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