PC Security

A home computer user has very little idea of Firewalls, Security Patches, Critical updates, Data backup tools, Spyware and other techno mumbo jumbo that exists in the world of security. Home computer users are usually unaware of the security threats that exist to their home computer or data. They are also oblivious to all the different security programs, their proper usage & significance. They generally tend to believe that if they have an antivirus installed, they are secure, its' like their Antivirus will kick-ass every virus, worm, trojan, rootkit or any other form of malware. The reality is different. Antivirus programs fail, systems crash, people lose data and then end up paying heavily both in terms of time and money.

In an ideal internet world, threats like viruses, worms, trojans, spyware spam, hacking, cracking, intrusions, stealing would not exist. However, internet threats do exist and they pose a serious danger to your pc if you are not security conscious, let alone secure.

There are prying eyes, hackers, crackers who want to keep a watch on you, gain access to your computer even if you think it won't do them any good. If you are in an illusion that hackers would have no use of your personal information, you are seriously at fault. Keeping a computer insecure over internet is liking inviting troubles. Its' like going out on a vacation leaving your home unbolted. You can never imagine the number of ways your personal information can be used or misused once your pc security is compromised.

I hope you are now aware of the risks of getting your computer connected to the Internet. No doubt you will have easy access to the information that you are looking for, purchase things without getting out of your residence, or transact business right at the comfort of your own bedroom. However, beyond the benefits you can get from the Internet lies the truth that there are data thieves and online hackers who will not hesitate to give you the worst experience in using the Internet. They will field programs that you will think are harmless but will be killing your computer system "slowly but surely". Before you realize that you have encountered a deadly virus program, your computer is now running slowly, there are many pop-ups flashing into your screen, and later your computer will no longer boot. In the end, a lot of frustration just for overlooking your computer security.

Ok, so you have purchased yourself a brand new baby, your laptop. Chances are it came shipped with an operating system preinstalled, I'm guessing Windows 7 as this is the mainstream these days (Although some PCs still come shipped with Windows Vista). Now what? Now is the time to install a good defence mechanism to ward off pc security threats.

Here's a list of must have pc security software that you should install right away in your new computer.

An antivirus program with realtime scanning and updating antivirus signatures
A hardware or a software firewall (Disable windows built in firefox)
A rootkit scanner
An antimalware software including antispyware or adware capabilities
A PC performance optimizer
A secure web browser (none of them are secure these days though)

Some users prefer to install comprehensive system security suites comprising of integrated antivirus, antimalware scanners along with firewall, intrusion detection capabilities and tracks erasing and system cleaning enabled. Whether you should go for system security suites or should install components individually is mostly a matter of taste and your specific requirement.

The following tools serve as a great alternative to the generally available paid security software. Free doesn't mean poor quality. These tools will protect your pc equally well in most of the cases though not as good as the paid ones. Still, some security is better than no security at all. I have handpicked a couple of free security tools that do a wonderful job of safeguarding your computer against data thefts, information leaks and privacy breaches.

Free Firewalls

Comodo Firewall
Private Firewall
ZoneAlarm free

Free Antivirus

AVG antivirus free edition
Avira Antivir Personal Free antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials Antivirus

Antispyware - antimalware tools

Super Antispyware
MalwareBytes Anti-malware
Spyware Terminator

This isn't exhaustive list of tools. You may require more specific computer security utilities for your system to suit your requirements.

You can download these tools from the following links.

Myths related to securing your computer and data keep circulating everywhere. Some common pc security myths are:-

No virus can harm me as I have antivirus installed in machine
Antivirus software is all I need to keep myself safe online
There is nothing in my computer that a hacker would want
Hackers target big corporation and not home computer users like me
If an e-mail looks authentic, it is safe.
This e-mail came from someone I know, so I know it's safe.
I don't have to worry about pc security as I update my computer regulary
If a friend on Facebook or Twitter posts a link, it's safe.
If I merely view a message, without clicking on any attachments or links, I'm safe
If I go to the URL, but don't do anything while I'm there, I'm OK
If my browser displays the locked padlock, then the site is secure
My ISP keeps me secure online as they offer the most secure internet
I'm on Dial up connection, I don't have to be afraid of hackers (this one is quite dated)
I'm running Linux or Apple OS, my system cannot be compromised