Caution: Malicious Intent Possible

A Chumby downloading new software.
Image via Wikipedia

Downloading software is a great way to buy new programs or to update existing and already installed programs on the computer. However, it is very important to keep security concerns in mind when you download software from various places online. Firewalls and virus protection are things everyone should have installed on their computers at all times. While these things should protect the computer when downloading software, there are several other things one can do to avoid any malicious problems infecting the computer from a download.

First of all, downloading software from an obscure website is never a good idea. Always get downloads from reputable websites that are well established and well known for their quality. At the very least, talk to others that have used the sites before to verify reliability. Many such sites where software downloads are offered will have forums and tech support contacts listed. Use them to verify the site and the downloads. Again, always have the computer virus protection and firewall up to date and running when downloading software from any company, even reputable ones.

The types of viruses or computer infections that can come from malicious software bundling can range from mild annoyances to complete computer screw ups. Sometimes these things are not noticeable for awhile as they lurk about in the computer and wait for the right circumstances to wreak havoc. While that sounds dramatic and ominous, it is true. But with good virus protection software installed and kept up to date, most of these things should not be a problem for the average computer user. If something malicious does get past the protection set in place and basic removal techniques do not work, it is a good idea to seek professional help. Think Ghostbusters for computer virus battles and all will be well again.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Computers, Internet Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Free Software Advantages

NO INTERNET USAGE BEFORE THAT DATE) A letter...
Image by Getty Images via @daylife

It’s a common phrase, “You get what you pay for.” However, free software downloads do have their advantages.

Many times free software is basically a trial version of the full version, which you have to pay for. This can mean that you can use the software a certain number of days at the full version, you can only use certain parts of the program or in some cases such as with photo editing software, there may be a watermark on the finished photo while using the trial version. Using trial versions can give you a feel for the product without shelling out money first then finding out that you either don’t like it or it’s not what you what you had in mind.

Along with trial versions, there is also software that can be used entirely free. These programs may be of a lesser quality that paid versions but that is not always the case. Some free programs are from programmers who just want to share what they have done. They may welcome tips or donations and others may never mention payment of any sort.

Most of the time you can read online reviews of the free software you are considering using. It’s always a good idea to have anti-virus protection when downloading any type of software just to be sure it’s safe and free from viruses. Although this goes for any Internet usage, free programs sometimes have viruses attached. This is certainly not the norm but it’s proactive to be sure before downloading the program.

With free software programs you can perform many tasks such as balance a checkbook or add users to your Twitter ID. The sky is the limit and the worst case scenario is usually the fact that you don’t like the program, have to uninstall it and find another that suits your needs.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Security, Software Tagged With: , , ,

The Internet Jungle: How to Stay Safe

McAfee VirusScan v9.15.160
Image via Wikipedia

The internet has revolutionized the world. All the information a person could ever need is available online. Maps can be found and studied, histories can be read, goods and services can be bought and sold, a drug treatment program can be found, and people can meet each other from thousands of miles away. People can truly live through their computers, and some do.

While most people feel very comfortable on the internet, it is important to remember that you need to protect your computer just as you do your home. For home security you would install a burglar alarm, lock the doors at night, and buy home insurance. Computer security is no different. The internet is like a highway into your home: you can go for trips on it, travel to work, drive truckloads of information in and out of your garage, and have pizza brought to your door. On the flipside, however, others can travel on that highway. Information can be brought into your computer, and can also be taken away. Destructive software, known as viruses, can find their way onto your computer. Criminals can access personal information such as social security numbers, banking information, addresses, and steal it. A man once typed in his credit card number on a reliable website, then deleted it without processing the transaction. However, just by his typing the number in, someone was able to steal it and charge hundreds of dollars in his name.

You can protect your computer, and yourself, by installing antivirus software on your computer.  Also, be careful who you share information with about yourself and turn off your computer when you’re not using it–or even unplug it. Anytime your computer is on, access to the internet is possible, which means the internet can access your computer as well. Enjoy the internet all you want, just be sure to take precautions.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Security Tagged With: , ,

Top Free Security Software

I constructed this image using :image:Computer...
Image via Wikipedia

Computer and Internet security is important and while there are programs that can protect you that are not free, there are also programs that can be downloaded without costing you a penny. Here are some of the top free security software that can be used at no cost.

Avira AntiVir Personal Edition is a free edition that aids against threats from spyware, viruses and rootkit attacks. It has an excellent rate of detection against malware as well and as mentioned, it’s free to download.

Microsoft Security Essentials is a free program that has a heavy focus on rootkit threats. There are fewer false positives than other software and removes malware that may already by on your system.

Avast! Free Antivirus is similar to the previously mentioned software but has more features such as capabilities in real time, network shields, e-mail, web, IM and P2P. It doesn’t use many resources so it can be a good addition to your security software.

For scanning on demand, a-squared Free is a no cost software that originally started out to remove trojans but incorporated the Ikarus antivirus engine as well. It detects quite well but does have a lot of false positives that may turn some people off to its benefits. It is also a large file with large updates so only those with cable connections may find it useful.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is a software download that is quite well received. Although at one point it was one of the best, in recent years the aforementioned software has passed it in speed and resource usage. Due to it being at no cost, it also has advertisements that can be annoying, however these can be disabled by the user.

Having a secure computer, free of viruses and threats is of the utmost importance but shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. These free downloads should be helpful in keeping the cost low and your computer safe.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Computers, Security Tagged With: , ,

Just as You Would Guard a Kids Backpack, You Must Also Guard Your Security Online

I constructed this image using :image:Computer...
Image via Wikipedia

It’s probably one of the biggest words you hear nowadays: security. It comes at a premium everywhere and everyone is figuring out how to keep what is important to them safe. This is especially true in the world of computers. Finding a way to keep the information on a personal computer safe is something that computer owners, like yourself, worry about. It wouldn’t be uncommon to find a person spending over 100 dollars for top of the line security software. But even with the ever growing need for security against hackers, viruses, and identity theft, should you be paying a dime for your software?

While it would never be advisable or smart to operate your computer without any sort of protection, the same way it wouldn’t be safe to operate a kids backpack without a zipper to seal the contents, there is reason enough to think that you don’t have to break the bank to protect your computer. If you are using a company for internet access, and virtually everyone is, then you probably know these companies will give you free software and hardware virus protection. The way it usually works is you log in to their company website with a predetermined user name and password and there will be a tab on their for security. You then select the anti-virus software and it will allow you to install it and use it for as long as you are using their service. This is not the same as the virus protection they have for you online.

Companies spend millions of dollars to make sure that the Internet is secure. They will verify the quality, content, and safety of other websites and block those that are simply corrupt and will alert you to others where the content cannot be verified. It’s a necessary security measure in this day and age.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Internet, Security Tagged With: , , ,
Newer Posts »