PC Security guides

It is absolutely amazing how the internet has opened up a gargantuan mine of information to millions of humans throughout the world. Sadly, the internet has also served as a means through which some parties of malicious intentions would send dangerous items to unsuspecting internet users. This is why it is very essential for any internet user to arm their computers with sufficient protection and this can be done by getting PC Security Test.

The number of viruses, spyware, worms, and Trojans that lurk in cyberspace everyday are almost countless, and anyone who does not have ample means of protection or detection can greatly be affected. In fact, PC security experts estimate that a computer is safe for only about 20 minutes after it begins an internet connection, afterwards, it becomes entirely vulnerable to hacks, spywares or viruses.

While most PCs are generally protected from viruses, a lot of computers are actually not protected from spyware and other malicious software that infect computers. Moreover, the antivirus programs that people keep can easily become outdated and thus while you may be protected during the first few months of owning your PC, you may soon be vulnerable to threats if you do not update your PC security programs as often as they should.

PC users, especially those who are using Microsoft Internet Explorer are an easy target for these threats because they are using the most popular programs that are more often the target of spyware and viruses. These malicious software may attach to the Internet Explorer browser and create suspicious components like toolbars to display annoying pop up advertisements.

How to be Protected Against Such Malicious Content

To be greatly armed against such harmful programs, you need a real-time security scanning software to be used in conjunction with your usual anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall programs. One good example of such a software is PC Security Test which helps your regular PC security programs become more efficient.

What PC Security Test does is it simulates a threat attack and checks how quickly and how efficiently your protection software responds. That way, you are sure that your security protection system is up and running. Perhaps the best thing about PC Security Test is that it is distributed for free.

Making sure you are protected is easy with PC Security test. To get a copy, you simply need to visit http://www.pc-st.com/.

It cannot be denied that the Internet is indeed a great channel that gives people access to a vast ocean of information. However, being an open venue for data exchange, the internet also becomes a conducive medium to proliferate harmful items that can greatly damage the normal function of people’s life in information technology. This is why there should be a high regard to keeping one’s computer protected by the latest PC security software.

A lot of people still have double thoughts about getting PC security software because of the great expenses of getting one may entail. However, the costs of PC security software are but a minute percentage when compared to the billions lost by several industries to repairing the damages made by data threats. Moreover, one does not really have to spend much to get a good PC security software if one knows how to look for great value at a great price.

Here is an overview of PC Security Software and their Prices:

$50 and Below

SpyWare Doctor 3.5 and 4.5 - $29.95 – reliable protection against spyware

Webroot Spy Sweeper 4.5 - $28.00 to $30.00 – perhaps the most popular spyware buster

McAffee Virus Scan 2006 - $12.00 to $50.00 – one of the most reliable and sought after Anti Virus programs in the market

Yahoo Mail! – Free – scans emails at no extra cost, comes with their free email service

OnlyMyEmail Personal - $3.00 – another good email scanner for personal use

Qurb - $30.00 – wards off unwanted Spam from your inbox without eliminating the emails you are expecting to get

Postini Perimeter Manager - $15.00 to $20.00 – another sophisticated spam buster

Zone Alarm Pro 5.5 – $49.95 – nearly perfect firewall that wards off hacker attacks and suspicious software

$50 to $100

ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 6.5 - $65.00 – all-in-one PC security package, includes spyware, firewall, and antivirus.

Norton Antivirus 2005 - $60.00 – one of the top choices for virus protection, now equipped to fight internet worms

Above $100

eEye Retina Network Security Scanner - $995.00 – excellent protection for PC networks whether running Linux, Unix or Windows

BrightMail Anti-Spam 5.1 - $1,499 – corporate anti-spam software, one of the smartest spam filters that makes sure important
messages are not seen as rubbish.

The above are just some of the many PC security software available out there. Price ranges depend so much on features and reliability. However, you do not really need to spend life and limb to get your PC protected.

The important thing is to get the security software that is right for your purpose and right for your budget.

The cyberspace has opened doors of great opportunities to people all over the world. Unfortunately, the opening of a powerful channel has also led to the increased vulnerability of people and their computers to risks that have greatly affected the millions who are dependent on it. It is thus important to make sure that one’s computer is effectively protected and this could be done by a regular PC security check.

Millions of spyware, viruses, Trojans and worms are developed each year, each of them looking for unsuspecting Internet users to prey on. At least $55 Billion was lost because of security damages just in the year 2003, more than double the amount just a few years back, and now the extent could have already tripled.

