These are strong reasons to support the need for installing computer security systems. The first important requirement is licensed Anti-virus software. There are over 50,000 known viruses and 200 new viruses are discovered every month. The easiest method for spreading viruses is by e-mail attachments or instant messaging messages. Viruses can be disguised as greeting cards, funny images, or video and audio file attachments. The computer needs to get updated with latest threats and that is possible only with original computer security software as it gets automatically updated every time the machine goes online.

The next important requirement is Firewall Software. This enhances computer security by controlling communications from it, prevents unwanted accesses and is capable of blocking outgoing and incoming IP addresses.

Often computer security is compromised due to spyware that enters a machine by deceiving the user or through some software loopholes. Sometimes the user is tricked into unknowingly installing it or it piggybacks on desirable software. Hence, spyware removing software is a must in the computer security system.

A pop-up blocker is another important element in securing computers. Malicious attackers are likely to use pop-up windows that are concealed as special offers to set up a malicious code on a computer.

Besides all these installations it is important to ensure correct practises to ensure computer security when accessing the Internet. Never download email attachments from unknown persons, do not share your banking details and passwords with unknown people, do not click on links inside emails, for financial transactions – type in the URL each time on your browser and take care when sharing flash drives. These are just some additional measure to ensure computer security.

You’ve bought your computer and want to get online? It’s not as simple as connect the wire and off you go these day’s. The internet is a weird and wonderful place as long as you can control what you do.

That’s why you need to protect yourself. These can be done in a number of very simple steps. This article will get you started but you should always try to be smart when your surfing the net!

Step 1: Anti-Virus Scanner

Whether you’re connecting to the internet or not, you need an Anti-Virus scanner. Your computer can become infected with “viruses”. These are little files or codes that have been written to ruin your computer! That’s why they must be stopped!

There are many programs out there that can help, but it’s best to trust only the mainstream programs as these are used widely and updated regularly.

Recommendations:

AVG Anti-Virus Free

Avast antivirus

Step 2: Firewall

Ok so your thinking what is a “firewall” sounds scary right? Well it’s not really. It is again another line of defence against the number of ways your computer can be attacked. In simple terms it blocks other computers and programs from connecting to you and playing with your stuff. Think of it as an internet wall of fire, where you allow what can pass through.

Software – Again there are many programs available to protect you, Recent Microsoft Windows machines come with Windows Firewall, which can be described as basic at best. We do recommend you go for mainstream again.

Hardware – A firewall can also be included as part of your hardware, like an internet router “that’s the box that sits between your pc and the internet line”. This is the best and recommended way to have a firewall. As it blocks intruders before it gets to your pc.

Recommendations:

Zone Alarm

Step 3: Be AWARE!!

Simply put watch what you download and accept to save to your PC, sometimes people can send you files in e-mails. They look ok but when you run them they will install something onto your PC and leave you upset and distraught. Always scan something that has been downloaded before opening it and never open/run programs that have been sent in an e-mail from unknown sources.

Step 4: Go for it

That’s pretty much it to get you going. If you think something doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t. Hopefully this will get you going to start with, wait till you find out about spy ware and Trojan’s!! Good Luck and Safe Surfing

Article Source:  ArticleGeek(dot)com