Staying Safe on the Internet
Most casual web surfers probably are not aware of the many ways that their privacy and their computer's security can be compromised. There are many ways in which your privacy and security can be breached but there are also some simple things to help keep you safe.
Antivirus Software Programs
Computer viruses are certain types of computer programs that can copy themselves and spread or "infect" other computers. Computer viruses can vary widely in the behaviour, intent and the damage that they can cause. Some computer viruses are harmless while others can all but destroy a computer, making it virtually unusable. Having a good anti-virus program is one of the must have essentials of any internet/web connected computer user.
Security Shield 2008 by PCSecurityShield can protect you from viruses and other threats.
Security Shield 2008 by PCSecurityShield can protect you from viruses and other threats.
PC Firewall Software
The purpose of a firewall is to act as a barrier of entry and exit between your computer and the outside world. There are two main types of computer firewalls, hardware firewalls and software firewalls. For most home users software firewalls are the most appropriate and also the easiest to implement and use. Software firewalls are just programs that you download, install and use like any other program. Software firewalls help regulate what kind of network traffic goes to and from your computer. This could prevent bad programs outside of your computer from connecting to your computer and doing bad things. It could also prevent malicious programs which have someone gotten on your computer from connecting to the internet and give away private information stored on your computer.
Security Shield 2008 by PCSecurityShield provides all-in-one protection and includes a personal firewall.
Security Shield 2008 by PCSecurityShield provides all-in-one protection and includes a personal firewall.
Adware & Spyware
Adware is software that is bundled with a program that shows ads. The programs are usually free and the ads are a way for the software vendor to provide the software free to the end-user while still earning revenue.
Adware per se isn't a bad thing. For example, many of the popular instant messenger programs are adware. The problem with adware is a specific type called spyware. Spyware is intrusive software which is usually installed on a computer through trickery or deception. Spyware can interfere with the behaviour of your computer and can leak your personal info. It is important to keep your computer clean of spyware and luckily there are good programs on the market to do the trick.
Security Shield 2008 by PCSecurityShield protects you from spyware and other threats.
Adware per se isn't a bad thing. For example, many of the popular instant messenger programs are adware. The problem with adware is a specific type called spyware. Spyware is intrusive software which is usually installed on a computer through trickery or deception. Spyware can interfere with the behaviour of your computer and can leak your personal info. It is important to keep your computer clean of spyware and luckily there are good programs on the market to do the trick.
Security Shield 2008 by PCSecurityShield protects you from spyware and other threats.
Creating and Storing Strong Passwords
Often the weakest link in the metaphorical chain of security is the password. Usually the best passwords are long randomly generated strings of characters. The problem is there is a conflict between the necessary complexity and randomness of a secure password and the ability of the human mind to memorize them. An example of a good password might be "3lixATpgQxrB" (without quotes). If you only need one password then MAYBE you'll get by by just memorizing your password. But most of us need multiple passwords and it's just near impossible to remember strong passwords unless you have a genius mind like Rainman or someone like that. Lucky for us there are software programs that are made to store your list of passwords. Usually the way it works, is to access the list of passwords, you create one main password to get into the "safe", as it were. So you could store a very large number of strong, randomly generated passwords and only need to remember one password.
Great Computer Security Products on Amazon
Norton Internet Security 2008 up to 3 Users
Amazon Price: $40.97 (as of 07/04/2008)
Practical Unix & Internet Security, 3rd Edition
Amazon Price: $34.62 (as of 07/04/2008)
Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0 3-user
Amazon Price: $38.99 (as of 07/04/2008)
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