| I have been around computers for years. I even teach | | | | from spyware. I run these programs once a week to |
| on Introduction to Computers class at a four-year | | | | ensure that my computer is free from spyware. The |
| university. Despite my knowledge of computers, I was | | | | two programs I use are:SpyBot - Search and Destroy |
| not immune to the problems that viruses and spyware | | | | Spyware BlasterBoth these programs can be |
| can do to a computer. My computer was attacked | | | | downloaded for free at I use a free program that |
| and it was so bad I ended up replacing my hard drive. | | | | checks for advertising trackers and lets me get rid of |
| Does that sound scary to you? If so, I apologize. At | | | | them. You can download a copy of this program at |
| the same time, I hope that my experience can benefit | | | | The name of this program is: Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE |
| you.While many computer users are familiar with the | | | | PersonalThere are a few other things I would like to |
| term virus, not as many understand the term spyware. | | | | mention concerning viruses and protecting yourself |
| Simply put, spyware is software that performs certain | | | | from them.a. When you receive an email from |
| behaviors such as advertising, collecting personal | | | | someone you don't know and it has an attachment. |
| information, or changing the configuration of your | | | | Never open the attachment. Often times these |
| computer, generally without your premission. Here are | | | | attachments can have viruses in them.b. If you receive |
| a few things that can happen if you get spyware on | | | | an email from someone you know with an attachment |
| your computer.* Pop-up advertisements will appear | | | | and you weren't expecting it, don't open the |
| even when you are not on the internet.* Your home | | | | attachment. Contact them first to make sure they sent |
| page (the page that comes up when you first open | | | | it. Sometimes a virus can send out emails without the |
| your internet browser) changes all of sudden and you | | | | person even knowing.c. Be careful when you are |
| don't know why.* A new toolbar appears and you | | | | downloading software or programs off the internet. |
| can't seem to get rid of it.* Your computer takes | | | | Often spyware software will install during the |
| longer than usual to complete certain tasks.* Your | | | | installation of other software you want such as a |
| computer crashes a lot when it never used to.Just | | | | music or video files. Whenever you are installing |
| reading the above list should be enough to encourage | | | | something on your computer, make sure you carefully |
| you to read on and do what you can to prevent | | | | read all disclosures, including the license agreement and |
| viruses and spyware from attacking your computer. | | | | privacy statement. Sometimes the inclusion of |
| Below is a list I compiled of things you can do to | | | | unwanted software in a given software installation is |
| protect yourself from viruses and/or spyware. | | | | documented, but it may appear at the end of a license |
| Following these suggestions doesn't mean you will | | | | agreement or privacy statement.d. Be careful when |
| never have a problem. However, it should lessen the | | | | you use a file from someone else's computer. If |
| chance of it happening.1. Everyone should have good | | | | someone gives you a disk, even if it is your best friend, |
| anti-virus software on their computer. This is especially | | | | run a virus scan on the disk before opening any files. It |
| true it you use the internet. I use PC-cillin Internet | | | | is possible for the file to have a virus without the |
| Security 2006 on my computer. Before that I used | | | | person knowing about it.I hope these tips will prove |
| Norton's Internet Security. Both are good but only work | | | | helpful to you. If you have good protection and |
| well if used properly. If you are a beginner computer | | | | exercise caution you have a much better chance of |
| user, I would recommend Norton over PC-cillin. | | | | getting through your computer life without the |
| However, PC-cillin is a good program for those who | | | | headaches of viruses and spyware. However, |
| are more advanced computer users. It requires a little | | | | remember there is no guarantee that it will never |
| more patience to set up and a better understanding of | | | | happen to you.A computer virus is a program that |
| computers than Norton's does.2. While it is nice to have | | | | invades your computer system, hides there, and |
| Internet Security software, one must make sure it is | | | | replicates itself. Viruses spread when you launch an |
| turned on and that it is updated weekly. New viruses | | | | infected application or start up your computer from a |
| are being created daily and if you don't update your | | | | disk that has infected system files.Donna |
| anti-virus software weekly your computer is open to | | | | Rivera-Loudon |
| attack by new viruses.3. Make sure you have a good | | | | Tips on Computers and Technology |
| firewall and that it is turned on. A firewall helps protect | | | | Donna has an MBA in Information Technology and is |
| your computer from outside attacks. Again, a good | | | | currently a Tupperware Director and CEO of her own |
| Internet Security program such as Norton's and PC-cillin | | | | company. She also teaches online Management and |
| come with a firewall. However, remember they only | | | | Business classes for a local community college as well |
| work if they are turned on.4. I use two free programs | | | | as computer classes for a four-year university. |
| in addition to PC-cillin to give me a little extra protection | | | | |