Virus has been a great threat to internet users. Protecting yourself from this destructive program is a basic necessity for internet users even if you are just checking your e-mail.
You cannot avoid viruses because sooner or later you will have one. What's important is that have the knowledge about viruses and how to use Anti Virus protection.
You can take precautionary measures to protect your computer. Also, you will know what to do if your computer got infected with a virus. Allow me to give you some advice about having Anti Virus Protection.
Educate yourself about Viruses.
Having basic knowledge about viruses would help you in easily solving the problems brought about by a virus. This way you know the ways you can get a virus, signs of having a virus, different types of viruses, what it does to your computer and how it can damage your files.
Be careful when online.
They say that prevention is better than cure. Although, the chances of getting a virus is very high, it is still suggested that you are careful when surfing websites, downloading files from email or web and installing programs.
Some programs may look very attractive but they can be dangerous to your computer. Taking precautionary measures will result into minimal chances of your computer being infected with a Virus.
Make a smart decision.
There are Anti Virus softwares which you can download for free such as AVG, Panda etc. But there are also some which you need to buy before you can use them. Compare their advantages and disadvantages.
You may be getting a free anti virus protection but it does not satisfy your needs. Or you may decide purchasing one but you are on a tight budget.
Think of what you need from an anti virus protection, get information on the prospect software, make a comparison and then decide which one to download or purchase.
Know your Anti Virus Protection.
Once you have installed an Anti Virus program, ensure that you know the basic information regarding the software. Read the manual or user guide as a starter.
Then use the internet to look for other helpful information about the anti virus protection.
Furthermore, you can seek assistance from the Customer Service of the software provider if available.
Regularly Perform Virus Scan.
Depending on your anti virus settings, you can do a quick scan everyday just to ensure that your computer is clean from any viruses. A full scan is not recommended as an everyday online habit specifically if you do a lot of things when online.
A full scan is very slow because it will check all the files on your computer. While a quick scan will just check the important sectors on your computer.
Always update your Anti Virus Protection.
Everyday, a new virus is being introduced. Thus, it is important that your anti virus software is updated so that it can detect and repair the newest virus.
Some anti virus programs have automatic update functionality. This means that every time you have internet connection, your anti virus program will be updated. But if yours does not have that setting, then you may need to run an update regularly.
There is no need to worry too much about viruses because there are just some things you need to know and do to ensure that your computer is safe and secure. Have enough knowledge about viruses and anti virus protection to have a safer online experience.
Article Source: http://www.where-to-find.net
Anti Virus Protection Advice to Internet Users
Necessity Of Having Antivirus
By: Jay Moncliff
You hear the word virus and a chill runs down your spine! With computers and laptops becoming an integral part of our lives, the risk of your PC getting infected but a malicious virus increases as well. So if you own a PC you better have antivirus software too. Be it Trojans, Spyware, Adware, Worms, Brontox, etc. your PC is vulnerable by all such viruses. Such antivirus software creates a firewall against the innumerable perilous viruses that can infect your computer.
So how exactly does your PC get infected? There are two most common reasons. The first one is through emails. Yes, if you open an infected attachment from an email and save it onto your drive, your PC will get infected. What exactly happens is that the moment you save such an attachment onto your hard drive, the attachment may release and execute a code that will perform some harmful action on your computer. The action that may be performed by this code can vary greatly like hacking passwords or confidential information like credit card numbers, etc. which may be stored on your computer. It may then even transmit this confidential data to the sender of the virus. Another way in which your PC might get attacked is extremely creepy and that is by accessing any website, the server of which has been infected by a virus. Such a virus is passed via the internet onto your hard drive and once gain the damage is beyond repair. At times, some viruses get stored in the address box and are automatically transmitted to all the people in your address box via an email. This is one way though which viruses spread like a rapid fire.
So what can you do to stay protected? Well, install antivirus software on your computer. In market McAfee, Norton, AVG, etc are the antivirus softwares that are on the top and most widely used. How exactly do such softwares help? Antivirus will scan you email attachments before you download and save them on your drive. In such a way, email worms are prohibited from infecting your PC. If your PC is already infected and you run antivirus, then the antivirus will first try to delete the intruding file and all its components. If this is not possible, it will try to repair the corrupted file which has been tailored by the virus. If repairing is also not possible then the antivirus will simply situate the corrupted file in quarantine so that it may not infect other files.
