A Basic Guide To Internet Security

The internet is a wonderful place; many of us use it on a regular basis for a multitude of functions. Email helps us to keep in touch with family, and friends all over the world and most people have at least one email account. The growing use of digital cameras and camera phones means that we can send pictures at the click of a mouse. MP3 players have become increasingly popular, and we can download songs to play on them with extreme ease. All of this is great, and the internet is becoming a big part of our everyday lives.

Unfortunately, there is a downside to all of this increased use of the internet. That is the growth of the spread of viruses and other so-called 'malware'. Originally, internet hackers were satisfied keeping their attentions focussed on government and business websites, and their viruses were intended to attack corporations. Most hackers saw this as a challenge. However, there is now an increasing trend towards home computer users being targeted by these attacks. The amount of damage that can be caused by a virus varies, but there are a number of easy steps that a person can take to help increase their internet security.

The first step to keeping your computer free from viruses is to have up-to-date antivirus software running on your computer. You need to make regular checks to ensure that your software is updated, and to scan your entire computer for viruses. There are a number of cheap, and free antivirus software programs available that provide excellent protection. You can find these by searching through your search engine for antivirus software.

The next step to maintain your internet security is to be extremely cautious about the type of files that you open, or download. The majority of viruses are actually spread through email attachments. Having these on your computer, in your inbox, is not the danger; the real danger is when you open the attachment. It may not be obvious that anything has happened when you first open the attachment containing the virus, quite often they appear blank. The damage is caused by the program that is activated within the attachment. If you do not know, and trust, the person who has sent you the attachment then delete the email.

John Rivers is owner of Security Profs.

Introduction to Internet security using personal firewalls, anti-virus, anti-trojan.

Discovering The Best Antivirus Software For You

Antivirus software refers to computer programs or tools that are used for identifying, blocking, and removing malicious applications such as computer viruses and malwares from the system. They have become essential tools for any computer user in today's world of constant threat from virus attacks, spywares, system hijackers, etc.

An antivirus application performs two basic functions. The first is to scan all files, according to user preference, and identify the virus based on matching definitions in its database. This is known as virus dictionary or database approach of identifying viruses. Secondly, if run in real time, it tries to identify and suspicious activities occurring in the system, which may be triggered by other computer programs in the operating system. This is known as suspicious behavior approach. These two functions are the basis on which most antivirus software programs are built.

The Database Approach:

When the antivirus identifies a virus that matches any code or definition in its database, it will alert the user, and the user has the option of repairing, quarantining, deleting or analyzing the infected file. If the virus cannot be removed from the infected file, it is usually set to quarantine. However, users also have the option of immediately deleting the file thereby eliminating any further threats, or before the virus can execute itself. The infected file can also be sent to the software company for analysis and inclusion in the database, or if the antivirus has the feature, the user can analyze the infected file by self.

Since new viruses are created everyday, the virus database of the antivirus has to be updated continually. Almost all database updates are free and they can be scheduled or done manually.

Suspicious Behavior Approach:

There is no attempt to identify known viruses here like in the dictionary approach. Every activity and behavior in the system is monitored here by the antivirus. Therefore, this approach may protect from new viruses which has not yet been identified out of suspicion. However, this approach has mostly been abandoned by many antivirus companies because of its tendency to sound too many false positives. And today, there are so many non-malicious programs which can modify other executable files in disregard to the false positive issue. So this technique has become almost obsolete.

Popular Antivirus Software:

Norton Antivirus: One of the most well-known antivirus software, Norton automatically detects and removes viruses, rids computer of unwanted spyware, and scans email and IM attachments for threats.

McAfee VirusScan: The antivirus detects, blocks, and removes viruses and spyware, and protects irreplaceable documents such as digital photos, family movies, and financial spreadsheets, identity theft and slower PC performance.

PC-cillin Internet Security: From Trend Micro, it is an award-winning antivirus security and a personal firewall. Protects against viruses, worms, Trojans, and hackers, detects and removes spyware and blocks spam. Also protects your wireless network with Wi-Fi Intrusion Detection.

Panda Titanium: It uses TruPrevent Technologies, offering a double layer of protection against unknown viruses and intruders. It also protects system from hackers, phishing and other online fraud.

Antivirus HQ: your online resource to help protect your PC from viruses and spyware.

10 Things To Do For A Healthy & Secure PC

A Top 10 List That Can Save Your Computer

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Many who read this article may find these recommendations to be old news. However, think about the number family, friends, and associates that ask you for help fixing their PC and I believe you will understand why I chose to write this article..

This list of recommendations for a healthy & secure PC is by no means a complete list of everything you can and should do. It is however a great start if you want to keep your computer running properly for an acceptable period of time. It will also help prevent some of the most common issues related to PC security.

1. Hard Drive Fragmentation

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Believe it or not, many people have never even heard of hard drive fragmentation, or the process of Defragmentation. In a nutshell, when you install software or create files and data, the Operating System stores this data on your hard disk drive. The most efficient way of storing this data would be in one continuous disk file. However, files are not always stored this way, or are initially stored this way and later become split up, or fragmented. Because of this, when the data or file is retrieved, the hard drive must be searched in multiple places just to combine data that makes up one file. This slows things down tremendously. If you are running Windows 2000 or Windows XP, you should perform a disk defrag at least once every two weeks, more if possible. All of my systems run this process automatically once every week in the evening hours.

2. Installing Games & Disk Intensive Software

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If you're a gamer, or regularly use disk intensive software, the above Defragmentation process will help. However, you can also take another step to make things move a little faster. If you have two physically separate disk drives in your system, I suggest that you use one primarily for the Operating System and related software, and devote the other physical disk for installing games and other disk intensive applications. This cuts down on the competition for disk resources between your Operating System and other applications. There are other things you could do as well, such as configuring the appropriate type of RAID where multiple disks appear to the operating system as one big logical disk drive. This takes a little more planning to get the most out of your drives so I'll cover that in a future article.

3. Virus & Spyware Protection

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The bottom line here is; make sure you have installed some sort of anti-virus and spyware protection. Furthermore, don't just assume that the default configuration of the program is best suited for your environment. For instance, I can't tell you how many people I know whose computer has contracted a serious virus because of just one minor but very important task. When the anti-virus software pops up a message and tells you that your subscription is about to expire, don't just hit the ignore button. Take a five minute break from what you are doing and renew your virus signature subscription. Not only will this keep you up to date on newer viruses, it will allow your software package to update to newer versions. The same thing goes for spyware protection. There are plenty of free spyware protection solutions out there, none are perfect, but most do the job. I suggest using Microsoft's AntiSpyware Beta package at the least.

4. Software & Hardware Firewall Protection

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If you are not using a firewall, then you are just asking for trouble. Actually, there is a significant chance that your system is already compromised if you have no firewall protection at all. Many cable/DSL router combo devices have built in firewall protection, and this is at least a good start. However, if you have Windows XP SP2, go ahead and enable the built in firewall as it will provide you another level of protection. Oh, yes, and when the system pops up a message about whether or not to allow a certain application or communication to take place, don't just hit the ok button, read it thoroughly then make a decision.

5. Installing & Uninstalling Applications

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Just about every time you install a new application or piece of software you increase the time it takes to boot your PC and in some cases decrease its performance. On thing that drives me crazy is printing software. For the life of me I cannot understand how or why printer support software could total 400MB in size, but they sometimes do. Not only that, they tend to load all kinds of unnecessary real-time running applets. HP printers are notorious for this. Be very aware of what it is you are loading and only load those components that you need. Even some off-the-shelf software packages load adware and other not so helpful applets. Also, when you uninstall software, not all the software gets uninstalled in many cases. One thing I suggest is to purchase a registry cleaner. This can dramatically decrease boot times and in many cases increase the overall performance of your PC.

6. Purchasing & Downloading Items On The Internet

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When you download or purchase any software from the Internet, make sure you pay close attention to everything you are agreeing to or checking off on the various pages that lead up to the final purchase or download. As with everything else, make sure you read the fine print. You may be agreeing to download and install something you don't need or may impact the security and performance of you PC. Also, how many more mailing lists do you really need to be on? How many Internet Explorer tool bars do you need? Most of these tool bars should be renamed to "adware / spyware bars"

7. Installing Operating System & Application Patches

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In a nutshell, if you are using Windows XP, make sure that automatic updates are turned on. This is very important. Microsoft releases security and bug fixes routinely and some of them are critical in nature. Something people tend to overlook is updating and patching their applications. For instance, Microsoft Office has critical security patches and performance enhancements available in the form of patches and service packs. It's not just Operating System bugs that can put you at risk, applications can too.

8. Updating Drivers

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Similar to the above, hardware manufacturers routinely update their drivers. This includes video cards, sounds cards, capture cards, system boards, you name it. Some manufacturers have started to release automatic updates for their hardware, but many have not. Make sure you check these sites regularly and when a driver update is available, install it.

9. What Do Your Children Download

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This is a really big one. I can' tell you how may times I have been told by people that they have no idea how something got installed on their computer. Usually their second sentence contains "one of my children must have downloaded it". The first thing that comes to mind is "why do parents let kids download what ever they like in the first place". Not only can this severely impact the security and performance of your computer, who knows what your kids are getting their hands on. Do you know what one of the most frequently installed application installs I see on a teenagers machine is? Kazaa, BearShare, eDonkey, all P2P file sharing programs. I don't care what anyone says regarding how convenient and safe these applications are now, they are wrong. Monitor what your children are doing / downloading on the Internet. Install a parental control software package if need be.