To increase your computer’s defenses against these risks, it is important to perform a regular PC security check. Here are some ways of doing it:

1. Make sure that your Windows security is always updated. If you are not sure about this, visit Microsoft’s Windows update website www.windowsupdate.com, where you could check if your operating system is up-to-date. You could also download the latest updates in this website to be sure that you have the newest forms of defenses against computer security threats.

2. Be sure that your Anti-virus software definitions are updated as well. Always use the update feature of your anti-virus programs so that they have all the things needed to ward of the latest detected viruses. Your subscriptions for updates might have expired so be ready to renew them.

3. Always run the email attachments you receive through an antivirus scanner before opening them. Even if the email came from a trusted source, you cannot really be sure it is safe to open without scanning and cleaning the file. If you detect something threatening, inform the sender so that they may also do some security actions on their part.

4. Check the filename extensions of the things you get online. Some risky software might mask itself to be an innocent sound or picture file but in reality it is a program that could manipulate your computer. Be wary of opening files that have extensions .exe, .cmd, and .com for they could be executable files that have viruses in them.

5. Always be on the look out for the latest news and updates about viruses that may be lurking all over the net. These may be useful to help you stand guard against dangerous items.

Performing regular PC checks are very important. In a world that is dependent on computers, being secure is a great priority.

Local Area Networks or LANs have provided a lot of convenience for offices. Now, people do not have to run about the workplace just to send notes, or even reports to their colleagues and bosses. However, the office LAN can also be a means for one to lose privacy and it is thus important to know how to use it and protect your data.

The office LAN allows people to conveniently send and receive data to each other and even access particular computers without having to move around. But this also makes it convenient for confidential data to be accessed by prying eyes within and without the workplace.

Here are some tips on how to use your office LAN while still protecting your data:

1. Modify the default network name or SSID of your LAN. Hackers already know usual SSIDs of most leading LAN routers and thus they could easily gain access your own office network. Changing the network name is one easy step to make it more difficult for hackers to do their job.

2. Change your network administrator password frequently. Hackers also know the default authentication information for most LAN hardware and it is thus important not to let them take advantage of this.

3. Activate the highest security level for your office LAN. Hackers will have a more difficult time getting through your data when you set your LAN to the highest security level.

4. Keep your LAN hardware up-to-date. Normally, your office network hardware manufacturer would post upgrades and updates on their websites. You would want to take advantage of these things as they help boost your network security.

5. Think about using media-access control. By implementing this system, you can control which particular computers may access particular parts of the network. You would have control over who would be able to gain particular data saved in particular places.

6. If you are using a wireless router, try to place it as nearest to the center of your office as possible so that people outside the building or people in other floors may not be able to pick up your signal.

7. Disable your print and file sharing on the computer when you are not using it. It may be easier to just have it on all the time, but that makes you vulnerable to people who might want to see your shared files without your permission.

It is easy to be victimized by prying eyes with the very convenient office LAN. But you can keep yourself protected if you know how to use it properly.

Consistent computer security is the quest of all computer users everywhere in the world. And that’s because viruses moves fast and can propagate by the second. Software are constantly given patches but viruses are always restructured to work around it.

So the never-ending battle between viruses and computers continues. Your computer system has only one power against hackers and the damage that they can make. And that’s going to be a modern PC security software package.

The big question will be: “Where can I get the most modern computer security software?” You can buy them from the popular anti-virus software companies, for starters. And to guide which company to contact, read on the following:

1. Symantec Corporation. Symantec is the maker of the famed Norton Anti-Virus Software. Over time, their anti-virus software has evolved following the current systems and the new virus threats. You can buy and download the program, as well as other helpful ones, over the Internet. Check out their website and know what your options are.

2. McAfee Corporation. McAfee is considered to be Norton’s best competitor. They have an extensive line of anti-virus and security software just like their counterpart. If you have purchased their product before, you have the option of upgrading your software to the most current one to somehow save on the costs of buying new installation software.

3. GRISOFT S.R.O. Grisoft is a Czech corporation that released AVG, a relatively new software that can secure your computer systems. They have a free version available for home users. If you are out of budget, you now know where you can get modern PC security software at no cost to you.

4. Zone Labs. Who haven’t heard of the much-celebrated Zone Alarm System? Zone Alarm must be the first to come up with the programs that get rid of spy ware from a computer. Zone Labs offer a 15-day free trial version of their Zone Alarm program for users to experience optimum security prior to buying.

5. Trend Micro Enterprise. Trend Micro’s flagship security software is PC-cillin. And just like Zone Labs, you can try their modern PC security software, which includes Internet security and virus protection, for a specific period of time. They also have regular updates and patches to their software.

