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PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL COMPUTER (PC) PAGE 2
Listcrime is a one-stop-shop for reliable, up-to-date information about cyber crime, we at Listcrime.com want to give home users and small businesses the advice they need to use the Internet safely. For the most part, references within this web page appear as links to the actual site that the information came from. I revert to customary referencing when citing non-WWW based sources. A bibliography of any sources not linked will appears at the end of this web page.
2. UPDATE YOUR SOFTWARE BEWARE OF VULNERABILITIES
Software developers do not set out to write unsafe programs and operating systems. However, they are very large, complex systems – the result of thousands of person-years of work. This means that errors, or bugs, happen.
Often bugs don’t affect the operation of the software and aren't’t detected until someone tries to exploit one as a vulnerability. It takes a vulnerability and malicious intent to create a security threat. This is why software companies cannot predict or prevent every possible threat.
The problem is that the bad guys are constantly trying to find news ways of breaking into computers, just as criminals are drawn to banks “because that’s where the money is.”
Consequently, there is a continual struggle between criminals exploiting vulnerabilities and developers seeking to close these loopholes down. It’s the same thing with locksmiths and burglars or alarm manufacturers and car thieves.
This is why software developers regularly release upgrades and patches which fix known vulnerabilities. Because the bad guys discover new ways to attack computers on a regular basis you also need to update your computer’s operating system (the Windows software which makes it work). This helps stop worms attacking your computer but can also deliver other performance and security improvements.
When Microsoft release a security update for your Windows® Operating System, nasty code writers race to create new Viruses, Worms and Trojan Horses to exploit its security vulnerabilities. Consequently, until you have updated your system it is highly vulnerable to attack. So always keep your Operating System up-to-date.
- Go to Microsoft's Windows Update site and install all the recommended patches.
3. ANTI-VIRUES AND ANTI-SPYWARE ARE MUST:
ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Anti-virus software protects your computer from viruses that can destroy your data, slow your computer's performance, cause a crash, or even allow spammers to send email through your account. It works by scanning your computer and your incoming email for viruses, and then deleting them.
All computers connected to the Internet need an Anti virus guard. It protects your system and prevents the spread of viruses to other computers. You can also get a basic Anti virus guard FREE for non-commercial use from AVG. Ensure that once installed your Anti virus guard is kept up-to-date. Anti-virus software continually scans your computer for viruses. It also checks incoming email and web sites for viruses. It is not included in your operating system so you will need to get and install a copy.
- Avast! Antivirus:
Click Here for Avast!
- Anti-Vir:
Click Here for Anti-Vir
- AVG:
Click Here for AVG
Anti-virus companies include Symantec, AVG and McAfee.
Free Online Virus Scanners
- Panda Active scan Very easy to use
- Panda NanoScan (beta) Still in beta.
- Panda TotalScan (beta) Still beta.
- Kaspersky Online Scanner Slow updating.
- Trend Micro Housecall Easy to use.
- Eset Online Scanner Uses ESET detection engine.
- BitDefender Online Scanner Easy to use.
- Symantec Security Check Easy to use.
- McAfee freescan Easy to use.
- eTrust Antivirus Web Scanner Easy to use.
- F-Secure Online Virus Scanner Easy to use.
- ArcaOnline Scanner High detection rate.
- Authentium Command On Demand High detection rate.
- Make sure your anti-virus software is automatically updated to identify new threats as they emerge.
- Keep your subscription current. An out-of-date virus scanner is no use at all.
- Don’t open email attachments in emails from people you don’t know.
To be effective, your anti-virus software should update daily with antidotes to the latest "bugs" circulating through the Internet. Most commercial anti-virus software includes a feature to download updates automatically when you are on the Internet.
Free Virus Removal Tools for Specific Infections
ANTI-SPYWARE SOFTWARE
The latest menace is Adware and Spyware. It's installed on your PC without your knowledge and often with P2P File Sharing programs. It causes unusual PC behavior and can result in unwanted Pop-ups, homepage hijacking, installation of porn dialers, system shutdowns and even identity theft.
Free Spyware Prevention
You should install Spyware protection software that will delete, detect and protect your system. Protect yourself from Spyware attacks by installing an active Spyware prevention program like Microsoft anti-spyware, Spyware Blaster, Spy Sweeper, Spybot Search and Destroy or Adware.
Free Spyware Detection and Removal
- SUPERAntiSpyware
- AVG Anti-Spyware Free Edition
- Spyware Doctor (Google Pack Free Edition)
- Windows Defender
- AdAware 2007
- Spybot S&D
Clues that spyware is on a computer include:
- A barrage of pop-up ads
- A hijacked browser — that is, a browser that takes you to sites other than those you type into the address box
- A sudden or repeated change in your computer’s Internet home page
- New and unexpected toolbars
- Unexpected icons on the system tray at the bottom of your computer screen
- Keys that don’t work
- Random error messages
- Sluggish or downright slow performance when opening programs or saving files.
Free Online Spyware Detection and Removal
- Ewido Online Malware Scan Easy to use. Detects & removes trojans, spyware, adware etc.
- a-squared Web Malware Scanner Easy to use. Detects & removes trojans, spyware, adware etc.
- Windows Live OneCare Safety Scan Easy to use. Detects & removes trojans, spyware, adware etc. Slow scanning.
- Full Service Scan for Windows Vista Easy to use. Vista compatible. Very slow.
- Prevx CSI NEW - Requires a download, but no install. Good detection rate, some false positives (flagged suspicious).
You can take steps to limit your vulnerability to spyware:
- Keep anti-virus software and other applications up-to-date.
- Be careful about programs you download and install. Are you certain that they won't harbor unwanted extra programs or advertisements?
- Don’t install software from an unknown or untrustworthy source.
- Be careful about which web sites you visit. Are they trusted? Are they reputable?
- Get an anti-spyware program and keep it up to date. Products include: Microsoft anti-spyware, Spyware Blaster, Spy Sweeper, Spybot Search and Destroy and AdWare.
- Update your operating system and Web browser software. Your operating system (like Windows or Linux) may offer free software “patches” to close holes in the system that spyware could exploit. Make sure to set your browser security high enough to detect unauthorized downloads.
- Download free software only from sites you know and trust. It can be appealing to download free software like games, file-sharing programs, customized toolbars, or other programs that may change or customize the functioning of your computer. Be aware, however, that many free software applications bundle other software, including spyware.
Site Sources:
Free Antivirus Software Recommended from www.geekstogo.com
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Important note: Geeks to Go highly recommends uninstalling any other antivirus software BEFORE installing another antivirus application. Antivirus programs often conflict and can cause system slowdowns, crashes, or even leave you unprotected. Here are some uninstall programs that you can download directly from the publisher's website: Symantec (Norton) | McAfee | Trend Micro
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