10. Rebuilding Your Operating System

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If you are not familiar with system imaging software, I suggest you read up on them. One of the most popular packages is "ghost" and it's been around for quite some time. I rebuild my systems pretty much on an annual basis. When I first configured them, I used an imaging package to create a complete image of the basic OS and application install. This allows you to not only re-install the base operating system and applications by hitting just one button, but can save you big time in the event of a system disaster.

Conclusion

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Many of my peers and other technical people will read this and say it's all common sense and very basic. Well, if this is what you do for a living then yes, it is. But many people don't know these things or did know about them and have forgotten. So many PC are in such bad shape and it's beyond me how the average person even deals with it. It has to be frustrating not knowing where to turn or what to do, especially if you don't have a tech friend or family member to call on. I hate to sound pessimistic, but things are not getting better for the average home or small business person. Technology should not be this difficult to maintain. The average person just wants something that will work, and stay working.

You may reprint or publish this article free of charge as long as the bylines are included.

Original URL (The Web version of the article)

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About The Author

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Darren Miller is an Information Security Consultant with over seventeen years experience. He has written many technology & security articles, some of which have been published in nationally circulated magazines & periodicals. If you would like to contact Darren you can e-mail him at Darren.Miller@ If you would like to know more about computer security please visit us at

4 Smart [and Free] Programs For Your Computer

One of the fun parts of owning a computer is, of course, access to the internet. The worldwide web is chock full of useful information, readily available at your fingertips! It is also home to potentially lethal viruses, many of which can wreak havoc on your system within moments. The following four programs can help you avoid trouble; best of all they are absolutely free.

Firefox – a web browser for the ages. Okay, a web browser that beats Internet Explorer by preventing pop ups and harmful scripts from being downloaded to your computer. Lots of nifty features too, including tabbed browsing, live bookmarks, and tons of add-on features.

Spybot Search and Destroy – gets rid of adware, spyware, and malware. Blocks the installation of spyware before it occurs; works in conjunction with anti-virus software, not as a replacement for one.

AVG Antvirus – offers basic antivirus protection including scanning email attachments for viruses and scanning of all hard drives, removable drives, and external drives on your computer. A paid version does some additional tasks and includes technical support.

Zone Alarm – if you don't have a firewall installed on your computer, you are opening yourself up to potential catastrophic security breaches. With Stealth Mode enabled you can search the internet in private, away from the intruding eyes of those who might want to steal your important information.

As with many freeware programs, "pro" or professional versions of the software are sometimes available to give computer users a maximum amount of protection, for a price. Still, all four of these programs have something to offer and are worth exploring. Your computer safety and privacy is essential, insure it today by downloading the programs that are right for you.

Do You Want Someone To Know Your Secrets? Protect Yourself with a Firewall

With more and more small and home based businesses getting high speed, full time Internet connections, like Cable modem and DSL, there is an increased need for firewall software and/or hardware.

A firewall can be many things, but the main thing you need to know is that without one you are at risk of someone breaking into your computer. With people staying connected to the Internet full time with Cable modems or a DSL line, you are at a MUCH greater risk of someone accessing your computer from a remote location.

Basically a firewall limits the access to your computer from the Internet. This has nothing to do with your website. That's your webhost's responsibility to protect your site (which is another reason to make sure you have a reputable firm hosting your website). We're talking about someone accessing the computer that's sitting on your desktop right now.

I was amazed at the number of alerts I got when I first installed my firewall. Each alert meant that someone or some automated robot was trying to access my computer. Admittedly, if you are a small business just beginning e-commerce operations, you are not a prestigious target for a hacker to attack. But you might be a fun target for some 8th grader who wants to see if they can get into your computer.

Begin by immediately downloading and installing some free firewall software: You could visit for many choices and more technical articles about firewalls.

I got my free firewall at . It provides a good beginners level of protection. has a popular firewall for about $40.00. So does that has one called Black Ice Defender.

As your business grows, you probably will want to graduate to more sophisticated software and hardware solutions. Just know that you MUST do something and you must do it NOW!

Tom Antion is a success story in Internet marketing. He can show you how he makes a fortune promoting products and services online. For more information and a list of great resources, go to Internet Marketing Solutions.

Virus Protection - I Was Hacked!

I Was Hacked and my Identity was stolen.

Now, if you knew me (mother of 4 grandmother of 8) you would know that I am an intelligent, talented, (High School teacher) and educated woman. I am not stupid, foolish or ignorant so imagine my shock when I discovered it.

In this article you will learn: The difference between a burglary and a robbery - and why it makes a difference in law enforcement. How internet thieves get into your computer What they can do with the information they steal How internet identity theft can mess you your life What you can do to protect yourself

So, let's start by defining the difference between a "burglary and a robbery."

A burglar is someone who breaks into your personal world, be it a house, car, motor home, locker etc. but, does not use violence to accomplish this dirty deed. No gun, knives or weapon of any sort has been used against you or any one in the vicinity. It other words, these are the guys that take your stuff when you are out running errands or vacationing. A Robber however is someone who will not hesitate to use violent means to get whatever he wants.

Remember in the movie Home Alone starring McCally Caulkin...he was, by accident, left on his own while his parents and siblings were off on a Christmas vacation? The movie is funny but the bumbling idiots stalking the place expecting to break in and grab - suddenly escalated things into a robbery situation when they discovered the kid inside.

Why is this definition important?

Primarily - Police officers treat their response time differently due to the fact that no one is being threatened or physically harmed.

3 Years ago, after running errands for less than 2 hours...I returned to my new home, in my new neighborhood to find the place ransacked! Everything gone - electronics, DVD's, heirloom jewelry, loose change, even my bed spread they used to drag the stuff out with.

I couldn't understand why my frantic call to the police was greeted with a sluggish -"Ma'am we will place your call on the waiting list - You see, there are more serious situations our officers need to attend to."

9 hours later they show up at my door step with a 2 reason explanation for their delay.

What were those reasons?

1. I had moved into an area so saturated with crime they couldn't keep up (thanks realtor).

2. I was in no physical threat.

And so it goes with identity theft...unless you are a big multi-million dollar corporation in which ton's of personal information has been dowloaded and lost there is limited concern and energy directed toward cyber crime.

Why? No physical threat and it's growing at such an enormous pace the authorities are having a difficult time keeping up.

Combine the above facts with how savvy and hi-tech these identity thieves are - it's like choosing to walk down a dark and lonely alley every time you choose to use your computer to access the internet.

Jim Doyle a recognized expert on internet crime says: "The likelihood of becoming a victim of identity theft via on online attack is growing as Hackers are becoming more and more persistent and difficult to stop."

Not only are they getting smarter - as the World Wide Web expands - so does their reach. 10 years ago few families had computers in their homes...today it is a fixture and an important tool in our culture. The more we search, shop, and download on line the more information they can access.

How do they do this?

By latching on like a big fat parasite like tick to your most innocent online activities such as:

Sharing a website

Sending an Email attachment

Hiding code in "free" software you download

Masking code behind images/pictures in a web page you are visiting

Tracking the information you enter when making puchases through the internet

Not only can they get - in they can do a lot of damage - I know because it happened to me! But before I get to that...let's look at the more common virus types:

The Virus - this little guy is basically a computer prank - more popular in the 80's but not too long ago I had one introduced to my computer. It gets into your system and can make it do spastic things like make music, strange noises or freeze your computer.

The Worm - This thing just eats and destroys like something from a sci-fi horror movie. Get one of these in your system - it's gonna slow down your hard drive and probably cost ya to repair it.

The Trojan Horse - Designed to open up the security doors of your computer to let the flies in. Not known for damaging your computer - just accessing.

Spyware - We've all heard of this one - this chick is created to gather information about how you surf the internet - then that information, is sold to marketers and advertisers..there is huge money in this.

Adware - Similar to Spyware in that it also tracks your personal information but delivers it to a much boarder information base...ever wonder where all that junk email comes from?

The Big Dog Of them all is known as the KEY STROKE MONITOR - this guy is a bully in the worst way. It's designed specifically to track banking, credit card transactions, and seek out passwords for one purpose only - to steal and use your personal valuable information.

Then, you also have the more overt cyber thieves - these are the ones that phishing scams like "You've won the Lottery" or "For Security Reasons validate your Id Now" But that's a topic for another article.

So here's my story: Each morning after I grab that first come of fresh java I do three things religiously. Check my emails, stock standings, and the ol' bank account.

Well not too long ago, after smiling at the first two and watching the pretty finch that just landed on my deck, I casually type in my Id password, scroll down my bank accounts and...

WHAT THE HECK!?

A substantial amount of money has been transferred to a "CD" without any initiation from me. While I'm on the phone with the bank representative - she informs me that while we are speaking - another amount is being moved.

This was identity theft - live and in person!

This was just one example of what can be done once a person's identification has been stolen - they can also:

Go on spending sprees using your identity

Open credit card accounts and destroy your credit

Buy Cars - yes, they can and have

Set up phone and wireless accounts in your name

Get loans and even mortgages

Crash your Hard drive out of spite Oh, and let's not forget...

