Technology News

Security Alert!

In using the internet, you should be aware of four distinct threats to your computer and/or network.

Spyware/Adware: These programs are often installed on your computer without your direct knowledge. Adware is the culprit that serves up those pesky pop ups ads. In it's worst rendition it becomes spyware. These programs may literally be spying on you, monitoring your surfing habits and selling this information to spammers. (Some peer to peer music sharing networks are infamous for this.) Fortunately there are a couple of free programs on the internet that can help you rid your computer of these pests. You will find free downloads at www.lavasoftusa.com  and www.safer-networking.org In some cases the damage these spyware/adware pests inflict is so severe that even these excellent programs can't help you. In that case, you'll have to resort to professional help or a complete restore of your operating system.

Viruses/Worms: This threat has been around a bit longer than the Spyware/Adware pains mentioned above. Most viruses have one goal...to cause grief and mayhem. Conventional wisdom used to be that if you refrained from opening email attachments you'd be ok. This is no longer the case. While avoiding email attachments is good policy, there's a few other basic things you must do to minimize this brand of threat.

For starters, make certain your computer always has the latest Microsoft security patches. These patches "plug the security holes" in Microsoft's products, i.e., your browser, operating system and email program. Click this link and follow the directions: http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com.

In addition, you absolutely must have an antivirus program installed! Norton Antivirus, McAfee and PC-Cillin are all excellent programs. If you're on a budget, then download a free one from the web such as AVG.  http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl7.php Note that your antivirus program is only as good as it's latest patch...so make certain it stays current. Most allow this to be done automatically.

Finally, you should install a firewall to place a barrier of protection between your computer or network and the internet. A hardware firewall (also called router) is recommended, but there are software products as well. Zone alarm is a free and easy to configure software product. Click this link" http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/download/index2_11072.html

Following these recommendations will not absolutely guarantee that your PC will remain secure forever, (there are folks who stay up nights thinking of new ways to get inside your PC), BUT you will have leveled the playing field.

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