COMPUTER SECURITY TIPS
"PRACTICE SAFE COMPUTING"
Here are some free full version computer security related programs...
Antivirus
AVG AntiVirus Free Version 7.5 protects
your computer against viruses, worms and malicious code. This free antivirus program allows you to
scan on demand or at scheduled times. It also features an e-mail scanner that
supports most e-mail programs such as Outlook Express and Eudora.
AVG Free
Comodo Free AntiVirus Eliminates Viruses,
Worms and Trojans from desktops and networks.
Comodo Free AV
(Beta)
PC Tools Antivirus Free Edition provides world-leading
protection, with rapid database updates, OnGuard™ real-time protection and
comprehensive system scanning to ensure your system remains safe and virus free.
PC Tools Free AV
(Beta)
Firewalls
PC Tools Free Firewall Plus (Vista
Capable)
PC Tools Firewall
Spam
The computer security experts at Agnitum
Ltd. have unleashed Spam Terrier, which protects users of Microsoft Outlook and
Outlook Express from spam. The anti spam software is free.
http://www.agnitum.com/products/spam-terrier/index.php
Spyware and Adware
Spyware and adware affect computer users and their systems as much as
viruses. Here are some free solutions that I recommend...
Comodo Anti-Malware - Protect yourself
from online identity theft. The greatest threat on the Internet today is having
your personal information hijacked remotely. 100% FREE.
Comodo BOClean
Ad-aware 2007 Free -
This program finds spyware, also known as adware. These are little programs that
advertising companies place on our computers. They report back on our browsing
habits. Run Ad-aware weekly, and get this garbage off your hard drive.
Ad-Aware 2007 Free
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There are several other free ways to get top-notch antivirus
support. Most of these free tools are of the "run once then quit" variety, and
so can't protect you all the time-they only scan for viruses on your system when
you're actually running the anti-virus scan. As such, these aren't quite as good
as the full-time/always-on antivirus protection you can get from stand-alone,
retail antivirus software. But they still can go a long way to improving your
security. And for the price, they can't be beat!
Trend Micro also has a popular and easy-to-use free online virus scanner at:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com
Panda Software has a free online antivirus program called
ActiveScan. You can try it here:
http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm
And the folks at PC Pitstop offer a free online
anti-virus scanner; it uses the "active" technology of Internet Explorer to
safely and swiftly scan your hard drive for a very wide range of harmful
viruses. It's at:
http://pcpitstop.com/antivirus/
Adobe Acrobat Reader 8 has been released!
Adobe Reader 8 is now available for any Mac OS X and Windows operating systems and can be downloaded in various languages, including English, French, German and Japanese. To download version 8, just click here.
Seven Simple Computer Security Tips for Home Computer Users
• Use strong passwords. Choose passwords that are difficult or impossible to
guess.
• Make regular backups of critical data.
• Use virus protection software. That means three things: having it on your
computer in the first place, checking weekly for new virus signature updates,
and then actually scanning all the files on your computer periodically.
• Use a firewall as a gatekeeper between your computer and the Internet.
Firewalls are usually software products. They are essential for those who keep
their computers online through the popular DSL and cable modem connections but
they are also valuable for those who still dial in.
• Do not keep computers online when not in use. Either shut them off or
physically disconnect them from your Internet connection.
• Do not open e-mail attachments from strangers, regardless of how enticing the
Subject Line or attachment may be. Be suspicious of any unexpected e-mail
attachment from someone you do know because it may have been sent without that
person’s knowledge from an infected machine.
• Regularly download security patches from your software vendors.
"PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER, PROTECT THE INTERNET"