Drain Your Bank Account!

I was lucky - my obsessive habit caught the theft before my money was untraceable. Just as a side note - though the bank could track the transfer to a "little old ladies" inactive account in Florida - they informed me that to track the criminals was "impossible". Which leads me back to the original point of this article - to inform and warn.

If you have not taken defensive action with your computer then assuredly YOU ARE WALKING ON AN IDENTITY THEFT TIGHT ROPE!

Having my identity stolen to transfer money was bad enough but I also had to clean up the mess to protect myself from further assaults.

Research reveals the average time it takes to repair the damage done by cyber crime is approximately 330 hours of tracking transactions, canceling credit cards, monitoring and stopping strange charges, closing old internet accounts and creating new log in passwords.

The reporting process also includes notifying the Social Security office and all credit reporting companies to alert them to further possible fraud. In other words it is a pain in the neck!! Believe me - I know!

So Now - Let's get to the Good Stuff - Solutions and Protection 101 or "What I Learned after the Fact"

1. NEVER us cyber cafe's or local hotspots to do important internet business. NEVER! It's like leaving your door wide open when you go on vacation. Open invitation for theft.

2. Always use An Internet Firewall - most computer manufacturers take this problem seriously and provide a free limited version of some sort of firewall -- this is a good start - but not enough protection.

3. Keep your computer updated - also a limited cautionary strategy but keep in mind the older the system the easier the hacking

4. Invest in an Anti Virus software product...more specifically match the product to your use habits. One size does not fit all when it comes to computer protection. For example, if you shop a lot on the internet consider software that is designed specifically for shoppers. Other examples of software complimenting your use: gaming, information, music and video downloads all require a different type protection. Click Here for more information

5. Protect your children - this can't be emphasized enough with the porn industry being a $12 billion industry in the United States alone - and out of that $12 Billion, $3 Billion is generated specifically through child porn - Porn predators spend millions on their recruiting campaigns targeting children by using sleazy hidden hacker type systems and weaving their way into social networking sites like MySpace and Face Book. Click Here for Free report

The benefits we derive and the entertainment we enjoy from our computers and the internet has insured its value for years to come.

Sadly, there will always be the scum bags that will take advantage and exploit everyone they can.

Bottom line - Without Internet Virus Protection - You may Survive - But The Odds Are Stacked Against You.

Ironically, I thought I was protected but discovered "The one secret Hackers Don't Want You to Know" after my identity was stolen - and a virus was introduced into my hard drive that CRASHED my hardware needing extensive professional repairs.

You can stop this from happening to you. You can keep the hackers out of your cyber space. Don't let me be the one to say "I Told You So!"

Visit my website

Visit my Website

Click Here To Learn What Risks Children Face On The Internet

Virus Protection - How To Remove Spyware Free From Your Computer

The hot story in today's internet world is that everyone is getting infected by a spyware program. Spyware and Adware programs go hand in hand. Spyware is a mallicious program which will enter your system and start spying you. Inheriting spyware on your computer may collect private details and record your online searching habits, or whatever you type on your keyboard. They will cause serious problems to your computer systm in general, sometimes even serious damage where you will have to buy a brand new computer! Spyware can also cause malfunctioning of the system and slows down your computer. Your computer should be Spyware Free at any cost.

Some of the precautionary methods to avoid spyware on your computer and to make it as Spyware free is to watch for the danger signs:

1. Provides a link to a specific spyware remover. A legitimate Windows warnings do not provide links to download anti spyware software.

2. Appears with colorful red and yellow caution and danger graphics. Beware of any biohazard signs.

3. The message hi-jacks your browser or redirects you to an unauthorized webpage.

4. The warning spyware message appears on your taskbar.

The above listed are the most common fake steps in which you can be misleaded to attract the spyware programs to your computer so that it can get infected with it. There are several methods to remove spyware and make your computer free from this. The first simple solution is to find an extensive search for the best spyware remover program. These programmes will scan your entire registry, hard drives and will give you a result. With the Spyware Remover, you can have them go to quaratine or delete it. Make sure the scan is done atleast 2 times. At times, the spyware will not be detected and cleaned in the first pass. Such nasty devils need a revamping scan and then re-cleaned.

The easy way to make your system Sypware free is to perform a check every week or atleast once every five days. How ever clean the network or the stand alone computer may be, you still need to perform the search and scan is needed. You will know if your computer is vulnerable to all these attacks at the end of a full scan search. Remember, a prevention is better than cure.

Is your computer being affected by the sneaky virus threats? To learn much more about the different types of spyware and adware threats, please visit where you can learn more about these horrible computer crashing threats. You will also find information on various free spyware removal software tools you can use to remove unwanted viruses and adware from your computer today!

Virus Protection - Antispyware Installation and Computer Security

computer spy ware is quickly becoming a high level security problem for computer users and companies that use technology products. This is a malicious matter that robs you of system speed and Internet access efficiency. Spy ware can lead to data theft, spoil your system's efficiency, and hamper your productivity.

While spy ware may share some properties with viruses and worms, but it is much different from them. It tends to replicate and spread differently and is generally more resistant to quick-and-easy Spy ware Removal than most computer viruses.

Spy ware are especially designed to secretly monitor the user's computer behavior and collect its personal information, such as Internet surfing habit and websites that have been visited. It can also interfere with user control of the computer in different ways, such as installing additional software, redirecting internet browser, accessing websites blindly that will cause more harmful matter, or diverting advertising revenue to a third party. There is much more to what blunder spy ware can cause. It can even change your computer settings, resulting in slow connection speeds, different homepages, and loss of Internet or other programs

That is why the best solutions aren't found in anti spy ware packages, even if they comprise of basic spy ware-blocking features. Nowadays, you don't have to waste time or money in buying prohibitive anti spy ware software programs. Also managing them can be complex and time-consuming, so these solutions are not always ideal for businesses.

If you are looking for successful defense tools and procedures, you must avail anti spy ware support services from online Computer Support vendors. There are the technicians and computer professionals who offer flexibility, low maintenance and centralized controls to remove spy ware and other erroneous things.

Anti spy ware software is one of the main defenses against online problems. It continually scans for viruses, including Trojans and worms. To maintain it effectively, the software must be kept up-to-date. And the technicians can help you with installation, configuration, and up-gradation of anti spy ware programs. Without anti spy ware software, your PC is highly vulnerable to computer viruses, including infected email attachments, attacks by virus over the Internet depending on the software you use.

Technicians working with online Computer Help and support resources perform a good job of scanning computers for various threats, mainly spy ware, and worms but also adware, spy ware, and hack tools. While an anti spy ware software program is important to keeping your system safe and protected, you also require other software to avoid access to or from a private network.

K.P.Pandey is an Online Technical Support Executive for iYogi who provides detailed information on Computer Support, PC Repair Services, computer optimization, Online Technical Support, Computer Repair, Computer helponline data backup,virus removal, 24/7 Support etc.

Virus Protection - How To Choose The Correct Web Hosting Service

Choosing the right web server will be one of the most important decisions you will ever make with your online business. Why? Because the web server you choose will literally make or break your online business.

Now, let's discuss two types of servers, Virtual web hosting and Virtual Private Servers.

Over the last several years Virtual Web Hosting has been the only way to go when choosing a web server. One of the reasons that Virtual Web Hosting became so popular was because they supported the necessary files and allowed you to have more freedom than other conventional web host services. But now you can have more freedom than ever before with Virtual Private Servers. Virtual Private Servers should not be confused with Virtual Hosts, since they are completely different.

Before I go any further I must explain what the difference is between a Virtual Host and a Virtual Private Server, so that you can fully understand. In this article I will also go over the advantages and disadvantages of both types of servers, to help you decide which is right for you and your business. Let's get started with Virtual Hosting.

Virtual Hosting Accounts

Virtual Hosting is also known as shared web hosting, where you are sharing the physical server and a single set of software applications with other users. Virtual Hosting has been extremely popular in the past for its fast deployment, strong resources, and most importantly for having a very reasonable price. Another advantage to Virtual Hosting is that you have a powerful, reliable, and professionally managed server without having to have advanced technical skills, making it ideal for an individual, small business, or even a beginner.

One of the disadvantage of Virtual Hosting is that you are sharing the server with other users. The server is configured and controlled by an administrator, not you. So basically you have no control, because you have to contact the administrator every time you want to adjust or change your configuration settings. Even if you managed to reach the administrator, they may not fulfill your request. It's up to them to help you or not to help you. They are the administrator. If you were the administrator you wouldn't have these limitations and would have immediate and total control of your servers.

Virtual Private Servers

Virtual Private Servers are usually the best choice these days and for a very good reason. Before I get into the advantages of a Virtual Private Server, let me explain what it is. A Virtual Private Server is a single server that is partitioned at the root into multiple dedicated servers. This allows you to share the cost of the network connectivity, hardware, and system maintenance with other web hosting customers, while maintaining your flexibility and freedom.

The true advantage of Virtual Private Servers is that they allow you to have complete control. You have the security advantages of a dedicated server at the fraction of the cost. You have access to the virtual root, Telnet, web configuration files, and full CGI-BIN access. Don't forget to mention that you also have access to your password, aliases file, and send mail configuration file. For these reasons you can see that a Virtual Private Server is an excellent solution for small to medium size businesses that have increasingly complex needs, but want a server that is reliable and easy to use.

