More and more
computers across the world are getting infected
with complex and hard to remove malware, than ever
before. As we look into the future, the cost of owning a computer has risen exponentially - due to computer viruses, spyware and trojans!
I understand that most people could
careless about keeping their computers maintained and
updated. The problem with that is, Identify Theft is
REAL, and financial fraud is commonplace! Have
you ever
been a victim to identify theft? Have you ever had fraudulent
purchases made using your credit card? If so,
you should appreciate learning how to avoid such events from
occurring again. If you haven't been victimized, it's time
that you learn before it happens to you too!
Please follow my advice!
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1.)Norton
and Mcafee are highly publicized
companies...
BUT....their software can't compete with many of the FREE offers, that you can download and install to keep you protected. My two recommendations are:
*Antivir (click
to visit the antivirus download page)
Download one of the two,
install, run the "updates", and stay "PC
Clean!"
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2.)DON'T
use "trial" Anti-virus software that has
EXPIRED!
Make sure that your antivirus
software updates at least every other day. Were you aware that 35,000+ NEW
viruses are released - DAILY? Yes, you heard that
correctly. DAILY! People who purchase
new computers
usually use the trial antivirus subscription that expires
within 60 days to a year from purchase.
Check to see if your antivirus
software has expired, and if it has...renew or replace
it!
An antivirus
program with "old" definitions is useless; it's similar
to being online with no protection at all.
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3.) Stop clicking on
POP-UPS!
Advertisements can
destroy your computer by stealing your data, deleting
your files, corrupting Windows so you can't boot, stealing your
passwords and log in info, sending spam from your computer
to other people on your email lists...and
much much more.
If you see a pop-up
(considering you have a pop-up blocker installed) press: "Ctrl Alt
Del" -
those three keys simultaneously. Find the process that has popped
up in "Task Manager", and END IT! That's a better
way to exit pop-ups because pressing the
"X" may cause malware infection!
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4.) Use FIREFOX Internet
Browser!
Internet Explorer has too
many vulnerabilities and is not as secure as Firefox, and allows hackers, trojans, malware, viruses and other "maliscious" threats - to compromise your computer without you knowing. Download it, install it, allow it to import your favorites/settings, etc from Internet Explorer - and NEVER look back! Get it here!
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5.)Peer to peer file sharing? NO
!
Let's think of it this way;
having a program such as Limewire on your computer, is
equivalent to giving a 3 time burglary-felon, keys to
your home while you are away. You are allowing a direct
and OPEN connection to your computer for the outside
world to enjoy. BAD!! Worst of all, 95% of the
computers that we receive that are infested with viruses
and other malware - have had Limewire
installed.
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6.) Use an
Anti-Spyware solution!
Trust me, having an anti-virus program is not enough these days. With sophisticated criminals in existence, multiple layers of protection on your computer are needed.
What that means is; you need a FIREWALL.
You also need ANTI-VIRUS software. You also need ANTI-SPYWARE software. You definitely need EDUCATION! That's why I'm here. :) So check out my recommendation for a good spyware solution:
Malwarebytes. (Click to
download)
Download it, install it, update it,
scan your computer, delete any threat(s) found; and remember
to repeat weekly! If your computer has any one of the
symptoms of a malware infection, it's time to scan
using Malwarebytes.
Such examples
of those symptoms are:
*"Slow" computer
*Random blue screens or
crashes
*Random/constant freezing
in Windows
*Constant pop-ups
*Unwanted browser homepage
changes
*Re-directed to sites you
didn't plan to visit
*Being unable to install
anti-virus software.
*and much more....
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Well...that's it for now,
hopefully you learned some valuable information
that will help you to avoid spending your entire
paycheck on computer repair! Stay tuned in the
next few days or so for PART II of: "Get this
virus and spyware off of my computer!" Until next
time....