Although antivirus softwares are available for free on the internet it is always sensible to buy the full version to stay protected. Always scan your PC with antivirus every alternate day. Do not open or download attachments which you are skeptical about. Keep a check on the websites that you visit. With antivirus, there can be a cure for the infected files but it is always said that prevention is better than cure!
Article Source: http://articlesportfolio.com
Antivirus Software - Using More Than One Program
By: Dawn Smith
If you are familiar wih computers you may have heard that using an alternative operating system or internet browser such as firefox is safer. The reason for this is that Creators of Viruses, Trojans, Spyware, Worms and all the other types of malicious bugs are very clever. They know that almost everyone uses Internet Explorer. They also know that 80% of people use one of 5-6 big software brands.
When the viruses is created it is usually intended to reach as many computers as possible. Therefore it is only logical that the first targets to overcome are the big named brands. If the virus get get past this antivirus software undetected then it stands a very good chance of infecting thousands of machines. Now this is where the problem lies. Norton, McAfee and other big names are always the first target. There is nothing they can do about this other than to be as prepared as possible.
This is where the consumer needs to get wise. As stated above I would always recommend owning one of the recognised antivirus software packages as your first line of defence. But if this was all there was to it, then nobody would ever get a Virus on their machine. We know for a fact that thousands, (maybe more) still get infected everyday. so how do we prevent this?
The anwser is very simple and inexpensive. There are hundreds of lesser known antivirus downloads available on the market. These are not frequently targeted by the creators of viruses because there is less opportunity for their virus to spread. Many of these programs will run quite happily alongside your main software, or you can just use them to run a scan periodically.
So, to ensure you are as fully protected as possible here is what you should do. First, buy or keep your current recognised 'big brand' software. This is a vital step that should not be missed (the smaller cheaper antivirus downloads are unlikely to cover completely on their own). Secondly, buy a lesser known spyware scanner and remover. Thirdly, Also buy a lesser known adware stopper. It is important to note that there is no need to spend vast sums of money here. You can very easily purchase both of these products for far less than half of the cost of Norton, or McAfee.
This may sound like a time-consuming effort, but once it is installed you can simply set it to run once a week and forget about it just like your current software. By buying seperate programs like this you maximise your chances of spotting anything untoward on your PC. For the sake of a few $$ you could potentially save the security of your bank account or credit card details. Don't delay in taking action!
Article Source: http://www.thearticlenet.com
CyberScrub Antivirus Lifetime Edition
CyberScrub AntiVirus continuously checks for viruses in all opened, saved, and executed files, including archived and compressed files. Should an infected object be detected, the application will clean the infected location.
To scan a particular object you do not have to open the main program window. You can use the Check For Viruses command that is added to the Windows shortcut menu once CyberScrub AntiVirus is installed on your computer.
Description
CyberScrub AntiVirus provides state of the art security protection for five years- at one low price. Their technology ensures protection against viruses, worms, and trojans backed by top customer support and value.Main Features
- Provides Five Year update subscription
- Checks the computer and diskettes for viruses on demand
- Scans for viruses in MS Outlook Express email databases
- Includes Kerio Firewall for added protection
- Prompt, courteous and reliable customer service
- Schedule scans
CA ANTI-VIRUS 2007
The latest version of CA Anti-Virus provides complete protection against viruses, worms and trojan horse programs.
Daily, fully automatic updates easily and effectively address the #1 reason PC users suffer attacks: out-of-date signature files.
File quarantine removes threats from their current location to a secure quarantine area to allow you to further review the file.
Description
This software detects and removes computer viruses “in the wild” – keeping you safe from virtually all known virus threats.Main Features
- Improved User Interface
- Real-time Scanning
- Runs safely in background
- Fully-Automatic Updates
- Free 30-Day Trial
- Complete Home Protection
Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security
Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2007 gives you access to TrendSecure, an online suite of security tools:
- Manages, configures and updates security for every PC on your network.