One disadvantage with Virtual Private Servers is that you need to have some program knowledge to control and configure the settings. Sounds overwhelming, most businesses that offer Virtual Private Servers have very detailed manuals making them very easy to configure and control no matter what your program level is. We use HostE because their support staff always answers our questions within a few hours.

Which one is right for you? Well, that all depends on you and the size of your network.

If you have, or plan on having, just one web site and have absolutely no programming knowledge, then Virtual Hosting is the recommended and economical way for you to go. A Virtual Host can cost anywhere around $10 a month for an account, rather than $35 for a Virtual Private Server.

If you have a larger network that requires multiple web sites, and you have some technical skills, then a Virtual Private Server is perfect for you. You can host many web sites on a Virtual Private Server account, instead of having multiple Virtual Hosting accounts, which will cost you more money per month.

When it comes time to get a web server, make sure that the server fits your needs and that it supports the essential software for a prosperous online business. We personally give a 5-STAR rating to HostE because of their low prices, reliability, and excellent 24/7 customer support staff. They really care and really can help you solve your server problems.

Data Recovery Services, Web Hosting, Back Up Solutions

Virus Protection - The worlds most poppular antivirus software just got a lot better

Found the below article from Hardware Geeks - I have been carefully watching the re emergence of Symantec's Norton products into the fore as the best in class security software it was long ago.

I also received a test copy and was equally blown away - but I loved this post so much it seemed best to just included it in it's entirety:

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Last week I received an email from Symantec's PR Firm, telling me about the new Norton Internet Security 2009. Being fed up with Symantec and their bloated ways over the past couple of years, I normally would have just hit delete.

But before I could hit delete something caught my eye. "Fastest install — Norton Internet Security 2009 installs in only 52 seconds" I immediately said BULL SHIT, who the heck does Symantec think they are trying to fool, no way in HELL does Norton Internet Security 2009 install in under 52 seconds no way in hell does it install in under 20 minutes. I called a few people up and we laughed at that claim.

So after I was done laughing I decided I needed to put it to the test, and make Symantec look like a big liar, so I requested a copy of Norton Internet Security 2009, and over the weekend while I waited for it I joked with a few guys who I know that are network admins and they laughed at the claim too. One of them even said "It will probably ruin your systemin under 52 seconds they mean".

But as the saying goes, he who laughs last laughs the hardest. I hear Symantec laughing really hard right now. I am embarrassed to report that Norton Internet Security 2009 installed on my system in less than 1 minute, in fact if my stop watch was correct it installed in less than 50 seconds. So Symantec I take back all the crap I have said about you guys over the past few years.

It installed so fast that I thought I might of not installed it correctly, so I installed it on a second machine and again it installed in under a minute.

So yes, Symantec you are correct when you say it will install in 52 seconds, but the outrageous and so far true claims do not end there. They also claim it uses less than 7MB of memory.

I again found that hard to believe when previous versions of Norton were known for using as much memory as your system could spare. But Norton literally is only using right now on my system 4 MB of memory, and get this not even 1% of the CPU.

I am simply blown away; in fact I am in love with Norton now and probably will recommend it to everyone and their mama, after years of recommending the free version of AVG which is bloated to hell and the free version of avast which confuses the crap out of a lot of novice users, I guess I will start throwing in a recomendation for Norton now. There is a saying, you pay for quality. Well when it came to AV Software that saying in my opinion did not apply until now.

I just ran a virus quick scan and it took 45 seconds, windows one care takes nearly 2 hours to do a quick scan on my system, and I like that the virus definitions are updated every 30 seconds or so automatically so you have the latest up to the minute protection.

Get Norton Now and ensure your surfing safely!

Here are some screen shots from the installation of Norton Internet Security 2009.

Norton Screen 1Screen 2

Screen 3

Screen 4

Screen 5

Norton Internet Security 2009

It installed so fast that my fingers weren't fast enough to catch a few of the screens. The longest part of the installation was activating it and that just took 5 seconds.

See the original post here

http://www.hardwaregeeks.com/index.php/gadgetblog/comments/symantec_norton_internet_security_2009_to_install_in_under_1_minute/

Virus Protection - Efficient anti spam software

Not having enough time is a general problem in today's modern world. We have stressful, demanding jobs and often we rely on the Internet to simplify our workload. Nevertheless, we waste almost 5 seconds with each spam email we need to verify in your inbox. Is there a solution? You can purchase your very own anti spam software. A veritable spam blocker, it will offer you the protection needed against potential harmful viruses and malicious software often found in spam emails. Such programs are updates on a regular basis, with a team of specialists studying carefully the current trends on the market. If there are any new spam email threats, they will redesign the spam filter to work better and more efficiently. In a short period of time, you won't remember a thing about virus attacks.

Probably one of the most important elements of the spam email blocker is represented by the firewall. These are updated automatically in order for the software to remain as efficient and keep pace with changing threats. The updates made for the antispam software might refer to new rules for spam emails but also to various algorithms and viruses. You won't notice all that; the only thing you will be impressed with is the high level of protection and security offered. The updates are not your problem being made by the program itself; just keep in mind that they are quite necessary for the program to remain efficient. It does not matter if the threats and viruses change, the important thing is that the spam filtering process is accurate.

Let's talk about the types of anti spam software you have available and packages recommended. Well, you have the starter package, which is great for those of you using the computer at home. The starter plus package is recommended for home users but also to those who run a small business. It has advanced spam filtering and protects against malicious viruses. It makes feel safe and this is essential. The pro package is indicated to those who have to deal with heavy traffic, whether they run a small or medium-sized business. Last but not least, the pro plus package is the best security you have ever seen in terms of anti spam software. Superior spam filtering is just what you need.

Email protection is no longer a dream. It is real thanks to the advanced technology and specialists in the field. Today, if you want a spam filter, you can find it online. And, luckily, it has an amazing price. You can try it for free over a period of 30 days and decide for yourself whether you need or not. But you will definitely enjoy the control given over your inbox!

Spam Sweep is a revolutionary new Anti Spam and Anti Virus service that protects your I.T Infrastructure by removing the threat of spam viruses and other filter email borne threats, without interrupting the flow of legitimate email.

Virus Protection - Say goodbye to spam emails

The spam blocker is one of the most advanced programs that will help you stop spam without putting too much effort into it. With features like email filtering and email protection against viruses, this product is a must. Plus, it offers continuous access to your email inbox, regardless of the state of the server. This is a particularly attractive advantage for businessmen, as they need to remain connected at all times. Once you give the spam email protection software a chance, you will definitely recognize it to be a pretty useful tool for your business. And even for your home computer. Spam emails affect both home users and businessmen. The problem is the same and we all need email protection. Thanks to the spam filtering program, we not have it.

What is even more important than offering protection against spam? We'll tell you. A professional anti spam software should be able to offer that protection in real time. This affirmation is valid for viruses and spam email as well. When it comes to anti spam, the program has advanced spam firewalls that act as blockers. Nothing goes through, except the emails that receive the green light. Advanced and complete, the filter email software will eliminate any spam you receive. It will impress by being accurate and offering a low rate of false positives.

Few programs can function as a spam blocker and anti virus software simultaneously. Thinking about the numberless threats received through spam emails, it's logical that we should want both these features to be included in a product. And what do you say about triple layer virus blocking? There is no superior level of email protection you can benefit from. The program will attack the virus immediately with the firewall completing the protection offered. And best of all, these problems will be resolved in real-time, allowing you to occupy your time with something more useful.

If you are not sure whether you need antispam software or not, go online and read more about the worrying statistics gathered on the subject of spam emails. Learn more about security breaches and hidden virus attacks commonly found through such messages. You can also inform yourself on the other features of the anti spam software and then take a final decision. These programs are available for all types of Internet and computer users, being easy to use and even easier to understand. They are designed to offer protection against the spam blacklist and eliminate viruses. Want to stop spam? You can do it easily with the anti spam software!

Spam Sweep is a revolutionary new Anti Spam and Anti Virus service that protects your I.T Infrastructure by removing the threat of spam viruses and other filter email borne threats, without interrupting the flow of legitimate email.

Virus Protection - Benefits of the anti spam software

If you are interested in a program that acts as a spam blocker, then you should know that you have plenty of choices online. Several programs are available that will filter email but not all of them are suitable for your needs. Which spam block software should you choose? The ones that stops an increased percent of the spam emails you receive, acting at the same time as anti virus software. The system should be an intelligent spam filter, capable of adapting to new problems and recurring threats. The anti spam appliance will resolve all of the troubles you've had, leaving you spam free.

Using the anti spam software will make you feel secure and enjoy your email more. Businessmen also benefit from business email filtering, particularly as this anti spam program has the ability to reduce an increased number of spam emails. We are talking about superior email protection and you know very well how much you need it. Using the spam blocker, you won't see anymore of the nasty emails mentioned above. The first step that you need to take is decide which package suits you best, depending on your needs and intensity of Internet usage.

The starter package is generally recommended for home users but it also offered for beginners. You can choose the antispam software starter package if your experience in this area is limited but you desire to be spam free. If you are tired of emails you do not want, all sorts of offers piling up in your inbox and occupying your time, then this is the proper moment to learn how to stop spam. A simple yet highly functional program can act as a spam killer and do some email filtering.

