Securing Your Computer

Protecting your computer these days is a must. Not having an anti-virus
program on your computer is a major risk for viruses, lost files, or even fraud. There are just way too many people out there these days trying to hack into computers.


Anti-virus

Viruses are software that designed to mess up and destroy a computer. It can sometimes be overwhelming choosing an anti-virus program. Norton Anti-Virus comes preloaded on many new computers. I personally feel that this it the worst way to go. Most people don't know that Norton is not always compatible with everything on your computer. They also don't know that it is a memory hog which means that it could slow down your computer and make it harder to run multiple programs simultaneously. Plus, you have to pay every year to keep using Norton.

For every type of software you can buy, there is someone who has made the same thing for free. Click here to read about freeware. Here are two excellent freeware (no cost sotware) anti-virus programs:

Avast - This is what I've used for the past two years and I haven't had a virus since. With this you do have to get an activation code once a year by email but once again, it's free. Go to www.avast.com for more info or you can click here to download it now.

AVG - I have not used this one much because Avast has worked fine for me but I have heard and read wonderful things and it grows in popularity daily. Go to www.avg.com for more info or you can click here to download it now.



Firewall

A firewall basically keeps people from accessing your computer from the internet. I would recommend having one if you get on the internet very often. There are many choices once again but I would not pay for this type software. I also disable Windows Firewall because it is essentially useless. I recommend Comodo Firewall. It is simple, powerful and nice to look at.

If you install it I would suggest setting the following settings: Go to "Firewall", "Advanced", then "Firewall Behavior Settings" and set the level to "Custom Policy Mode". I would also go to "Defense+", "Defense+ Settings", and set it to "Disabled". The "Defense+" feature is more of a hassle than a help.

Go to www.personalfirewall.comodo.com or click here to download it now.



Spyware Protection

Spyware is similar to a virus but it is best to have both bases covered. Spybot is a great program but you have to run it to get rid of spyware. By that time the damage might already be done.

I prefer Spyware Blaster because it is always running in the background making sure that no spyware is put on your comptuer.

Go to www.javacoolsoftware.com or click here to download it now.



I hope this has been helpful. I haven't had any virus, hacking, or spyware problems since installing these programs. Just remember, nobody ever thinks they'll be hacked until it's too late.