- Transaction Guard protects your online transactions (public wireless hotspots....)
- Remote File Lock safeguards your private files in case your laptop is lost or stolen.
- Trend Micro Mobile Security protects your cell phone against viruses and other threats.
- Advanced Parental Controls
Description
Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security provides comprehensive and easy to use protection from viruses, intruders, and other Internet-based threats.Main Features
- Comprehensive Virus Detection and Removal
- Spyware and Adware Protection is included
- Robust Spam Protection is built-in
- Enhanced Network Virus Protection
- Automatic Virus Pattern Updates
- Customizable Firewall Rules
- Wireless Network Monitoring
Kaspersky Anti-Virus
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 6.0 combines traditional antivirus and antispyware defense methods with the latest proactive technologies to provide solid and dependable protection against all types of malware. This award-winning antivirus & antispyware software includes protection against viruses, adware, spyware, Trojans, Worms and keyloggers and features automated hourly updates.
McAfee VirusScan
McAfee VirusScan una vez más nos presenta la que quizás será la herramienta de seguridad más usada por los usuarios informáticos en todo el mundo.
Después de la más que demostrada facilidad de infección de los ordenadores conectados a Internet, cada vez es más importante tener un potente antivirus actualizándolo periódicamente para conseguir la mayor seguridad posible frente a los virus informáticos que corren por la red.
VirusScan te ofrecerá una protección total frente a los virus que puedas contener en archivos, subdirectorios, disquetes, o hasta en la totalidad de una red. Además, esta nueva versión te protegerá de las posibles infecciones a través del correo electrónico, de descargas de ficheros de Internet, de ataques maliciosos a partir de applets de java y controles ActiveX, de elementos espía y de programas potencialmente no deseados.
Trae una nuevo motor de búsqueda de virus, con un nuevo interfaz de usuario, y un potente filtro para Internet que te permitirá bloquear el acceso a sitios Web no deseados. Además, obtendrás un completo escudo activo siempre en segundo plano para la recepción de correo electrónico, de mensajería instantánea, de contenidos Web, y descarga de ficheros de Internet.
ZoneAlarm Antivirus
ZoneAlarm Antivirus es la apuesta de Zone Labs para protegerte de virus y hackers, ya que ofrece un cortafuegos y un potente antivirus integrado.
Esta utilidad te proporciona una completa vigilancia de tu equipo, protegiéndolo de virus (con especial atención a los ficheros adjuntos recibidos por correo electrónico) y de intentos de entrada en tu PC, incluso si usas una red inalámbrica.
• Requisitos mínimos de ZoneAlarm Antivirus: · Procesador: 450 MHz · Memoria RAM: 128 MB
Avast! Home
Avast! es un potente y funcional antivirus capaz de detectar una larga lista de virus, gusanos, troyanos e incluso virus capaces de modificarse a sí mismos.
Gracias a esta aplicación, la posibilidad de infección y el riesgo de perder datos o tener que reinstalar el sistema queda reducida al mínimo.
Avast! no sólo analiza el PC con gran eficiencia y eficacia, sino que además comprueba la integridad de datos a fin de poder recuperar esos archivos más fácilmente en caso de infección.
El programa incorpora dos interfaces diferentes, una para usuarios novatos que no quieren complicarse la vida con demasiadas opciones de configuración, y otra orientada a usuarios más expertos.
Avast! te protege de virus de macros (un de los tipos más peligrosos hoy en día) y virus residentes. Se integra con el Explorador de Windows, de manera que te permite escanear archivos desde el menú contextual, y renueva las bases de datos de virus cada mes.
AVG
Potente antivirus gratuito para estar bien protegido y evitar así infecciones de los numerosos virus que circulan hoy en día por la red y, en caso de ser infectado, actuar contra ellos. Un detalle positivo y del que no pueden presumir todos los programas antivirus es que AVG permite pausar un escaneo para reanudarlo en otro momento. También es muy cómodo el modo "Custom test" en el que podrás seleccionar las carpetas que desees comprobar a través de un práctico sistema de checkboxes.
