The Computer Guy
Sales - Service - Supplies
Call: 434-223-2976
Not to long ago anyone could hook a computer up to the internet and blissfully click on links, open email attachments and play games without worrying to much. Computer security was something that businesses and computer professionals had to worry about. NOT ANY MORE!
Everyday I see computers that either have viruses, spyware and other malicious software on them or are not protected against them. Do not let your kids, parents, grandparents or yourself use a computer unless it has
1. Up-to-date Antivirus Software
2. All the Critical Updates and Patches installed
3. A Software or Hardware Firewall
4. Software to remove and block Spyware/Adware
I will discuss each section in detail below.
Spyware/Adware
This term has become a catch-all
term for software that secretly gathers your information through your
Internet connection without your knowledge. Spyware applications are
typically bundled as a hidden component of software programs that can be
downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the Spyware monitors your
activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to
someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and
even passwords and credit card numbers. Spyware is similar to a Trojan horse
in that users unwittingly install the product when they install something
else. A common way to become a victim of Spyware is to download certain
programs that are used to trade music, movies, etcetera on the Internet.
How to Stop Spyware?
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|
Firewalls
A firewall is a program or piece of hardware that blocks network traffic to your computer. This will keep other people from accessing your computer through the Internet and also advise you of programs that are sending information out. You have control over what information comes in and what programs you allow Internet access. A simple easy to use software firewall is ZoneAlarm. Download it and try it out.
Windows XP has a built-in desktop firewall, but it's turned off by default. To turn it on: Go to Control Panel, click Network Connections, right click on your connection (e.g. Local Area Connection), select Properties, then Advanced, and then click the box for Protect My Computer.
Windows Updates
If you are using a version of Microsoft Windows you need to install the Critical Updates and Patches. Click here to go to the Windows Update Site. Be sure to check back on a regular schedule because new updates are added frequently. If you have a slow internet connection Microsoft will provide a free CD with most of the updates included.
Antivirus Software
I have provided a separate page with all the information you need to know about stopping Computer Viruses. Please click here to learn more.