I've been on computers for years. I'm teaching at the Four Year University at the Introduction to Computers class. Even though I knew about your computers, I was not free of viruses and spyware computer problems. The computer was attacked and it was so bad that it replaced my hard drive. Is that awesome for you? If so, I apologize. At the same time, I hope that my experience can benefit.
While many computer users are familiar with the virus, many people do not understand the concept of spyware. Simply put, spyware is software that usually performs certain behaviors such as advertising, collecting personal information or configuring your computer without your permission. Here are some things that can happen when you get spyware on your computer.
* Pop-up ads appear even if you are not online.
* Your homepage (the page you see when you first open your web browser) suddenly changes and does not know why.
* A new toolbar appears and does not seem to get rid of it.
* Your computer takes longer than usual to perform some tasks.
* Your computer is sinking when you have never used it.
The list above just needs to read to encourage you to read and do everything you can to prevent viruses and spyware attacks on your computer. Below I list the things you can do to protect yourself from viruses and / or spyware. After these suggestions, it does not mean that it will never be a problem. However, you have less chance of counting.
1. Everyone should have good anti-virus software on your computer. This is especially true of using the Internet. I use PC-cillin Internet Security 2006 on my computer. Prior to that, I used Norton Internet Security. Both are good, but they only work well if properly used. If you are a novice computer user, I recommend using Norton PC-cillin. However, PC-cillin is a good program for those who are more advanced computer users. This requires a bit more patience to configure and better understand computers than Norton.
2. Although you have good Internet security software, make sure it is on and refreshed instantly. New viruses are created daily, and if you do not update your anti-virus software weekly, your computer is open to attack new viruses.
3. Make sure you have a good firewall and is on. A firewall protects your computer against external attacks. Again, it comes with a good Internet security program such as Norton and PC-cillin firewall. Keep in mind, however, that they only work when it is turned on.
4. In addition to PC-cillin, I use two free programs to provide a little extra protection against spyware. I run these programs once a week to ensure that my computer is free of spyware. The two programs I use are:
SpyBot – Search and Destroy
Spyware Blaster
Both programs can be downloaded for free at http: // www. downloads.com
5. I use a free program that monitors ad trackers and allows me to get rid of them. You can download a copy of the program at http://www.downloads.com . The program name: Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Personal
There are a few other things to mention about viruses and protection.
a. When you receive an email you do not know and is included. Never open the recording. Often, these attachments may have viruses.
b. If you receive an email from a person who is familiar with an attachment and did not expect it, do not open the attachment. For the first steps, make sure you have sent it. Sometimes, the virus can send e-mails without knowing it.
c. Be careful when downloading software or programs from the Internet. Spyware is often installed on other software installations, such as music or video. Whenever you install something on your computer, read all of the publications, including the license agreement and the privacy statement. Sometimes downloading unwanted software to a particular software is documented but may appear at the end of the license agreement or privacy statement.
d. Be careful when using a file from someone else's computer. If someone gives you a disk, even if it's your best friend, run the virus scan on the disk before opening the files. It is possible that the file has a virus without knowing it.
I hope these tips prove useful to you. If you need good protection and prudence, you have a much greater chance of having your computer life without viruses and spyware headaches. Keep in mind, however, that there is no guarantee that it will never happen to you.
Computer virus is a program that invades the computer system, conceals it and repeats itself. Viruses are widespread when you start an infected application or start your computer from a disk that contains infected system files.