Security & Virus Information

To begin the process of making your computer more secure, let us begin with cleaning and protecting your computer from possible threats that are already inside your machine.

The first step is deciding what type of anti-virus program you wish to use. You have the choices of online scanners that will install temporary programs to check for viruses and store-bought scanners that will remain resident on your computer.

The advantage to online scanners is that the program used to search for viruses is constantly updated (i.e., any new potential virus threat will likely be picked up by the program). Keep in mind that no antivirus program is perfect, and you should run a virus scan of this type often. With purchased anti-virus programs that remain resident on your computer, the advantage is that your computer is constantly being monitored during the down-time that you spend not using your computer.

Many people find that they prefer the comfort of knowing that the program they are using to detect viruses on their computer is constantly updated. Here is a listing of some popular sites that feature an online scan for viruses on your computer.

PC Pitstop Antivirus Center - offers a free web-based virus scanner.
Trend Micro HouseCall - free online virus scanner.

If you find that you do not prefer this type of program, you may wish to install an anti-virus program. One that will remain on the computer and check for infections as you use the computer as well as scanning incoming files (including e-mail and downloads). Here are a few popular programs available for purchase either in stores or online.

Norton Anti-virus
McAfee Anti-virus
Trend Anti-virus
SonicWall Complete Anti-virus

Phishing Email Message Information

Windows Security - How to Avoid Phishing Schemes
Federal Trade Commission - How Not to Get Hooked by a Phishing Scam

Spam

According to the definition of spam on Dictionary.com, spam is unsolicited email, often of a commercial nature, sent indiscriminately to multiple mailing lists, individuals, or newsgroups; junk email.

Federal Trade Commission - Spam Introduction
Office of the Attorney General - Junk Email

Spyware

According to Wikipedia, spyware is a type of program that watches after what users do with their computer and then send this information to a hacker over the internet. Spyware can collect many different types of information about a user.
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Federal Trade Commission - Spyware
Microsoft - Protect your PC
Cleaning Tools

Clues that spyware is on a computer include:

a barrage of pop-up ads
a sudden or repeated change in your computer’s Internet home page
new and unexpected toolbars
new and unexpected icons on the system tray at the bottom of your computer screen
a hijacked browser — that is, a browser that takes you to sites other than those you type into the address box
keys that don’t work (for example, the “Tab” key that might not work when you try to move to the next field in a Web form)
random error messages
sluggish or downright slow performance when opening programs or saving files

Virus Information - Is it real or a hoax?

More Information