5 Simple ways to keep your computer secure and virus free

These simple tips will help you stay virus and spyware free, even if

you're connected to the internet 24 hours a day.

1. Protect yourself

Good protection on the Internet these days consists of 3 components:

anti-virus software, anti-spyware software and a firewall.

As for a firewall, Windows XP ships with a decent enough firewall. Just

make sure it is always enabled. Alternatively you can visit a site like

www.download.com and search for Zone Alarm, which has an excellent free

version.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you need to keep your

anti-virus software up to date. An anti-virus program that uses

definitions that are months old is just about useless.

Update your anti-virus and anti-spyware software at least once a week.

2. Stop opening every attachment you receive.

Most of the devastating worms and viruses of recent times were

distributed via email. These viruses feed on the curiosity and also the

ignorance of a huge number of email users. People will get an email

from fakename@weirdsuspiciousdomain and they'll just open whatever file

is attached to it.

If you don't know the sender, don't open the attachment - just delete

it. It doesn't matter if the subject promises you'll see Britney Spears

dancing nude on the kitchen table, just delete it.

If the email is from someone you know, always scan any attachments

first before downloading or opening them.

If every email user in the world followed these simple guidelines the

distribution of viruses via email will grind to a halt.

3. Stay clear of pornographic and illegal software sites

If you want to pick up viruses and spyware quickly, visit some

pornographic web sites. One wrong click on a subtle little pop-up or

security warning window (which you'll run into often on these type of

sites) and you'll have infested yourself with trojan horses, spyware,

dialers and other unfavorable software that could leave your computer

wide open to further attacks.

The same goes for web sites distributing software, serial codes and

cracks illegally (warez).

Simply put - keep out of the dark side of the web and the odds of

keeping your computer clean shifts decidedly in your favor.

4. Watch out what you download

Spyware is embedded in a lot of software on the Internet - especially

those related to ripping, converting and playing music and videos. That

free MP3 player or DVD Ripper you just downloaded may have installed a

bunch of harmful spyware without you even knowing about it.

5. Keep yourself informed

Major anti-virus software developers like Symantec and Grisoft updates

their sites regularly with the latest virus alerts. Visit these sites

frequently to keep yourself aware of what threats are doing the rounds

and how to avoid them.

Using this simple software I have kept my computer virus-free for

the past 3 years. It's not rocket science. Just stay alert, use some

common sense and you too can stay bug free while still enjoying your

Internet experience.

What is a computer virus?

So, what is a computer virus, not only is it something that can damage the performance and life of your computer, but your mental well being as well. Combating a virus, without the help of anti-virus software such as AVG internet security, can be extremely nerve wracking and depressing because it can literally affect various parts of your computer.

How are computer viruses distributed?

Computer viruses are distributed in many different ways. One of the most common methods of distribution is via email. Some of the most widespread and destructive viruses are distributed via email. Typically, they come in an email that looks completely legitimate and they can even come disguised with an email you might be familiar with. Some viruses are simply spread by opening the email or by downloading an attachment. Many free emails such as Yahoo come with email virus scanners installed, which will not allow you to download the attachment if it detects a virus.

Another method of virus distribution is via internet downloads. These viruses are bundled in a download and typically come from websites with hacks or peer to peer programs.

When asking the question, what is a computer virus, you should also ask how you can combat or prevent the viruses from affecting your computer. There are many programs available to help you detect, remove, and prevent viruses. One of the most popular and best programs to date is AVG Internet Security, or any of the AVG products.

AVG, a product created by Grisoft, is an excellent software program that is perfect for detecting and removing computer viruses. Their internet security program not only provides anti-virus protection for your computer from Trojans, worms and viruses, but it also includes anti-spyware and anti-spam protection against phishing, spam, malware, adware and spyware. Additionally, AVG internet security provides protection with a firewall, preventing hackers from accessing your computer.

What Are Anti Virus Software, Anti Spyware Software & Computer Firewalls & What Can They Do For You?

Now that most people use the internet these days, it is a very good idea to make sure that you have good quality computer security software installed and protecting your computer. Anti virus software, anti spyware software and having a hardware or software firewall are now essential for everyone using a computer and here is an explanation why this is so.

Now that most people use the internet these days, it is a very good idea to make sure that you have good quality computer security software installed and protecting your computer. Anti virus software, anti spyware software and having a hardware or software firewall are now essential for everyone using a computer and here is an explanation why this is so.

Anti Virus software protects your computer from virus threats that can contaminate your computer and can slow down your computer, damage your files or even damage your computers hard drive requiring you to reformat your hard drive and needing to reinstall your operating system in order to get things back to normal. So as you can see anti virus software is an essential thing to have if you want to keep your computer healthy and free from viruses.

It is not enough just to install the anti virus software however, you will also need to keep it up to date in order to protect your computer from new anti virus threats, fortunately this is easy to do as most anti virus software programs let you update their anti virus files over the internet.

So what is anti spyware software exactly? Well anti spyware software is another kind of security program which protects your computer against all kinds of undesirables, such as spyware, keystroke loggers, malware, tracking cookies, dialers, trojans and unwanted commercial software. All of these things should be removed from your computer so that your computer security is not compromised. A good quality antispyware software program will protect your identity from unscrupulous people, hackers and fraudsters so that you can have peace of mind.