These are the companies you can go to for you to find a modern computer security package. Read all about their products and you will surely find one that gives premium protection that fits your budget.

If you are at your wit’s end because of viruses, spywares, and malwares always invading your computer system, there is one thing you can do to keep your sanity and computer intact. You can install one of Norton’s PC security software and give your computer the protection it needs.

They have security solutions that fit your network. Home computer users, small business, and enterprises can fully benefit from one of Norton’s specially tailored Internet security software.

1. Norton Anti-Virus 2007. Norton’s newest anti-virus software is called Norton Anti-Virus 2007. It has the ability to detect and remove both viruses and spy wares. Hazardous programs are effectively blocked before even before they had the chance to penetrate. E-mails are shielded as well. Viruses originating from e-mails will be screened accordingly and are prevented from spreading.

2. Norton Internet Security 2007. This software is helpful in preventing identity thefts. It also has the ability to detect as well as eliminate spy wares. Viruses and Internet worms are also removed. This software provides the most protection against possible hackers.

3. Norton Personal Firewall. The Norton Personal Firewall is a state-of-the-art program that regulates and monitors all incoming as well as outgoing Internet traffics. All intruders and identity thieves are blocked. The software also has the ability to make your computer undetected on the Internet, protecting it from possible hackers. It also automatically repairs the security loopholes of your computer by downloading the necessary patches.

4. Norton System Works 2006. For a complete computer protection coupled by performance checking and fixing, the Norton System Works is the best software yet. It guards the computer from crashes as well as installation and user errors while protecting it from the viruses, spy wares, and Internet hackers.

5. Symantec Antivirus for Handheld. If you use your PDA in surfing the Internet, you are going to need this software. It works just like the PC version. It also updates itself automatically when in synch with your computer.

6. Symantec Mobile Security. Just like your handheld, you needed protection for your mobile phones as well. This one will work with a computer that has Symbian as their platform. With this installed, you are sure that mobile phone viruses are warded off from your phone.

These are the Norton PC security programs that you can choose from. One of these would surely fit your specific security requirement. Just evaluate each of it so you’ll be properly guided on finding out the best one for you.

Instant messaging software allows people to chat with friends from anywhere, even across the globe. The instant messaging software is widely used because it provides real-time conversations, for as long as two people who wish to talk are online. The intended recipient can also read the messages immediately as it will flash on the screen, unlike emails that you need to open every now and then.

Yahoo, MSN, and AOL provide the most popular Internet messenger tools and software today. And because their programs are widely used, hackers had created worms to infiltrate it. To penetrate computers through instant messengers even proved to be more convenient than doing it through e-mails, because users always leave these instant messengers running about even if they are out.

But don’t stop using your Internet messenger just yet. There is still hope in securing your computer and your network amidst all the hackers lurking right outside. For one, be wary of the links you click. Always put your guard up. Ignore all kinds of messages, no matter how intriguing they may seem, if they don’t come from somebody you know.

Just one click on those links will take you to the download zone of applets that will propagate the worm. All the while you thought the installation screen you are clicking through allows you to view photos or sites it tells you about, but what it is doing is it puts viruses in your computer.

To further ensure that your PC is secure even as you exchange instant messages with friends, you can opt to install a tight security program. You can buy the one that works as an Internet firewall, spy checker, and anti-virus software all in one. Specifically look for the one that protects Internet messenger software from the major providers.

For emails, it usually comes built-in. But for Internet messengers, it has to be especially stated. Zone Labs had recently released IMSecure, a program that effectively encrypts your messages. It can also block questionable URLs coming from people not in your friends list.

Anti-software giants Norton and McAfee also integrated instant messenger scanning. Their program also protects the computer from receiving viruses from the file transfer option the messenger window has. Every URL’s sent are also screened.

Always remember that viruses and worms can be very persistent. They would look for any holes in your network and through your computer into your personal information. And then they would propagate and do the same to every person in your messenger list. Don’t compromise. Always secure your network.

With all the hackers roaming the Internet nowadays, installing firewall becomes a necessity. Firewalls installed in your computer make it protected from spy programs and possible identity theft. A computer connecting to the Internet without a firewall is like a soldier going to a battle without armor.

The first step in installing a firewall is to know what type you are going to need. There are several software companies providing one today. They are headed of course by many of the software giants such as Microsoft Corporation.

Good news to Windows XP users, Microsoft already integrated firewall to it. If you are using that operating system, all you need is to turn the feature on. Unfortunately though, for operating systems released before to Windows XP, there’s really no other choice but to buy the software.

