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