Protection against Viruses and other Nasties

In God we trust, all others we virus scan.
Author Unknown

Viruses and Wormsvirus

The Internet is an invaluable resource. Unfortunately there are fools out there who use it to cause harm to your software and to your data. There are tens of thousands of viruses, trojans and worms: the pathetic output of often clever juveniles who don't have the courage to create something useful with their talent. You need protection.

If you haven't already, install antivirus software today!

I recommend:

AVG is only for home use, although they will give a 50% discount to volunteer organizations. Avast! is free for for home use and can be obtained at special discount prices for non-profit, charity, educational and government institutions. AntiVir is free for home use.

Other Malware

Spyware and adware are general terms for small programs that hackers and commercial interests slip into your PC to keep an eye on what you're up to. They include:

Install at least three programs to combat spyware and adware. None of these programs will catch 100% of the nasties, so you need belt and braces:

Ad-Aware SE and Spybotare commonly known and free for personal use. .

In the latest round of tests these didn't do spectacularly well, so in addition, you should use extra insurance:

Another excellent free program is SpywareGuard. This runs in your System Tray and monitors for spyware continuously. Get it here: Javacool Software

A lot of people expend a lot of time and energy creating and maintaining these programs, so please consider buying the commercial versions or at least make a donation. Don't delay, update today.If you're using the programs for business purposes you must buy the commercial versions.

The major commercial vendors also supply Internet Security Suites which help protect against such problems as hackers, spyware, phishing and spam, as well as viruses and their close relations.

Updates - Don't Delay!

New pestilence is released continually. Each of the programs recommended regularly update their virus and spyware databases. Your job is to download these updated definition files regularly.

With some of the programs recommended this can be done automatically. With some that only works if you have your computer switched on at the preset time. In each of these programs there is a button or other type of link which allows you to update the definitions. I always do this before running the program.

Do it Now!

How did it get so late so soon?
It's night before it's afternoon.
December is here before it's June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?

Dr. Seuss

If all else fails read the instructions! All programs haveHelp fileswhich will tell you everything you need to know. Pressingthe F1key usually brings up the Help File.

This is very important

I come across a lot of people who have anti-malware programs installed but don't, through ignorance or absent mindedness, run them. You must run your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs at least twice a week if you've been connected to the internet (this includes downloading email), and update their definitions at least once a week. It takes time, but not to do so may cost you a lot more time eventually.

Microsoft's Security

Microsoft labours valiantly to plug software holes and stem the tide of malware.

Keep Windows Updates up to date. The default setting for this in Windows XP SP2 is automatic download, but some updates are very large so you may wish to change that to allow Microsoft to inform you when updates are available then download them at a convenient time. You do this through Start/Control Panel/Security Center (Windows XP with SP2 or Windows Vista).

Or with Vista you can just click on the Start orb and type: security center (note US spelling).

If you have a dial-up internet connection you definitely don't want downloads to occur automatically. Your phone could be tied up for days!

Go to Start/All Programs/Windows Updateto initiate a check.

If you're using Windows 98 or XP with the Classic Start Menu: go to Start/Windows Update.

computer with virusHelping to Avoid Infection

When surfing the internet, keep away from sites which specialise in giving away free stuff (particularly those which infringe copyright laws) or which publish stuff you wouldn't want your grandmother to see.

There are a lot of nasties waiting to pounce from these sites. If you visit pornography sites or indulge in the illicit file sharing of music and movies you're asking for trouble.

Financial Security

Internet Banking and Other Financial Transactions

Secure websites encrypt all their traffic. Unless users do something silly, internet banking is as safe as any other banking method. Provided you keep on top of your Spyware.

secure site symbol

Don't open email attachments if you're not sure about their source. Don't open unsolicited emails, even if they appear to be from Microsoft or any legitimate enterprise. Delete them. Then empty your deleted items folder.

Repeat this mantra. Microsoft don't send unsolicited emails. Nor does your bank.

On-screen keyboard

I use the on-screen keyboard for additional security against keyloggers when internet banking. See my blog post here for information about using this easy built-in Windows tool.

Emails Soliciting Donations For Charity

Don't respond to these, they can have an apparently legitimate Internet address which is a front for someone who's robbing both you and the charity. Legitimate charities don't solicit by email.

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