Panda Titanium
Si lo que nos preocupa son los virus y posibles intrusos que puedan aparecer en nuestro ordenador, Panda Antivirus Titanium 2004 con TruPrevent es una solución más que completa que no sólo nos protegerá de cualquier intruso conocido, sino que además, y gracias a su nueva herramienta TruPrevent, nos protegerá también de los intrusos aún desconocidos.
Si ya de por sí Panda Antivirus Platinium es un excelente sistema antivirus, con la adición de TruPrevent se convierte en una barrera realmente difícil de franquear por cualquier intruso malicioso, analizando cualquier actividad fuera de lo normal en nuestro ordenador. Aunque esta tecnología de detección puede usarse de manera independiente a otros antivirus, en conjunción con las herramientas antivirus de Panda es ideal, fusionándose en una única herramienta.
Top 10 Ways To Make A Computer Run Faster
Today I am going to be talking about different ways you can make a computer run faster. There is actually a lot you can do yourself that will boost your PC's performance. So lets take a look at different ways we can remedy that slow computer of yours!
1. Free Up Disk Space
A great way to make a computer run faster is to free up some disk space. Windows comes with a disk cleanup tool that helps you free up space on your hard disk. The utility identifies files that you can safely delete without messing anything up, and then enables you to choose whether you want to delete some or all of the identified files.
How to use disk cleanup tool.
* Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup. If several drives are available, you might be prompted to specify which drive you want to clean.
* In the Disk Cleanup for dialog box, scroll through the content of the Files to delete list. (If you have multiple hard drives you will have to select which one to scan.)
* Clear the check boxes for files that you don't want to delete, and then click OK.
* When prompted to confirm that you want to delete the specified files, click OK.
2. Use Defrag Tool
When you add a file or a new program to a new computer, the hard drive is relatively empty so new data is saved to the hard drive in one whole block. When you need to use that information, the computer can quickly access it because it is all in one place. Defragging your system is definitely a way to make a computer run faster.
How to use defrag tool.
* From the start menu point to "all programs"
* Point to "Accessories"
* Point to "System Tools"
* Click on "Disk Defragmenter"
* The disk defragmenter will display the hard drives on your computer. Just select and click Defragment.
3. Get rid of spyware
Definition
Spyware is software with malicious intent - by design; it does something bad to your computer. Usually, it gets installed without your knowledge. It sometimes takes advantage of the fact that most people click "I Agree" to software licenses without reading them.
The only way to get rid of spyware is to have some kind of scanner, sort of like an anti-virus. In order to make a computer run faster and keep it safer your going to need an anti-spyware program. This is tricky, a lot of the spyware programs out there are malicious and will actually add viruses and spyware to your computer by using the "spyware scanner and blocker". So please remember to be very careful when choosing your anti-spyware program.
4. Find and repair disk errors
Detect and Repair Disk Errors
In addition to running Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter to optimize the performance of your computer, you can check the integrity of the files stored on your hard disk by running the Error Checking utility.
How to run the error checking utility.
* Click Start, and then click My Computer.
* In the My Computer window, right-click the hard disk you want to search for bad sectors, and then click Properties.
* In the Properties dialog box, click the Tools tab.
* Click the Check Now button.
* In the Check Disk dialog box, select the Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check box, and then click Start.
* If bad sectors are found, choose to fix them.
Tip: Only select the Automatically fix file system errors check box if you think that your disk contains bad sectors.
5. Get an external hard drive
Adding an External Hard Drive to your computer will allow you to clear out a lot of the things you don't need to be storing on your normal hard drive.
A great example would be your music or pictures. All those songs and pictures are sitting on your computer making it go slower. You will see a decline in your computers performance as soon as you use over half of your hard drive space.
Moving all your songs or pictures to your external hard drive will free up a lot of space on your main hard drive. You can even move applications such as photoshop or games.
An external hard drive is also handy because it is portable. You can unplug it from your computer and take it to a friends house and plug it in there, sharing photos and pictures very easily.
This is truly a great way to make a computer run faster.
