The Internet is an ever present threat to your computer. Even harmlessly browsing through sites may get your computer affected with a virus or spyware without you even knowing it. As many dangers as there may be out there, you can easily protect yourself by taking a few simple steps.
Routers and Firewalls
First of all, if you don't already have a router, it is recommended that you go and get one, even if you only have one computer in your home. A Router acts as the best kind of firewall, a hardware firewall. It protects you from all kinds of viruses and keeps your information safe. Hackers who want to gain access to your computer who may try to port scan your computer. High end routers may be able to completely block these scans or at least slow the hacker down. The majority of hackers on the Internet do not want to waste time trying to get through a router, and would rather move onto another victim.
Apart from hardware firewalls, there are also lots of software that is available for you to install free of charge. Many of the smaller companies provide just as good protection from threats as large brand names such as Norton or Sophos.
The four main types of programs that you will need to protect your computer are an active virus scanner, a firewall, a spyware scanner, and a general anti-virus program.
Virus Scanners
An active virus scanner is a virus scanner than runs in the background whenever your computer is running. These programs tend to take up very little memory because they only run quick scans of any and every file. A2 Guard or ASquared is a highly recommended program. It scans files in the background and does not compromise your CPU's resources in doing so.
Software Firewalls
A firewall is something that prevents intrusions into your computer. There are many versions available on the Internet, so you will be able to find lots of a free firewalls to download. One highly recommended firewall is ZoneAlarm. The free firewall provides basic protection from intrusions. ZoneAlarm free does not come with an anti virus that would normally come with the retail version. Therefore you will have to install other programs with it.
Spyware Scanners
A spyware scanner is something that scans for spyware. You only need to run this program every month or so. The easiest program to use, as well as being free, is Ad-Aware.
Spyware is usually installed when you visit a website that has infected cookies. Using the program A2 as described above, you can choose whether to reject these cookies anytime the program suspects something.
Routers and Firewalls
First of all, if you don't already have a router, it is recommended that you go and get one, even if you only have one computer in your home. A Router acts as the best kind of firewall, a hardware firewall. It protects you from all kinds of viruses and keeps your information safe. Hackers who want to gain access to your computer who may try to port scan your computer. High end routers may be able to completely block these scans or at least slow the hacker down. The majority of hackers on the Internet do not want to waste time trying to get through a router, and would rather move onto another victim.
Apart from hardware firewalls, there are also lots of software that is available for you to install free of charge. Many of the smaller companies provide just as good protection from threats as large brand names such as Norton or Sophos.
The four main types of programs that you will need to protect your computer are an active virus scanner, a firewall, a spyware scanner, and a general anti-virus program.
Virus Scanners
An active virus scanner is a virus scanner than runs in the background whenever your computer is running. These programs tend to take up very little memory because they only run quick scans of any and every file. A2 Guard or ASquared is a highly recommended program. It scans files in the background and does not compromise your CPU's resources in doing so.
Software Firewalls
A firewall is something that prevents intrusions into your computer. There are many versions available on the Internet, so you will be able to find lots of a free firewalls to download. One highly recommended firewall is ZoneAlarm. The free firewall provides basic protection from intrusions. ZoneAlarm free does not come with an anti virus that would normally come with the retail version. Therefore you will have to install other programs with it.
Spyware Scanners
A spyware scanner is something that scans for spyware. You only need to run this program every month or so. The easiest program to use, as well as being free, is Ad-Aware.
Spyware is usually installed when you visit a website that has infected cookies. Using the program A2 as described above, you can choose whether to reject these cookies anytime the program suspects something.
This is highly recommended.
Anti-Virus
A general anti virus is a program that scans for viruses and either deletes or quarantines them. A favorite among computer users is the freeware AVG. It thoroughly scans files when performing a scan and is very reliable.
Armed with these programs, you should have no trouble browsing through sites on the Internet.
Anti-Virus
A general anti virus is a program that scans for viruses and either deletes or quarantines them. A favorite among computer users is the freeware AVG. It thoroughly scans files when performing a scan and is very reliable.
Armed with these programs, you should have no trouble browsing through sites on the Internet.
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