| Your computer's Internet connection allows you to | | | | ActiveScan) or Trend Micros HouseCall. |
| communicate with an infinite number of Web servers, | | | | Take care when downloading: Every program you |
| Web pages, individuals from across the globe and | | | | download online and run on your PC system could |
| allows you to search through an unimaginable amount | | | | potentially result in spyware or virus infection. |
| of information on almost any subject but, it also | | | | Download programs only from reputable online |
| endangers your computer and the sensitive information | | | | sources that preferably have a strict no spyware |
| it contains about you. | | | | policy. |
| On any given day virus, spyware, and adware | | | | Install a two-way firewall: Windows XP and Vista each |
| creators invent completely new, destructive and | | | | come with a firewall that blocks unwanted or |
| unethical ways to find entry to your computer system. | | | | unexpected incoming traffic; it is enabled by default in |
| These 9 easy pointers will help protect you and your | | | | Windows XP Service Pack 2 and later. However for |
| system from unwelcome visitors: | | | | full protection, you will also want to block unwanted |
| Take a second before you act: Attachments that end | | | | outgoing connections made by spyware, viruses and |
| with .exe, .com, .bat, and .scr, (also files with .doc and | | | | scripts on your PC that attempts to either connect to |
| .xls extensions), can render your computer completely | | | | a remote server or send out spam. |
| useless with a single click. Most e-mail clients prevent | | | | Windows Vista's firewall does have that functionality, |
| access to any attachments so take an extra few | | | | but configuring it is not the average Windows user. |
| seconds before you make a judgement on whether | | | | Instead, you can get one of several free bidirectional |
| you trust the source and decide to open it or not. | | | | firewall programs, such as Zone Labs ZoneAlarm |
| Make use of a spam filter: Most viruses and spyware | | | | Free, or Agnitums Outpost Firewall Free. |
| are installed by various methods of Internet browser | | | | Use an antispyware program: Anyone who uses a |
| hijacking however, spreading by email is still possible. | | | | computer can succumb to spyware infection. In fact, 9 |
| Use of a junk-mail filter will significantly reduce the | | | | out of 10 Internet-connected PCs are infected with |
| likelihood of running harmful scripts contained within | | | | some kind of spyware. Spyware can be any |
| messages. | | | | application that tracks your online or offline PC activity, |
| Update your antivirus software: Letting your antivirus | | | | serves you adverts, redirects your pages and |
| software continue running after its subscription period | | | | bombards you with pop-ups. If you use the Internet, its |
| has expired is significantly worse than using no | | | | very much likely some form of virus threats are |
| antivirus software at all: You will lack the essential new | | | | already present on your PC. |
| virus definitions and specifications AND you also now | | | | Spyware can occasionally go undetected however, it |
| leave your computer exposed to any known flaws | | | | is more likely that you will notice that it is installed on |
| found in the antivirus software. | | | | your PC due to the obvious symptoms that your |
| Prevention against WORMS and Viruses: Install | | | | computer may experience. It is EXTREMELY difficult |
| antivirus software, update regularly, and use it regularly. | | | | to get rid of but not entirely impossible. |
| Never open unsolicited e-mail attachments.Disconnect | | | | Even if you are sure you have successfully removed |
| your network or modem cable when you are not using | | | | an unwanted program manually, a remaining dormant |
| your computer. | | | | file can trigger a complete re-installation the next time |
| Antivirus software is software that is installed on your | | | | you boot-up your computer. And as a survival tactic, |
| computer that protects you from viruses. Antivirus | | | | spyware programs often leave similar traces |
| software programs can have in the region of | | | | elsewhere on your system so you can often never |
| 50,000-100,000 "malicious software specifications" that | | | | eliminate it completely just after one attempt. |
| are updated on a daily or as needed basis. | | | | Spyware, adware, and some scripts / trojans slow |
| I highly recommend Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus (Free) for | | | | down your system, cause crashes, and track your |
| antivirus protection. | | | | online activity. Antispyware utilities work much like |
| If in doubt try online: You should only install and use one | | | | antivirus software, detecting and removing the |
| single antivirus program at a time on your computer | | | | unwanted software from your PC. |
| because multiple antivirus programs will conflict with | | | | One free tactic you can employ is to upgrade from |
| one another and cause your computer to completely | | | | Windows XP: As Microsoft service Pack 2 makes |
| grind to a halt. If you have any doubt about your | | | | Windows XP much safer, but the operating system still |
| antivirus program's effectiveness, you can use a free | | | | has security holes, and it remains prime target for |
| online virus scanner, such as Panda Software's | | | | spyware authors. |