especially if you don't already carry a firewall on your
system.

The Guru Of Security

Visit www.grc.com if you want a real "eye opener!" Frankly,
some of the things I saw on this website shocked me. I had
no idea so many potential problems existed for breaches in
your online security.

But what also shocked me was how simple most of the "fixes"
rate for securing your computer against attack. It became
very apparent to me that most computer hackers don't
exploit hardware or software weaknesses, they actually
exploit our ignorance about the simple steps we should take
to protect ourselves and others.

When you visit www.grc.com you'll see the site covers a lot
of ground. Since you might find it easy to get sidetracked
with all the interesting information, make sure to
specifically check out the "Shields Up!" area. This section
offers two comprehensive tests of your Internet connection
to check for the typical points of entry used by hackers.

The first test, "Test My Shields," checks the security of
your Internet connection itself and how much system and
personal information others can obtain without your
knowledge.

The second test, "Probe My Ports," attempts to find open
ports on your computer and evaluate how and where a hacker
could enter.

Both tests will help you spot the most common and obvious
vulnerabilities most of us face when connected to the
Internet. Also to its credit (and unlike similar sites),
this website doesn't use these tests as a lead-in to try to
sell you anything.

Free Anti-Virus Software

Visit www.grisoft.com to download a free anti-virus
software package that rivals anything you could buy. The
software comes with free updates on virus definitions
(critical for up-to-date protection) and will even certify
your outgoing email as virus free!

I have used this software myself and, though nothing rates
perfect, I have found it rivals products costing $50 or
more. If you don't carry virus protection software on your
computer, stop this minute and go to www.grisoft.com to
download the free version now.

With so many resources and advice available for free, no
valid excuse exists for not immediately securing your
computer against hackers, vandals, viruses and malicious
code.

About the author:

Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co-
author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how to
use free articles to quickly drive thousands of targeted
visitors to your website or affiliate links...
Simple "Traffic Machine" brings Thousands of NEW visitors to
your website for weeks, even months... without spending a
dime on advertising! ==> "Turn Words Into
Traffic"

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COMPUTER COURTESY

Hackers And Hoaxes

More Article Pages 1 - 2 - 3

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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