Nowadays, computers have become so common that most households
possess at least one of them. A stand-alone computer in itself does
not pose any security threat to the individual using it. However,
once connected to the Internet, each computer becomes a door which
any identity thief or hacker may use in order to take advantage of
the pandemonium of the World Wide Web. In an effort to protect
users from the aggravation caused by viruses, spyware, pop-ups and
spam, software companies have developed various measures aimed at
improving computer security.

Anti-virus software is the predominant development in this field.
McAfee and Norton are the two major companies offering such
anti-virus software, which actually searches through the files on a
computer in order to see if they contain certain characteristics
which could be viruses, or which are often associated with viruses.
The characteristics, known as virus definitions, need to be
regularly downloaded. In addition to files on the computer itself,
e-mails as well as files on CDs and floppy discs should be scanned.
It has already been accepted as an axiom, that anti- virus software
is absolutely essential for computer security.

Software aimed at scanning for spyware comes next. Spyware are
programs that certain websites run in the background of the
computer while gathering data about it. This data could be
relatively harmless information such as finding out what kind of
websites the computer owner visits, but it could also go so far as
acquiring passwords. In any case, spyware usually deteriorates
computer performance drastically and must be removed from the
computer. Ad-ware and Spybot Search & Destroy are popular
software used for this purpose, but they don’t cover all threats.

Furthermore, spam filters and pop-up blockers are also of critical
importance. Spam and pop-ups are serious nuisances to the user, but
worse, they are often the vehicles that sypware scanning software
(as previously explained) use to enter the computer. They also
negatively affect computer performance. An irritated computer user
is more prone to making a security faux pas than a calm one!
There are several more actions computer owners should take to
ensure their computer and information remains their own private
property, in addition to the software options previously mentioned.
As much information as possible should be secured via passwords,
and passwords should be complex enough to make them hard to guess -
the user’s name, spouse name or birth date are not good passwords.It is also strongly recommended not to check bank statements when
using an unsecured wireless network, since these networks enable
numerous people to use them simultaneously. It’s important to
remember that hackers spend a lot of time and effort trying to
access information, and users have to keep up to speed if they want
to keep their information secure!

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The computer world has become a dangerous place for the innocent
computer user - threats lurk around every corner, intending to
collect your information, damage your network, impersonate you and
generally cause chaos. Luckily there are several excellent software
programs which can help you defend yourself against these perils.
Even better, these programs are free, so you can get straight to
work!

Anti-virus protection is the first essential program you need.
There are many expensive and popular alternatives, which however
tend to slow down the performance of the computer and require an
annual subscription fee. Experience shows that the virus protection
provided by freeware alternatives is just as good. A good
recommendation is Grisoft’s  AVG Free Edition. Though the program
does not boast every single feature provided by the commercially
available programs, it provides excellent protection by performing
the most important task of keeping the system free of viruses,
Trojans and worms.

The second weapon in your arsenal should be the firewall. This is
necessary for preventing others from entering you machine. Hackers
try to infiltrate systems in order to steal data or damage the
system, or else they may try to take advantage of a computer by
using it remotely for sending spam email (known as a “spam
zombie”).  A firewall is vital for protecting the system against
these threats. If you are using Windows XP, you may already be
acquainted with the built-in version (available on both Home or
Professional Editions). However there are also many other options,
of which Zone Alarm Free Firewall offers the best alternative.

Equipped with anti-virus and firewall protection, the next issue is
one which is generating a lot of confusion - what can be done to
better manage passwords? The program CyberScrub KeyChain is an
excellent new program that offers a solution for this confusing
issue. KeyChain is distributed free, and stores all your user names
and passwords, as well as you credit card details and addresses.
All of this sensitive information is stored with one single
“master” password, which eliminates the need to remember the
multitude of access combinations you use. Whenever you enter a
password protected website, you highlight and click a small toolbar
in the browser and KeyChain automatically fills in your log-in
details and submits them. This application makes shopping on the
Internet much more simple and quick, and means you don’t have to
type in all your addresses and credit card information. A strong
encryption algorithm is used to make sure your sensitive
information is kept safe.

This overview would be incomplete without discussing the pestilent
spyware. It can be just as dangerous as viruses, and sypwares are
multiplying at a frightening rate, driven by creative schemes of
the mastermind hackers that invent them. Spyware is so powerful
that it can even control your CD drive, it can aid browser ads,
take control of your homepage and steal your passwords and much
more. To combat this hazard, you should take action, for example by
using Ad-Aware SE Personal, a very good program from Lavasoft.
This list should serve as a starting point, providing the
fundamental tools to protect you system and information. Take
action now, or you may well regret it!

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The most popular antispyware software today is distributed by Lavasoft. Ad-Aware SE Personal, their free version that is available to home users, has been downloaded nearly one million times every week. What exactly is it that makes this program so popular with internet users today?

If you are a commercial user, or need a more powerful version of Ad-Aware to meet your needs, Lavasoft offers several different versions of their antispyware application. For your convenience in selecting the correct one to suit your needs, Lavasoft has included a product comparison chart that can be found on their website.

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Spyware is becoming a very big problem for internet users. It is a program that will hide itself from the user but will perform operations in the background that intrude on your privacy. These programs will often come with other free downloads such as Kazaa, Imesh or Cuteftp. The reason that these programs have been given to you for free in the first place is because companies will pay the developers of these programs to insert their spyware programs into them.

Ad-Aware is an antispyware application that has been created and distributed by Lavasoft. They offer a free version of Ad-Aware for personal home users, but there are also several different levels of the program available for commercial use. Of course, these versions will offer more options and will cost money. To help you decide which version of Ad-Aware is going to suit your needs the best, Lavasoft has included a product comparison chart so that you can quickly determine the right Ad-Aware package for you based on your needs.

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