A spam email does not only waste ones time, but it also represents a potential source for viruses. Some of the best programs on the market are not capable of eliminating these attacks and thus, they should not be taken into consideration. If you want the best, then the software you select ought to stop spam and virus attacks at the same time. Efficiency starts with the program considering the network of both the sender and the recipient. And yes, you won't have to worry that all of email will be taken as spam. This is where the email filtering feature comes in. It lets all the "good" email to reach your inbox. So, whether you need business spam filtering or you're just a regular home user looking to escape spam emails, it's safe to say that you need such software. Go and look for it!

Spam Sweep is a revolutionary new Anti Spam and Anti Virus service that protects your I.T Infrastructure by removing the threat of spam viruses and other filter email borne threats, without interrupting the flow of legitimate email.

Virus Protection - How to stop spam and malicious viruses – revolutionary programs!

The Internet offers access to various types of anti spam software. It's only natural that we ask ourselves which one is the best and most efficient when it comes to spam filtering. A thorough search on the Internet will generate several results on spam emails and email protection. You will have to read for yourself the features promised, including business email filtering and spam block. In the end, all we desire is a spam free experience. And, if possible, to keep our system and networks secure. This is why we need both spam blocker and antivirus software.

Whether you're interested in software to stop spam for your home computer, your business office PCs or you are part of a government agency, the same principle is respected. The spam blocker of your choice should be professional and completely focused on keeping your email clean. Moreover, you will want the same anti spam software to take care of security issues. The best choice would be to choose a complete solution for your email, taking full advantage of email protection. Both spam filtering and anti virus protection are essential.

If you have tried other spam filter programs, you've probably noticed that while the trends change, these programs remain the same. So, what are you supposed to do when the solutions offered are not enough to protect your email and computer in general? The answer is simple and it all starts with choosing a one-in-all spam blocker. You have up-to-date protection, implemented security solutions thanks to the anti virus software and you are spam free. What more could you wish for? These programs do not require any downloads to be made or software to install. They are simple to use and come with a complete set of tools for you to feel completely protected.

Spam emails often contain nasty viruses and many Internet users have constant problems trying to keep their system healthy. If you are part of those fighting spam email attacks, then you should definitely try forward-looking anti spam software. You will probably be surprised at how efficient this rather revolutionary program really is. No more spam and certainly no more viruses threatening the integrity of your system. Your email will benefit from anti spam protection, with all possible threats being eliminated thanks to the increased level of functionality. At the same time, the spam filter will keep all the emails that are desired. After trying out the spam killer and filtering service, you won't be able to go back to the previous programs you have tried. Quality is not hard to notice and a high level of efficiency is even more obvious!

Spam Sweep is a revolutionary new Anti Spam and Anti Virus service that protects your I.T Infrastructure by removing the threat of spam viruses and other filter email borne threats, without interrupting the flow of legitimate email.

Virus Protection - Xp Antivirus Removal – How To Properly Conduct an XP Antivirus Removal

If your computer has been devastated by XP antivirus 2008 you are not alone. Some estimate this program is perhaps the #1 most popular and fastest spreading form of malware on the internet today. Not only does it spread virally through the internet, the virus can be quite a handful to eliminate manually. There are also very few XP antivirus removal tools available also.

XP antivirus is a counterfeit anti spyware remover. How it works is it typically infects your computer through a codec. A codec is a program that decompresses video software downloaded from the internet. When downloading a corrupt video file it will often come with a codec that will transmit XP antivirus onto your computer

The program will then send fake pop up warnings that their computer is infected with spyware, viruses, and other malware. In order to remove the junk from the computer a prompt to purchase the software is placed with the warning.

The reason why the program has been so effective in fooling people is the fact that it looks and it's name sounds like an official Windows program. But it is far from official and if you have any traces of this malicious software I recommend you remove XP antivirus immediately.

In earlier versions this could simply be done by going to the Add/Remove Programs option in your control panel. But the 2008 version is far more tricky. It encodes itself amongst other registry files, attacking different parts of your hard drive. To get rid XP antivirus manually can be very difficult and time consuming.

Why not just use a top flight spyware removal program to do it for you? With an XP antivirus removal tool, ridding yourself of the spyware can be as simple as a few clicks of the mouse!

Want to squash those annoying pop up ads and get your PC running like new? Come get your free scan and remove XP antivirus today!

Jim Marshall is an expert computer technician with fifteen years of experience in the industry. Since his own computer was destroyed by malicious software, he has been studying anti-spyware, adware, and malware systems for years.

Virus Protection - Protect your company from malicious viruses with the proper tools

Computer viruses are a fact of life. Have been for years. Irritating little creatures that can be mere annoyances or outright network killers. Avoiding and defeating them isn't nearly as difficult as it used to be. With the proper knowledge, applying and using some modern tools and technologies can help you squash these bugs. So, how do you protect yourself?

3 easy steps:

1) Install antivirus software on all desktops, laptops and server and keep it up to date. Manually open the software occasionally and verify that it's updating. I can't stress that enough. Out of date antivirus software is useless. Even software that's a few days out of date. Check to see that it's downloading updates and that those updates are installing. We like the AVG line of antivirus, but there are MANY good choices.

2) Learn the warning signs of a virus. When a virus is detected and your antivirus software detects it, what do you do? Learn how to react when your antivirus package detects a virus. Clicking the wrong button could tell the software to ignore the virus altogether.

3) Install gateway antivirus protection. Many routers (not the residential Linksys, NetGear jobs) have gateway antivirus add-ons that will strip a virus off at your internet connection before it ever gets to your PCs. We like the Sonicwall line. This level of protection becomes more important every day. If you can stop the virus from ever hitting the desktop PCs or laptops, 95% of the battle is won.

If you can accept the fact that virus writers are trying hard to infect you, then you can accept the fact that taking a few small, easy steps can help keep you and your network well protected!

Virus Protection - Don't be a victim of Cybercrime .

When you access the Internet through the world wide web it is extremely important that you safe guard your personal information.

There are literally thousands of people around the world that make a living exploiting the security loop holes by accessing your personal identity, passwords and bank accounts.

There are many more daily who are the victims of these crimes. You have a responsibility as a user of the Internet to take certain precautions to protect yourself from online cybercrime.

Internet users who access bank accounts, e-currency accounts or any source of personal information online, should be aware of the following methods used by criminals to convince you to reveal your confidential information.

Here are some simple steps to help keep your information secure

1. Avoid being a victim of fradulent email requests for personal information

This method is called "Phishing" and is a popular way for criminals who are acting as legitimate businesses to steal your personal information. This is usually accomplished by sending you an email with a hyperlink to a fraudulent website made to look like the real one. Once you have entered your information the perpetrator will have access to your account, many times unknown to you.

One way to avoid falling victim to this sort of scam is to never provide any personal details in response to an email. Legitimate businesses will never ask you for your password by email. Be aware of suspicious emails from unknown individuals. Delete before opening anything that you think might be harmful.

2. Make sure you visit your bank, e-currency or financial website via your Internet browser with the correct website address.

3. You should take care to never follow any suspicious hyperlink, url, or open an unknown senders attachment.

If you inadvertently reply to a "Phishing" email or respond to what you think could be a fraudulent website, contact your associated financial institution immediately for advice. Do not delay in seeking help. Check your account for any unusual activity.

Ways to protect your computer

1. It is important to use only a trusted and secure computer to access your Internet banking account.

2. Using publicly shared computers, such as those at Internet cafes, is strongly discouraged.

3. It is recommended that you keep your computer up to date with current anti-virus protection, firewall and the latest patches.

4. Remember that after you install virus protection it is necessary to update the software so the protection remains current.

5. Avoid using the "remember my user name and password" feature when accessing sensitive financial information.

6. Make sure not to store your passwords and account information on your computer.

7. Use a different password for your bank than you would for your email address.

8. Do not use easy to guess passwords, or passwords that closely relate to you. Your birthdate, name or favorite pet make poor passwords.

9. Create passwords that have both numbers and letters.

10. If you use a wireless network it is important that you never leave your computer unattended.

11. Take extra precautions around wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) hotspots that provide free Internet connections. Coffee shops, Internet cafes, airports and libraries can pose significant security threats. Avoid conducting sensitive business in a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Sniffing and Evil Twinning are two methods devious criminals are using to steal confidential data. Sniffing is the act of using a program to search for certain information like passwords and credit card numbers over a Wi-Fi network. Evil twinning mirrors the setting of a Wi-Fi hotspot. When the unsuspecting person uses the evil twinning hotspot the hijacker uses sniffer technology to access anything the victim might be sending.

12. When accessing bank accounts online, confirm that your data is encrypted between the bank and your computer by looking for the padlock symbol on the bottom right hand corner of the browser window.

13. Close your Internet browser after logging out at the end of each online banking session.

14. Beware of any windows that "pop-up" during an online banking session.

Most financial institutions have detailed information on their websites on how their customers can protect themselves from Online fraud attempts. Visit their website or contact them via email or telephone for information on how you can protect yourself from online criminals.

