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Are you running Security Software?
If you aren't running any security software I highly recommend you read the following. If you are running security software and want to know more about it's capabilitites and limitations, read on.
Security software is not yet able to assist people in identifying phishing scams and advance fee fraud (Nigerian scams) effectively. For this reason it's very important for Internet users to be able to identify online fraud without relying on software that doesn't detect the fraud. Security software is good but you must understand that it will never be perfect.
Security software is generally pretty easy to manage and you don't need to be a computer geek to manage it. Most security programs provide a dashboard that can provide information about what software programs are running, if updates are set to auto and when the last update actually happened.
Antivirus protection and firewall settings have become standard for home and business computers. Antivirus products find bad programs or code that a user might receive in email, the firewall protects against hackers, and the anti spyware software cleans up files that don't qualify as malware but aren't desired.
Windows XP comes standard with an integrated firewall and some people think that the Windows firewall is all they need to surf the web safely but that's not true. The firewall only stops unauthorized users from getting into your system, the firewall doesn't protect the PC from a virus or from malware or adware. You need a complete security software system, not just the Windows firewall.
Malware can mean a Trojan or it can mean spyware or adware, it can also mean a root kit as well as a worm. Malware is short for 'malicious software' it includes viruses, programs that copy themselves without your permission, and spyware, programs installed without your consent to monitor or control your computer use. Criminals are hard at work thinking up creative ways to get malware on your computer so you need a software system in place to keep your computer safe.
Viruses are computer programs that infect a computer and then multiply by infecting other computers connected to the original computer. Viruses can be passed through a computer network, the Internet or email. The internet is a large network and it's possible for one computer to infect every other computer in the network. Not likely but possible.
Virus writers have tried and still do try tricks like faking e-mail addresses from your friends, faking a software update and even disabling your security software. So, is your security software on or off?
Anti Virus(AV) software is a type of security software which can protect your computer and get rid of viruses, worms, trojans and malicious programs. AV Systems have a very specific task. Recognition of as many potentially damaging viruses as possible. AV services and programs won't identify malware nor will it remove malware.
Spyware is usually defined as a type of malware (software that gathers information from a computer without the user's knowledge). Some spyware applications may also be deliberately installed by semi legitimate businesses and often contain advertisements, window pop-ups or different types of unpleasant software.
Passwords need to be created and changed according to prearranged guidelines. Changing your passwords regularly is one of the smartest things you can do. Don't keep your passwords on your computer, unless they are encrypted, because anyone who does break into your computer will then have access to everything you have access too. Security software can be a big help in this area. Make sure you use a strong password and not your kids or pets names.
Now you have some knowledge about security software and should be able to make a few decisions about how protected you want to be. I recommend everyone have security software installed and maintain it. I have since 1995 and I seldom have a problem with any malware, viruses or anything else. Security software is totally responsible for that.
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All computer users, at home or in the office, are exposed to more security risks than they can possibly imagine. Criminals and unprincipled deadbeats constantly prey on unsuspecting victims. You can get some help wth your computer security problems at the link below.
Computer Protection
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