Understanding The Differences Of Adware, Spyware And Anti-Viruses
25.07.2008 | Author: DebAllen |

If you are like me you understand that Adware, spyware and computer viruses are all bad for your computer but you do not really know the differences between them. Until recently all I knew was that I wanted my computer to run efficiently and do what I wanted when I wanted it to.

I really was not too concerned with anything else. That is, until I started having problems, big problems! Not only was my computer running slower but it was freezing up! I was told by different people that I needed to try to locate where I had downloaded my problem.

I began reading about the three possible culprits, Adware, Spyware, and Anti-viruses. I found out that Spyware is software that does not harm your computer, at least not intentionally. Spyware creates pathways in which someone other than the computer owner can communicate with the computer.

The normal function of Spyware is to record the various types of websites that you visit; this information is used by web advertisers. Of course they will be sending you unwanted emails and pop-ups. So essentially Spyware is not good but it does not harm your computer.

That is your word of warning, avoid Spyware whenever possible! As the name implies, Spyware actually have their own programs that allow them to record your keystrokes, scan your files, look at applications you use, and even your Web browser settings. What an invasion of privacy! In some cases the Spyware author may even sell this information to advertisers or other parties, thinking nothing of taking such liberties with your information!

So how do you know if your computer is infected with Spyware? One clue may be that it suddenly slows downs. This slow down effect would be very noticeable. Other signs include pop-up ads that are not related to the site you are viewing, very often they are ads for adult content. Your basic desktop may take longer than usual to load. If you notice any of this I suggest that you scan your system immediately

Let us talk about Adware now. Adwares are often legitimate forms of freeware. However, you need to be aware that adwares are advertising materials which are pre-packaged into a software or program. This means that the advertisements are installed automatically when the particular software or program is added to the computer application.

Okay, now for the worst of the three, the dreaded computer virus. Computer viruses can be very destructive. That is what they are designed for. I have no idea what pleasure the creator gets from that but none the less that is the purpose. Just as with a human virus, a computer virus infects as many of the applications and components of the computer that it comes into contact with as it initiates self-replication. But it does not stop there; a computer virus can be passed from one computer to another and another, that is how you got it, right?

There are many products available today that offer protection for your computer. But even those products do not insure your complete protection. Some only provide Spyware and Adware scanning and others claim to focus on particular computer viruses. It is wise to scan your computer often. Use a good protection system, including a firewall system.

Want to know if your computer is infected? Scan your PC for free by following this link: http://www.FitInsidenOut.com/PCProtect.html

Debbie Allen is a writer, internet marketer (visit: http://www.InternetDivaDeb.com) and personal coach.

An Online Data Backup Service Can Save The Day

Author: daniel

When you work on the Internet, there are safeguards that you need to take and one of them is all about making sure that you can carry on business in cyberspace with a reasonable assumption of security from day to day. See, it doesn’t matter if the information that you need is from the cubicle next door or from across the world, you need to rest assured that an online data backup service will save the day if need be.

Shopping

And that generally means that you’ll need to do a bit of shopping for the right one. First off, you’ll cant be dissuaded by those who say that all you really need for a remote backup service is a blank CD Rom. As convenient as that might seem to be, it’s just not true. Although these can save your data, they are susceptible to being lost or stolen and that puts them far behind the remote backup ideal.

So it becomes clear that the remote backup is the one that has all of the professional attributes that you’ll need and them the job becomes how to go about selecting the ones that’s right for you. Well, beyond the usual features that you’ll want to loo over, there are some other things that separate the best from the rest where these remote backups are concerned.

Look at the firms flexibility. Now it ’s not a secret that some of the places cater to the larger clients and that means that some of their products might be out of the price range of the small to medium sized business. So what you’ll want is to get as good look at the price range that the company is offering so that you can see if it suits your firm.

Then you’ll want to make sure that the palce has the best features. Now here that generally means that they’ve got great software and a security package that includes an above average data stroage facility. Remember that when you’re looking for the best in these storage facilities it’s always best to have a few points in mind and these include:

Cisco Firewalls. You want to be sure that you’re getting the best when it comes to this type of feature and all the experts suggest that you look for the brand names here. HP Servers. Again, it’s necessary to look for the best here and with a name like HP you can’t help but know that you’re in good hands.

About the Author:

Remote Data Backups CEO and Founder Daniel M. Dugal has brought a formal IT education to his online data backup service. His experience has made him an industry leader in remote backup technology.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - An Online Data Backup Service Can Save The Day

Introduction to Firewall Security System

Author: james burns

A firewall is a software application, located at a network gateway server. It offers a unique level of protection from nasty virus and virus infected programs that rely on unwanted incoming traffic aiming at attacking computers. It does so by blocking communications targeting to access your system without your permission.

Some of the operating systems by Microsoft like Windows XP and Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2003 offer a free firewall for users to protect their computers. They are known as Windows Firewall and allow connections from home networks and restrict the efforts taken to access your PC.

Windows firewall primarily aims at maintaining traffic between computer networks of different levels. It works the most efficiently if provides with proper configuration. Since, it does not cost to use Windows Firewall which comes bundled with your operating system, you must turn it on.

In case you are opting for the firewalls like Norton, McAfee, Zonealarm, or Comodo, you must choose it according to your work and personal requirements. After selecting the firewall comes it installation. Installing a firewall requires careful consideration and planning because this security system is most often placed in a critical path within a network topology. The next step requires you to configure firewall .

If you have any confusion while installing the firewall, you may contact computer help centers. They are certainly better options than doing the whole procedure wrong. With a high proliferation of online computer support

services, you need not search for them anywhere except the Internet. The list of good computer support centers will come over after you type the keywords such as ‘computer support’, ‘technical support’ or ‘online computer help’.

Computer help centers not only help you with the firewall installation but also get its configuration done in no time. Moreover, they are available 24x7. Some online computer help centers offer you a complete package of computer support services which include everything you want for your computer and its security. All these features make them superior as well as preferable over calling an expensive technician at your premises or taking your system to any computer repair showroom.

About the Author:

I am an online microsoft windows technical support specialist for iYogi, a leading IT support company Headquartered in India, iYogi provides Tech support via phone and remote access for home and small business users globally. Live 24/7 support coverage extends to technologies that we use everyday.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Introduction to Firewall Security System