Virus Protection - Protect your company from malicious viruses with the proper tools

Computer viruses are a fact of life. Have been for years. Irritating little creatures that can be mere annoyances or outright network killers. Avoiding and defeating them isn't nearly as difficult as it used to be. With the proper knowledge, applying and using some modern tools and technologies can help you squash these bugs. So, how do you protect yourself?3 easy steps:1) Install antivirus software on all desktops, laptops and server and keep it up to date. Manually open the software occasionally and verify that it's updating. I can't stress that enough. Out of date antivirus software is useless. Even software that's a few days out of date. Check to see that it's downloading updates and that those updates are installing. We like the AVG line of antivirus, but there are MANY good choices.2) Learn the warning signs of a virus. When a virus is detected and your antivirus software detects it, what do you do? Learn how to react when your antivirus package detects a virus. Clicking the wrong button could tell the software to ignore the virus altogether.3) Install gateway antivirus protection. Many routers (not the residential Linksys, NetGear jobs) have gateway antivirus add-ons that will strip a virus off at your internet connection before it ever gets to your PCs. We like the Sonicwall line. This level of protection becomes more important every day. If you can stop the virus from ever hitting the desktop PCs or laptops, 95% of the battle is won.If you can accept the fact that virus writers are trying hard to infect you, then you can accept the fact that taking a few small, easy steps can help keep you and your network well protected!

www.TS

Virus Protection - Computer virus, Spyware and Adware - What Is The Difference?

Computer virus, spyware and adware share some similarity. All three are extremely irritant for surfers and other computer users. Let's distinguish the three.

Spyware is software that does not purposely damage your hard disk. They make pathways in which someone else then the owner of the computer can be in touch with the computer. More often than not spyware record the diverse types of sites you go to. Afterward online marketers use these records to send you spam mails and pop-ups.

This is why computer users find spyware very irritating. They are more disturbing than adware. Spyware have their own unconnected executable software programs which let them look at applications that you are using. They also record your keystrokes after they scan the files on your hard disk.

Next the spyware sends the information that it had collected to the spyware programmer, often it is an online advertiser. The advertiser will then use this collected information for marketing and advertising purposes. In some cases the advertiser sells the information to companies that are looking for leads.

In contrast to spyware, adware is a more rightful form of free to download software. Just like spyware, adware contains software advertising programs. The difference is that adware installed itself on the computer after you have download software into your computer and spyware installed itself without any action of you.

There are also forms of adware that download marketing and advertising programs as a particular application is being utilized. It is very regrettable that the majority of the adware programs take the structure of spywares and that is track and report information from your computer to the programmer.

When Windows application takes too much time to load and unwanted pop-ads are coming up in front of your screen, it's in 9 of the 10 cases a sign that your computer is infected with spyware.

Compared to spyware and adware viruses are super bad. A virus is a destructive form of software and is only create and design with the purpose to destroy whatever it comes in contact with. The nasty thing about viruses is that they replicate their self and this way they destroy as many elements of the computer's operating system as possible.

These days, numerous anti-virus software programs also provide adware and spyware scanning and elimination functions. There are also some programs that are specialized in destroying adware and spyware programs. Both, Anti-virus software and anti-spyware/adware are dedicated to search your computer and identify any spyware and virus installed on your system.

They then get rid of it as well as their elements positioned in the system registry amongst other spaces in your computer. It is thus important to often update your spyware or virus scanner to make sure that your computer is protected against the millions of adware, spyware and viruses on the internet.

Don't let the ads that claim that the download does not contain adware or spyware fool you. Learn how you can protect yourself against these spyware and adware. Be sure that your computer is protected with high quality antivirus and spyware/adware programs.

That's why finding an anti adware and anti spyware program for your use must be a well researched project. You'll need to take the time to fully learn about the product and you also must be alert for scam programs. But don't worry! We have done the hard work for you.

We reviewed 15 registry programs - only 2 met our criteria- Ease of use, Improvement in PC Performance, Speed of Scan and Customer Support.

To read more about our review we invite you to visit our site:

Author: Lesley Febis. Article may reproduced on websites iif credit is given to the author and a link to:

Virus Protection - How To Recovery From A Virus Attack

Just why are viruses harmful? Because they cause damage to your computer components just the way biological viruses are harmful to humans.

Some viruses can be harmless but annoying when they send silly messages or when they crash your computer system. But there are many viruses that can do great harm such as deleting the files that you need to run certain programs or to perform OS tasks. And some viruses pave the way for future attacks by opening up your computer and administrative functions.

Fighting viruses is simple: you need to install software that is called "antivirus" software. You'll need to keep this software up to date and always running on your computer. As well, never open up email attachments from sources you don't know.

Still, the odds are that one day your computer system will become virus infected. You'll lose crucial data and programs. Files on your operating system will become zapped. So now what do you do?

The first thing to remember is not to panic. You might not even have a virus. Before you find a cure you need to find out if you have a virus and just what virus it is.

If your computer is still functioning, and you can access the Internet, you'll need to look for known and current viruses. Do a manual scan on your system and look for infected files and virus programs in your computer file system. Remember to search the computer memory as well since viruses can hide there.

Take the time to test several operating functions and programs. Something can go wrong with just one component. This method isn't fool proof but the virus might just have attacked certain functions and programs.

If your computer isn't functioning you'll have to reboot with the use of an antivirus CD or disk. Did you prepare a boot disk? If not you need to go back to step 0 - before the attack - and do the following: (1) create an antivirus CD and disk to boot your computer, (2) make copies of any software you have on your computer or organize the original versions, and (3) backup all your important files and data.

Scan your computer system once you've rebooted using the CD or disk. Search for the infected files or virus. If you find that you really have a virus infection then you're on to the next phase.

If you're using Windows there is a boot option that you can use called "Last Known Good Configuration". This option usually doesn't help but you may be lucky. Once you reboot your computer again you won't be able to use this option.

If you're using Windows you can check the dates of some of your main operating system files if they exist. The list is too long to mention here. Look at Microsoft's website for something called "Operating System Files". Or you can make a list on your own by using the WINNT directory and System32 subdirectory that can be found on a different computer. The dates need to match the other files so that you get the same service pack level.

You need to particularly check the lsass.exe and kernel32.exe. This is because hackers like to mess with them. You might find Microsoft updates but they usually are available in bunches. Anyone that has a different date should be under suspicion. No one ever said that this would be easy. To some degree Windows has some self protection functions and the ability to self-heal but this is nowhere near ideal. You need to replace damaged files with new ones.

If you're a Windows user you may have a registry that has been corrupted. There are some tools that you can use to fix this. Do an Internet search on "windows registry repair utilities" for results. Then choose a utility for your Windows version. There will be no recommendation mentioned here since in six months it will out of date. Internet forums can be useful for finding opinions on updating versions.

If the virus has infected a program - such as software for word processing, the browser, or your email - you can uninstall the program and reinstall it. This can be annoying but is easy to do. Most programs will avoid deleting any data files that you have created by prompting you first.

The worst thing that can happen is that you lose data that you haven't backed up. There are some Data Recovery services that you can hire to try to get this data back again. These services can cost a lot but your data might be worth the cost. You might be able to get some of your data back even if it seems gone forever.

Best of luck with viruses...since we've all had one at one time or another.

Do you know identity theft can happen through your computer? If you're not running the right kind of pc security, your personal data can be stolen. Find out how to protect yourself at the Security Manor website. Visit for more helpful tips

Virus Protection - Computer Virus Protection : Keeping Your Information Safe

The Internet is tremendous. Its ability to network and allow people from all over the world to communicate through their computers has allowed it to accrue unimaginable amounts of information you can reach just by typing in the right words. But this easy access to information is not always good.

Nowadays, when computers find information on the internet, they are also susceptible to finding unwanted viruses that could corrupt their equipment, leaving you with either lost files or – worse – a lost computer. That's why it's important to keep your computer protected.

The Best Offense…

If you can, don't try and fight a virus after it has already infected your computer. Most times, if an infection has already occurred, you have already lost the battle. By purchasing an anti-virus program you can help successfully prevent a virus from ever corrupting your computer. These programs will generally have periodic scans of your hard drive to seek out any potentially corrupted or infected files. If the program does find any threats, it will notify you and either "quarantine" or delete the file, preventing it from corrupting anything else. And make sure to keep your program updated. As time progresses, new and more complex viruses are being created, which means your computer has to enhance its security, as well.

And though your program will initiate its own weekly scans, you should also feel free to scan manually if you suspect something's wrong with your computer – that is, if it's showing "symptoms" of being corrupted. If for whatever reason your computer is not working as well as it normally does, consider that a symptom, and initiate a scan to make sure that nothing is wrong.

A file attached in an email is an easy way for a corrupt file to breach your computer's system. With that in mind, make sure to scan any attachment before downloading it, and avoid them in general as much as you can.

Back-Up Everything

Although the use of anti-virus software will aid greatly in preventing your computer from being infected with a virus, there is always the slight probability a virus can slip through and still hit you where it hurts. That's why you should also save your different files in different locations. This is known as "backing-up" files. This keeps your files safe elsewhere if they are lost on your hard drive. Don't only save files on your hard drive. Copy them to an external hard drive, as well. Another good source for backing-up files is the internet. Many email services can hold hefty amounts of memory. Use the extra storage space to your advantage by filling it with anything you wouldn't want lost if your computer died.

It is important to safeguard your computer any way you can in order to prevent the loss of any valuable equipment or information. Not only should you have the proper software to help you fight off viruses on a daily basis, but also make sure to keep an eye out for any potentially threatening links or downloads while surfing the web. Though the internet is an incredible resource for nearly everything, you must use it responsibly and carefully.

