The long awaited update: PC protection

It has been far too long since my last update. It seems like I didn't keep my word of providing basic internet and computer information. I'm back though and hopefully will be doing an update at least monthly if not every 2 weeks or so. I have plenty to cover, it's just a lack of excitement or inspiration has kept me from writing.

In this entry I'll be covering ways to protect yourself from viruses, adware/spyware, and hackers.

If you buy a commercially made computer (Dell, HP, Compaq,etc...), it usually comes with a trial or limited version of an anti-virus program. In most cases Norton or McAfee will be the program. The first thing I would do is look for alternatives. Why would you do that? Well it's always good to see what your options are. There are a few free anti-virus programs out there better than Norton or McAfee and the best thing is... they're free.

A few years ago when you used the internet, depending on your browsing habits you'd constantly run into spam, worms, and viruses. In today's usage of the internet, we now have a couple more things to worry about such as adware and spyware. Adware is usually software that will show advertisements on your PC. They come in the form of random pop up messages and may start initializing even when you're not using a browser. You can get adware from installing software that packages it either as an incentive to being free, or hidden without your knowledge.

Spyware is software that sends personal information to a third parties without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about Web sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you unsolicited targeted advertisements.

Now there are tons of programs out there designed to stop all this from happening, but what most people don't know is which to choose. Most of the pc users I know tend to go with the most popular since so many people have it, it has to work right? You would think that, but sometimes they can work too well. Norton likes to take over your computer, so much so that you get fed with your PC and won't even use it. Sure it works by keeping you away from the internet, but no one really wants that.

I have tried possibly 4-5 different programs in my time, among them Norton, Kasperky, and AVG. The best so far has to be AVG. It's free and there's no hooks or catches. Take a look at the wiki table for comparing anti virus programs:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_antivirus_software

I do however use this in conjunction with a few other programs. For my spyware and adware I use Lavasofts Adaware program. You should always be kept up to date with any of these programs. You can setup automatic scans during anytime time of the day. Virus protection should be ran everyday, and ad/spyware scans once a week. You should also note to only have one anti virus program installed on your computer, otherwise they might start conflicting with one another.

The last program you should install is a personal firewall. A firewall is a program or hardware device that filters the information coming through the your internet connection to your home network. If an incoming piece of information is flagged by the filters, it is not allowed through. A firewall with block protocols hackers (or programs) would use to communicate directly with your pc. The best program out there that I've come across is Sunbelt's Personal Firewall.

With all of these programs I mentioned it's really up to you to become familiar with them. There is plenty of documentation provided by the company, but for the most part navigating around the program and getting used to the interface is a big step in the right direction. No one is instantly familiar with a programs settings. It can also be a bit intimidating with all the features they include. Don't be afraid to join forums and ask questions, that's why they are created.

Filehippo.com is a great site to get free, trial, or open source software. It's linked on the right and I recommend it for obtaining most of the software I use.