Latest Security Information
How to Prevent Spyware
Unwanted software can inundate your PC with pop up windows, slow up
your computer, invade your privacy, or worse cause your computer
system to fail and crash.
Many types of unwanted spyware programs are
created to be complicated to remove. If you attempt to uninstall and
remove this unwanted software like you normally remove any other
software program, you will figure out that in many cases the program
you were attempting to remove reappears on your computer as soon as
you reboot your computer.
1: Use a personal firewall
Many spyware infections are initiated from malicious web sites or
emails. Hackers can
also install some types of spyware on your computer without you knowing
about it. It is critical to install a personal firewall to protect against different types
of hacker attacks.
2: Update your operating system
If you use Windows, use Microsoft Update to automatically download
and install the latest security patches and updates for your system.
3: Install good anti-spyware software. Not all anti-spyware
software is effective and some even make things worse by installing
more spyware. Be weary of any pop-up ads for virus or spyware
removal programs since these are likely malicious themselves. There
are several free programs listed on our Downloads
section that will scan your computer for spyware, viruses and other
unwanted programs and help you delete them. For continuous
protection it is best to use commercial software since the free
software generally will not be updated as frequently.
4: Download and Surf more safely
Make sure you download programs from websites that are reliable and
trustworthy. Read all privacy and license agreements.
Never just click "OK" or "agree" to close a window. Use the red
X in
the corner. Be skeptical of "free" file-sharing or other free software programs.
Latest Virus Information
What is a "Virus"?
Computer viruses are called viruses because they share some of the
traits of biological viruses. A computer virus passes from computer
to computer like a biological virus passes from person to person.
There are similarities at a deeper level, as well. A biological
virus is not a living thing. A virus is a fragment of DNA inside a
protective jacket. Unlike a cell, a virus has no way to do anything
or to reproduce by itself -- it is not alive. Instead, a biological
virus must inject its DNA into a cell. The viral DNA then uses the
cell's existing machinery to reproduce itself. In some cases, the
cell fills with new viral particles until it bursts, releasing the
virus. In other cases, the new virus particles bud off the cell one
at a time, and the cell remains alive.
A computer virus shares some of these traits. A computer virus must
piggyback on top of some other program or document in order to get
executed. Once it is running, it is then able to infect other
programs or documents. Obviously, the analogy between computer and
biological viruses stretches things a bit, but there are enough
similarities that the name sticks.
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