North Star Network Security Services NY

North Star Networks Inc. is an Information Technology Consulting company that specializes in providing technology solutions to meet the needs of any sized business. We focus on installing and maintaining networks. Network support not only includes highly efficient network design, support and integration, but the core of our vision is Proactive Network Support.

Submitted by Tom Simmons at http://NewSunSEO.com

Virus Protection - Online Backup For Peace Of Mind

Lots of people who use laptops or desktops have lost data at one time or another and therefore can realize the absolute necessity for online backup. A simple disruption in our electrical power or a sudden surge as we are busy working could result in losing important data. Sometimes that is nothing more than a short-term frustration while at other times we can actually lose an entire day's labor and the income it would have generated.

One of the most important assets as far as a person or a business is concerned is the data that we have accumulated over a period of time. They may be accounting records, your contacts and the correspondence and letters, details regarding contracts, various photos, or something else which is of immense value to an individual or business.

The cost of a computer is perhaps just a fraction of the value of the information contained inside it. This becomes all the more exaggerated when the computer has records which are related to a person's work or his business. In such a scenario remote backup comes into play.

As you may know there are things beyond our control that can lead to complete computer failure. Some examples of this are hard drive data failure and corruption of data, along with natural disaster and sabotage, along with operator error. Those are examples of threats to long hours of hard work and maybe even cause a business to collapse.

In the event of data loss it becomes very important that the individual or business had some sort of disaster recovery plan. There are many risks to not keeping a copy of your work either on-site in a local backup or off-site in an online backup. Without some sort of disaster recovery plan you're almost guaranteeing a headache for someone when they go looking for a file that isn't there and can't be recovered because someone didn't do their backup. The benefits of an off-site online backup is in the event of pretty much any disaster you can retrieve your data with only a little effort on your behalf.

Standard data backups involve storing the information on tape. One can utilize external drives, DVDs and CDs as well. Such methods are extremely tedious, time consuming, and unreliable. (More than half of all tape restores turn out to be unsuccessful.) Additionally, in order to protect the files from such risks as flooding, burglary and fires, they ought to be kept in a separate location, although this is generally not done.

online backup is the best way to safeguard your data, period. To learn more about online backup visit and try it for yourself, free.

Virus Protection - The Secret To Getting Rid Of Computer Viruses

Viruses can be annoying and they can be extremely destructive, however they can be fairly easy to prevent. If you have an anti-virus program running at all times on your computer, as well as take great care in opening email attachments, odds are your computer will remain virus free.

The majority of viruses are transmitted through emails. Unfortunately it's not enough to trust emails only from addresses you recognize. Many email viruses actually will email themselves to emails found in your own address book. This means that an email from a "safe" address could actually contain a virus. You should discard any emails which you don't recognize the sender, and always virus scan attachments from those that you do.

If you don't currently have anti-virus software running on your computer your data and entire computer are at risk. If it is cost you are worried about, it is no excuse. Most anti-virus programs will run anywhere from free to $50.

Anti-virus programs work by looking for virus signatures. When you receive any file the software will scan it and alert you should it find a virus signature. Most allow for full system scans at your request or at a scheduled time when you won't be using your PC. When a virus is found most software will give you several options, such as delete or quarantine.

It is vital that you keep your anti-virus software updated. While virus signatures, or coding patterns, are very similar, they do change and if you don't have an updated program a virus may sneak by undetected. Most programs will update their databases automatically or alert you when an update is available.

While anti-virus software is the best protection against viruses, it's not always perfect. Users should take great care when adding files to their computers, via email, downloading, or even CDs and DVDs. Anytime you are taking files from an external source and transferring them to your hard drive you run the risk of also transferring a computer virus. You should always virus scan any files before adding them or immediately after if need be.

Concerned about identity theft and other internet threats? Learn how to set up solid internet security so you don't get attacked on the net. Get more helpful tips and information at

Virus Protection - Non-Administrator Logins: The Low Cost Computer Defense

If you are a user of one of the popular Windows operating systems, and especially if your computer came "pre-installed" with the operating system, then you are most likely running under an "administrator" account. An "administrator" account is a user account that has complete access to all parts of the operating system.

Modern day operating systems typically require you to identify yourself with a user name and password when you wish to use them. If you happen to run Windows XP (or an older version of Windows) you may not have to enter a user name and password on startup as these operating systems can be set up to "auto-login" for you. This is certainly convenient, but it creates a rather significant security risk.

The reason this is dangerous is that most malicious software (viruses, Trojan horse programs, ad-ware, and other "malware") typically makes its way onto your computer by running when you do not know it and doing things that it does not tell you about. For instance, a malicious program may execute as a result of you opening email, and without your knowledge, "install" itself on your computer so that it can run each and every time you start up your system.

To return to the discussion of user accounts, on most operating systems only a user logged in as an "administrator" has the ability to install and uninstall programs. Thus, if you had not been logged in as an administrator, the malicious program could not have attached itself to your computer in this manner.

Now, running under a non-administrator account does not 100% protect your computer, but it does add a very strong level of protection for absolutely NO COST TO YOU! It comes with your operating system without you having to pay more for it, but most people do not take advantage of this.

Of course, you will need to log into your computer as an administrator whenever you need to do something that requires administrator access, such as installing or removing software, or reconfiguring existing software. For most people, this is something that they do not do every day, so it is no big deal to log in as an administrator when needed. For the price of this mild inconvenience you gain a quantum leap of protection for your computer and your data without having to invest in more software or hardware that might conflict with your system in some other way.

So check your operating system documentation to find out how to set up and use a non-administrator login account, or else look for one of my future articles that will address this very subject. Setting up a non-administrator account is simple to do and affords you significant protection for no additional cost.

And just for your information, the author runs his computer exactly this way. I have one login account for normal use, and another account I only use when I need to install software or perform other tasks requiring administrative privileges. I find that I rarely need to log in as an administrator.

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Peter S. Lee holds a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree in Computer Science, along with over 25 years of professional computing experience. Mr. Lee is the owner and operator of MyComputerP a web resource dedicated to teaching computer defense principles in terms that are understandable by the common man and woman.

Virus Protection - How can you ensure computer security?

Varied computer systems require different levels of computer security, as the level of privacy or protection needed is going to vary significantly. Computer systems under government control, for example, require a much higher level of security than computers used by students in a university setting. The level of required computer security, then, along with what forms of security are implemented, are going to vary significantly as well.

Firewall softwares are an example of security meant to protect computers from threats that travel via the internet or peer to peer connections and ensures internet privacy too. Chain of trust techniques are techniques that are used to ensure that all software on a computer is certified as authentic directly from the designers of the system. Access control is used to ensure the separation of privileges, ensuring that only specified people have the right capabilities on a computer system. This way you can have specific softwares for email security and internet privacy. Also find free automatic updates, real-time protection detecting and isolating viruses as files are opened and programs are run; a "virus vault" which holds the virus and keeps it from entering your computer until you can decide what to do with it. Such software is intuitive and easy to use. It works in the background protecting your computer from anti-virus threats allowing you to still work efficiently on your computer.

Computer Security involves three Layers:

• Cracking

• Phreaking

• Hacking

Cracking

Cracking involves the act of breaking into a computer system. The most common software crack is the modification of an application's binary to cause or prevent a specific key branch in the program's execution, it also involves copy prevention, trial/demo version, serial number, hardware key, CD check or software annoyances like nag screens and ad ware.

Phreaking:

Phreaking is another form of the art and science of cracking the phone network.

Hacking:

Hacking is usually referred to the act of attempting to circumvent or bypass the security mechanisms of an information system or network in an unauthorized manner.

Kirthy Shetty, expert author, Platinum statusFree advice on Firewall protection:Firewall softwareSpy ware assistance:Spyware Protection

Virus Protection - Internet Viruses Can Target Your Computer

No matter who you talk to, everyone has either had a computer virus or knows of someone who has gone through the agony of trying to get rid of the problem. Computer viruses are a hot topic that seem to affect everyone who owns a computer system, whether at work or at home.

The companies that produce software programs that catch and delete these computer viruses are constantly updating their databases for virus types and definitions so that they can better protect your system against all the newest viruses. Creating virus protection programs is a multi-billion dollar business that is growing more and more everyday.

The number of viruses being created and uploaded to the Internet is growing at an astounding rate of a new one every eighteen seconds! This definitely keeps the virus protection companies on their toes with research and development.

Because these viruses copy themselves to any computer system they come in contact with, the spread of viruses throughout a computer network or the Internet is a very fast and deadly thing to happen to your computer. Because computer viruses are a hot topic, they routinely are the subject of magazine articles and forum topics online. While some viruses do nothing more than frustrate you with pop-up ads or other messages, others are completely malicious and set out from the start to destroy the files and operating systems of your computer.

Of the 53,000 viruses that have been identified and classed, more than 80 percent of them have been classed as malicious and capable of harming your computer system or data files. These computer viruses behave in much the same way as biological viruses by contaminating any computer systems they come in contact with. These self-executing programs are generally very small and work at damaging the way your computer works or by damaging or completely removing key system files.