The most popular software vendors are McAfee, Norton, and AVG. You can either get a CD or download the software from their website. Installation is mostly straightforward, but you might need to know a few things before you proceed in doing it.

1. Firewalls can block file and printer sharing. If you had setup your computers to share files with others in your house, installing a firewall on any one of them can suspend that feature. Before you become overeager in putting up the firewall, read through the installation windows flashing in front of you and select the option that allows you to continue with file and printer sharing.

2. Firewalls can temporarily take you off the Internet. This usually happens if you connect through a local area network or if you are using a router. Several routers have difficulty sharing Internet access to computers with newly installed firewall. While this should be solved by power cycling, some routers are simply not compatible with certain firewalls. Better call the firewall or the router company for assistance.

3. Firewalls can block you from entering a secure network. If you work from home and access your office network via a secure channel, you have to coordinate with your office IT department before installing a firewall. The firewall may cut you off entirely because it can put another layer of security to an already secured connection. Find out which firewall works best with your company security protocols.

Those are the three things that you should know before you proceed on installing a firewall. At times, installing a firewall would require extensive knowledge; because installing it is going to be critical both to your computer’s security and workability.

Since information technology is such a susceptible industry, with higher chances of acquiring information even if the owner is not aware of it, experts have come up with strategies that will tend to block intruders and other unscrupulous people.

In PC security and safety, technology experts highly recommend variations on access levels to avoid further problems inspired by fraudulent activities particularly in the Internet.

Access levels are those applications that are readily accessible in the Internet. This means that every user will have a definite and distinct level of approval and permission within the concerned application. Every application describes the kind of access levels obtainable to the “end users.”

Consequently, dynamic administrators will typically have the maximum degree of right to use as well as admission. However, this is still dependent on whether the concerned application is accessible to them or not.

In a business, getting access levels PC data will require the approval of the administrator. They are the ones who control the level of access provided by the company to such information pertinent to the business.

With that in mind, many businesses are not aware of the dangers that open access levels can do to their business. With this kind of access level, hackers and other unscrupulous people can easily gain access to your database, use your network connection, and send fraudulent emails without your knowledge.

And when your Internet Service Provider finds out that you are the one behind those unscrupulous activities, even if you were not directly liable, they will surely lock up your connection.

So the only solution is to enhance your PC security and safety by learning how to vary access levels PC data. Here’s how:

1. Change default settings

Some people are too damn lazy to change their access levels. To avoid further problems, it is best that you take time to alter the “default settings” of your access levels.

Keep in mind that default settings are usually created by the manufacturers. These data are easily hacked by geniuses nowadays. Hence, if you have not yet changed your default settings, chances are, you can be the next victim.

2. Always use an encryption algorithm

Most computer geeks are not aware of the benefits that encryption algorithm can bring. With encryption, your PC data are randomly and periodically encrypted to con hackers and scammers trying to get access to your PC data.

Indeed, learning how to vary access levels on your PC data will not only give you peace but can also safeguard your business as well as your future.

Computers share remarkable features with blocks. Like blocks, you can easily add up whenever you need something else besides the basic features if your PC.

If you want to give your computer a total boost on its speed and performance, you add up more memory, upgrade your video card, or connect a processor with greater speed.

With so many advancement in hand, having two or more computers at home becomes a normal scenario. That is because most tech-savvy people would rather have a different PC for their business aside from the one being used for personal purposes.

The problem is that the task of transferring one file to another and sharing hardware devices to cut back expenses can be very tedious. Hence, it is best that you learn how to setup a safe home network.

Why safe? Since you will be sharing most of your files to the other PC, PC security and safety becomes low. The chances of contracting a virus or other malicious software are increased.

Files and Internet sharing

If you are planning to share your Internet with the other computer at home, it is best that you use a router. In this way, you can share your Internet without the extra bill. You do not even have to buy another modem just to let the other PC working.

First, you must create your home network. With the use of a reliable cable, you can now connect two or more computers at home by accessing the “Network and Internet Connections” setup from the control panel. Just follow the instructions stated therein.

Once connected to a network, its now time you share the Internet connection. You can do this by using a router. This mean device can easily share your files or folders from one PC to another. Best of all, you can share Internet connection without any trouble.

Instructions on how to use your router are usually included on the manual of each device. Just keep in mind that in order for your network function properly, use “port 1” as the “default port area.”

Consequently, for safer Internet sharing and networking, your computers must have PC security services installed. The point here is that you can never blame the other computer for contracting spyware and Trojans and transmitting them to you.

If you want to build a safe home network, it is best that you pay attention to your PC security and safety program.