Computer Security
Protecting Your Investment
 

As with any investment, I recommend that you take steps to protect your computer system.

In this section, I give some advice on how to protect your system from some of the common types of attacks.

This includes viruses, spyware and other malicious programs as well as attacks from hackers.

Operating a computer can be a rewarding experience as well as a nightmare.

Your new computer can be infected with malicious software by simply sharing files with family and friends.

Some symptoms of infection include slow computer processing, excessive and constant pop-up windows and redirection of your Internet browser when surfing the Internet.

In some cases, an infected computer can lose information stored on its hard disk.

There is also the threat of hackers gaining access to files which may contain personal information such as credit card numbers, account number for savings and checking accounts and other types of sensitive information.

Solution

Install antivirus software as a first point of defense. In some cases, antivirus software can prevent your computer from being infected with a virus.

The software can also scan your computer to check for infection and clean or neutralize the infection if found.

Installing an antivirus program is half the battle won. You will also need to ensure that you do not engage in activities that will compromise your system.

Bear in mind that you will need to update your computer operating system as well as your antivirus software with the latest patches and service packs

You will also need to be protected against spyware and adware. These are programs that track your activities while on the Internet and provide you with a host of annoying pop-up advertisements. Some even redirect your browser to areas of the Internet you may not normally visit.

Choose a good Internet browser. Some good ones are Netscape Browser and Mozilla Firefox. Both are similar in terms of their underlying engine but offer a different User Interface.

Install a good firewall to deal with hackers. Firewalls make it difficult for individuals to gain access to your computer when using the Internet or any computer related network.
Some very good free programs are available for download.

My Recommendations

I recommend the virus scanning programs such as Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Windows Workstation and Panda Antivirus 2007. These are some of the best available on the market today. They have been around for a long time and  good support is provided for these products.

You can get regular updates to the virus definition files and all this can be managed online.

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