When computer viruses are a hot topic, more and more people find out about the destructive power of these programs. In this way a great many people find out about virus protection programs and rush out to get the newest protection programs or they ensure that their computer virus protection is up to date. Many magazine and news articles about computer viruses have the effect of sometimes panicking people into believing that their computers are at risk. Having a good anti-virus program and current updates is one of the best ways to protect your computer system against virus attacks.

This must also be coupled with good file habits such as scanning all downloaded files with the anti-virus program before opening them. It is always a good idea to take the time to ensure that the file you thought you were downloading is indeed the file you have. For instance, a file that labels itself as a movie file and is less than one megabyte in size is not a movie file. Movie files are generally nearly a thousand times that size and therefore, the file you have downloaded is most likely not a movie file and may in fact be a computer virus.

Computer viruses are a hot topic at the office when a virus attack manages to get past protection protocols put in place by the network administrators. All it takes is one person allowing some executable files they have been sent to open and start replicating itself through the network of computers to make life Hell for that company. Virus attacks can cripple office systems very quickly resulting in lost revenue and consumer confidence which can affect the way that stocks in that company are traded resulting in even further financial losses. That is why it is so important for larger businesses to have comprehensive computer virus protection programs in place.

These virus programs are much more detailed and powerful than the anti-virus programs that many consumers have protecting their computer systems. Because the fallout from a virus attack is much more financially damaging to a large corporation, the virus protection program needs to be much more robust and capable of protecting multiple systems within the corporation. Computer viruses are a hot topic among businesses simply because of the way that they can affect the company financially.

Terry Detty finds Increase Targeted Website Traffic and Blog Promotion to be very valuable to his firm. In addition to Submission Services, he enjoys reading, walking and biking.  His latest interest is a new Increase Search Engine Rankings he's been using for his website.

Virus Protection - Kaspersky Labs: The Best Anti-Virus Protection

As the Internet evolves, so do viruses and other computer security threats. Once very simple programs, viruses now come with sophisticated stealth and polymorphing technology. To protect your system and data, Kaspersky Labs offers the best anti-virus protection for both home and business users.

All Internet users will be threatened by a virus at one time or another, usually many times each year. Routine web activity, such as clicking on a website link, playing a video sent via email, or downloading a game online, enables viruses access to your computer system. The risk to businesses is substantial, and virus infection can result in decreased productivity due to system downtime and loss of customer trust from a breach in security.

Viruses vary in their degree of destructiveness, with some doing little more than changing the subject of your emails, while others wreak havoc on your system, wipe out your hard drive, and deliver sensitive information to the programmer. To prevent identity theft and the considerable expense of system replacement and company downtime, it is essential to protect yourself and your company with the best anti-virus protection on the market.

The best anti-virus protection software will not only recognize a virus after it has revealed itself, but will proactively search out viruses on your computer and destroy them. Kaspersky's sophisticated anti-virus software can see through layers of encryption coded into the virus and remove it before it can do any harm to your system.

The award winning anti-virus and security software provided by Kaspersky Labs repeatedly ranks above the competition for independent testing and reviews. Kaspersky's software has a higher virus detection rate than competitors, at 98.86%. Most other anti-virus solutions only provide up to 88.85% protection. Kaspersky provides users with an unmatched 664 updates each month to ensure the greatest level of anti-virus protection possible.

Kaspersky Labs offers a number of features the competitors do not, making it the best anti-virus protection money can buy. Benefits that include system monitoring for suspicious behavior, real-time scans of web traffic, hourly automatic updates, and post-attack disinfection set Kaspersky's anti-virus solution apart from other leading products. Additionally, Kaspersky products are customizable, and enable users to alter the appearance of the interface and vary the scans based on user activity.

With the fastest Internet threat response time in the industry, and the most robust features available, Kaspersky Labs is the best anti-virus protection on the market today.

Get your own free copy of Kaspersky Internet Security.

Christopher works full time as an Security Consultant at Lexan Systems L.L.C.

This article may be used on your Information Security related site as long as it remains unchanged and the author, bio box, and links to our sites remain in place and unaltered.

Virus Protection - Call It ‘Health Care for Your Computer’

Decatur, GA – One minute a small business is humming along - the next, one computer can't print, another is stalled from spam, and a third won't stop flashing an error message. A small business can be startled with I.T. bills that range from zero dollars a month – to thousands of unbudgeted dollars.

The new trend is paying up front for the security of knowing your computer will not stumble when you need it. Many computer consulting firms nationwide are now offering what the industry calls "Managed Services," a sort of health insurance for small business computer needs.

For a flat monthly fee I.T. gurus like Chip Reaves handle all regular maintenance and take care of any computer problems. "Technology consulting firms like ours used to get paid when computers broke down. Now, more and more, our franchise owners are telling us clients prefer to pay a predictable monthly bill to keep computers healthy."

Companies that are large enough to have I.T. departments can deal with the occasional computer crash, but businesses with 25 or fewer employees tend to contract out their computer repair and maintenance.

"Those smaller businesses are actually the ones that can least afford to have computer trouble," says Reaves. "Little guys really depend on all their staff being productive all the time. We fix everything from virus infections to server crashes." His company, Computer Troubleshooters, is the world's largest provider of Managed Services and offers a unique 'No-Downtime-Guarantee.'

"It's actually a much better service," says Reaves. "Instead of getting paid when your computer is broken, your local I.T. guy gets paid to keep it from breaking. We have an incentive to keep the business problem free. It's better karma," he laughs.

New technology doesn't just mean more computer components to break. New advances mean more ways to keep the small business up and running. Some technology consulting firms are able to install software so that I.T. service is paged when the computer system gets too hot, or gets infected. "Sometimes, we know before the client does. We'll call up and say, 'Hey, I see your back computer isn't hooked into the network,' and they'll go check and say, 'Hey, your right!'"

Small and medium sized businesses, like the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center operated by Darrell Keating, find it more cost effective to pay I.T. repair companies to keep their computers working, rather than pay when they break down. "The best part…is that we don't see enough of them – this is meant as a compliment. Monitoring is done from their 'home office.'"

Reaves says small companies are wasting valuable time on computer issues. "We want to eliminate computer problems so that our small businesses can stop worrying about when their next computer problem will be and, instead, let us show them how they can enhance their businesses with new technologies."

Chip Reaves is the National Director of Computer Troubleshooters. To help pay for his studies in computer science at Georgia Tech, Reaves began fixing computers for local businesses in the late 1980's. The part-time work quickly became a full-time business, with Reaves establishing Chiptech in 1992. Reaves was surfing the web when he discovered Australia- based Computer Troubleshooters in 1998, and by 1999 he had negotiated the rights to operate CTS in the US, a move than has lead to over 500 franchise locations nationwide. Reaves is also on the board of directors of two local charitable organizations. Chip Reaves' website can be found at

Virus Protection - A Security Matter to All Business Software Users!

As we all know identity theft has become an extensive problem in today's world. Fortunately people nowadays are familiar with the problem of identity theft and the basic defence needed to protect ourselves.

Just a number of simple tips can prevent your data from falling into the wrong hands. Things like shredding or incinerating identifying documents, changing passwords regularly, and keeping PIN numbers separate from our ATM cards. These steps will beyond doubt help to keep you as an individual, safe.

But unfortunately a home-based business makes you an attractive target for burglary and theft, thieves knows that in effect they can rob two places for the price of one that is your home, and your home business.

So security is absolutely imperative, and must begin with files that are kept on your computer. Make sure that a password is used to protect your desktop, even if you are the only one who normally has access to your system. A good password utilizes both letters and numbers, and is difficult to guess. Should the computer be stolen, the information contained within will still be protected. Especially sensitive documents can be individually password protected with many types of software programs before selling or trashing your computer.

You will need to invest in a high quality wipe program that eliminates all traces of data from the hard drive. Hackers often steal junked computers or buy them from pawnshops in hopes of tracing residual information; they have the equipment and technology to do this.

Make sure that all files are regularly backed up to a separate drive, and this must be separately protected. Options can include an external hard drive that can be locked in a safe, or hidden somewhere safe, or even a miniature flash drives that can be clipped to a keychain. In that way, if your main computer is unfortunately stolen, you will still have imperative access to your customer records.

Be exceptionally scrupulous about your internet connection. A firewall and top quality antivirus software are absolutely critical; your best offence is an active defence, so set your programs above all your operating system, to update automatically, many of the updates are designed to fix security problems. By utilizing your firewall and automatically updating your programs, you will go a long way toward defending yourself and your customers' information.

But if you plan to have customers submit any form of personal data to you through your website, and in particular if you offer online ordering, your website must truly be secure.

So a most have is Secure Socket Layering, as most of us now know, this is the technical name of encryption, the software scrambles the data as it is transmitting, thus preventing the data from falling into the wrong hands. This is one expense that you basically must accept, as non-SSL transmissions are easily viewable by others on the internet.

Protecting your customers' information is relatively easy, just remember to follow the general identity theft protection procedures for your customers' data as well as your own, utilize SSL, excellent firewall and antivirus software, and back up and password protect your client files.

At all times practice standard identity protection procedures for your clients as well as yourself. Frequently updated firewall and antivirus software, and make this become a habit, because if you can get into this habit, you will be doing your best to protect yourself and your business, and you will find it easy to keep this up as your business grows.

Learn more about protecting yourself, visit:

http://www.lionel1.com/ID_Theft/