Some Terms Defined
To understand the discussion below, it is important that you understand what is meant by a number of computer-speak expressions we will use.
? Virus A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can also replicate themselves. All computer viruses are manmade. A simple virus that can make a copy of itself over and over again is relatively easy to produce. Even such a simple virus is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring the system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself across networks and bypassing security systems.
? Spyware Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet; however, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. Also called adware and malware.
? Firewall A system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. Firewalls can be implemented in both hardware and software, or a combination of both. Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria.
These definitions are courtesy of Webopaedia.
How Clean is Your PC?
A recent US study by America Online and the National Cyber Security Alliance found that most computer users believe they're safe from viruses, spyware and adware, called malware, when in fact their machines are infected with some form of malicious code.
Our experience, without having conducted a detailed study, is that the situation in Australia is exactly the same. Dell recently reported that a significant percentage of calls to its support desk are as a result of virus or malware attack.
If you wish your PC to be clean and kept clean, there are some critical things you must do.
Why Should You Worry?
Viruses and spyware can be very damaging to the data on your PC and may seriously erode your system security.
Viruses can damage your hardware, corrupt your data or make your software stop operating. It can make your machine useless for a short while or forever, depending on the virus it contracts. And it is reasonably simple to address this problem.
Spyware is usually designed to broadcast back to its originator details about how you use the Internet, but there are far more critical aims to some spyware applications. They are known to capture user names and passwords and send them to the originator to use for nefarious purposes. Spyware is a significant risk and should be managed in the same way that you should manage viruses: with care and deliberation.
The study referred to above found that 80% of investigated PC were infected with some form of spyware! Only a quarter of respondents felt they were at any risk of infection. There is an enormous gap between perception and fact.
How to Keep Your PC Clean?
There is no single process that will ensure your PC stays clean. Rather, it is a series of things you must do routinely to maintain your PC in a healthy condition. Like a car or a house, it is of limited value to just whip a vacuum cleaner over the carpets if what you seek to do is to clean it properly.
Here are some steps.
? Be careful where you take your PC on the Internet. Some types of sites are frequently “dirty” and you should try to stay away from them if you can.
? Be careful about opening e-mails from people or addresses you don’t know. Both viruses and spyware can be transferred to your machine from infected e-mails.
? Purchase a competent anti virus product and keep it up to date. By up to date we mean EVERY time you attach to the Internet, ensure you update your virus identity files - EVERY TIME.
? Check your PC regularly with a quality spyware protection application. Some basic applications are quite adequate and may be downloaded free from the Internet. We regularly check our machines with two of these applications. Make sure that every time you go on the Internet that you download the latest recognition signatures for the spyware product(s) you are using. Like anti virus, spyware is of absolutely no value unless it is up to date. In the above study, an average computer had nearly 100 spyware items loaded, sending your information heaven knows where, and impeding the performance of your PC.
? Install a basic firewall and have it configured by a person competent to do this work. This may be a piece of hardware, called an appliance, or a program which achieves the same thing. Chose the option which best suits your requirements. A firewall may not prevent your system becoming infected, but it should stop a malicious program from spreading your personal information to criminals using spyware to gather data from your PC.
? Don’t hide behind a slow modem. Your information is as attractive to a gatherer whether you use permanent broadband connection or a dial up modem. It might take them just a second or two more to get what they are seeking.
IF IN DOUBT, SEEK HELP FROM AN EXPERIENCED SOURCE.
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