| With simply a computer and a connection to | | | | reputable online sources that preferably have |
| the world wide web you can access millions of | | | | a strict no spyware policy. |
| Web servers, e-mail addresses, and a plethora | | | | |
| of other vast and expanding new technologies | | | | Install a bidirectional firewall: Windows XP |
| but, it's not completely safe. Both your PC | | | | and Vista each come with a firewall that |
| and personal information is at high risk. | | | | blocks incoming attacks; it is enabled by |
| | | | default in Windows XP Service Pack 2 and |
| Each day virus, spyware, and adware hackers | | | | later. However for the best protection |
| come up with new, ingenious ways to gain | | | | possible, you will also want to block |
| access to your PC. These steps will help keep | | | | unwanted outgoing connections made by |
| you safe: | | | | spyware, viruses and scripts on your PC that |
| | | | attempts to either connect to a remote server |
| Stop and think before you click: Downloaded | | | | or send out spam. |
| files that end with .exe, .com, .bat, and | | | | |
| .scr, as well as scriptable document files, | | | | Windows Vista's firewall does have that |
| including .doc and .xls, can render your | | | | fucntionality, but configuring it is not |
| computer completely useless with a single | | | | entirely simple enough for the average |
| click. Most e-mail clients prevent access to | | | | Windows user. You may be interested to know |
| any attachments so take an extra few seconds | | | | that, you can get one of several free |
| before you make a judgement on whether you | | | | bidirectional firewall programs, such as Zone |
| trust the source and decide to open it or | | | | Labs ZoneAlarm Free, or Agnitums Outpost |
| not. | | | | Firewall Free. |
| | | | |
| Make use of a spam filter: Although most | | | | Install a good antispyware program: Anyone |
| spyware and viruses make their way onto your | | | | who uses a computer can succumb to spyware |
| computer via drive-by browser hijacking, | | | | infection. In fact, 9 out of 10 |
| spreading by email is still possible. | | | | Internet-connected PCs are infected with some |
| Installing a junk-mail filter will decrease | | | | kind of malicious software. Spyware can be |
| your chances of activating malicious scripts | | | | any application that tracks your online or |
| embedded in messages. | | | | offline PC activity, serves you adverts, |
| | | | redirects your pages and bombards you with |
| Ensure your antivirus applications are up to | | | | pop-ups. If you use the Internet, its very |
| date: Using antivirus software that has | | | | much possible that some form of virus threats |
| expired past it's subscription period is | | | | are already present on your PC. |
| definitely not an option: Not only do you | | | | |
| lack the crucial virus database updates, but | | | | Viruses can sometimes go undetected however, |
| you expose your system to malware that | | | | it is more likely that you will notice that |
| targets known flaws in antivirus software. | | | | it is present on your PC due to the obvious |
| | | | symptoms that your computer may experience. |
| Prevention against WORMS and Viruses: Install | | | | It is VERY difficult to get rid of but not |
| antivirus software, update regularly, and use | | | | entirely impossible. |
| it regularly. Never open unsolicited e-mail | | | | |
| attachments.Disconnect your network or modem | | | | Even if you think you have successfully |
| cable when you are not using your computer. | | | | removed an unwanted program manually, a |
| | | | remaining dormant file can trigger a complete |
| Antivirus software is software that is | | | | reinstallation the next time you start your |
| installed on your computer that protects you | | | | computer. And as a survival tactic, spyware |
| from viruses. Antivirus software programs can | | | | programs often leave similar traces elsewhere |
| have between 40,000 - 120,000 "malicious | | | | on your system so you can often never |
| software definitions" that receive constant | | | | eliminate it completely on one attempt. |
| updates. | | | | |
| | | | Spyware, adware, and some scripts / trojans |
| I highly recommend Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus | | | | slow down your system, cause crashes, and |
| (Free) for antivirus protection. | | | | track your online activity. Antispyware |
| | | | utilities work much like antivirus software, |
| If unsure get a 2nd opinion: You should only | | | | detecting and removing the unwanted software |
| install and use one single antivirus program | | | | from your PC. |
| at a time on your computer because multiple | | | | |
| antivirus programs will conflict with one | | | | One free tactic you can employ is to upgrade |
| another and cause your computer to completely | | | | from Windows XP: As Microsoft Windows service |
| grind to a halt. If you have any doubt about | | | | Pack 2 makes Windows XP much safer, however |
| your antivirus program's effectiveness, you | | | | the operating system still has security |
| can use a free online virus scanner, such as | | | | holes, and it remains prime target for |
| Panda Software's ActiveScan) or Trend Micros | | | | spyware authors. |
| HouseCall. | | | | |
| | | | If you still have a slow PC after trying the |
| Approach downloading with caution: Any | | | | software above and you think it may be due to |
| program you download and run on your PC could | | | | spyware, you can find more help and |
| potentially result in spyware or virus | | | | information on fixing your slow computer at |
| infection. Download software only from | | | | Slow Computer Help. |