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If
you own a computer,
use
windows, and connect to the internet,
then this page is one of the most important pages you will ever read!!!
With the number of online Virus &
Security problems continuing to grow each and every day, web users need to protect
themselves. There is no such thing as a 100%
guaranteed way to protect your machine, but there are several key steps you can
take to experience a safe and virus free computer. The Four vital steps are
installing Virus Software, Adware/Spyware
Software, a Firewall, and updating your Windows Critical Updates
and Service Packs.
Note: The advice on
this page is to used at your own risk and digression. Any inadvertent problems
associated by using the following guidance from this page is the users
responsibility.
Anti Virus
Software: There are several very good virus protection software
programs out on the market such as Norton, McAfee,
and House Call.
I personally recommend Norton
AniVirus for it's user friendly interface and "auto" update
features. The key to any virus software to work properly, you will need to
make sure it's updated every day. You can do this manually each day or my
recommendation is to make sure the "auto update" feature is
turned-on.
Adware/Spyware:
Very quickly,
these types of Pests have become the biggest nuisance you will ever experience
with your computer!
Are you bombarded with popup ads, seeing new toolbars in your browser, is your home page changing to unwanted destinations or are you bombarded with irritating spam? Perhaps strange software loads on startup or your favorites have new entries that you don't want. This is a sign that your PC is most likely infected with adware, spyware, spybot, trojans or
a combination of another internet parasites.
This section if very difficult to write in a "nutshell," so I
have provided you with some excellent resources to answer your questions. In addition,
below are links to Adware & Spyware removal tools for you.
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What is Spyware & Adware? Find out how you got infected and what Spyware & Adware can do to your
computer: Click
Here for More Info!
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Recommended
Spyware Software: (FREE)
Windows®
Defender (Beta 2)
Once installed,
scan your machine and remove all the unwanted Spyware.
-
Popular Tools and Websites for
Spyware & Adware Removal: ewido
PestPatrol,
Glossary,
Pest
Encyclopedia, Search
Encyclopedia, How
To, Spy Sweeper (FREE),
Ad-Aware
(FREE), PC
Hell, CWShredder,
Merijn, HijackThis,
BugOff, SpywareInfo Forums, Windows
Process Library.
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On Maui, here's who I recommend
if you aren't able to fix your Computer on your own:
Q & A,
Inc. - Maui's Freelance Technical Support.
(808) 243-7600 | jonathan@q-a.net
270 Lalo Street, Kahului, HI 96732
http://www.q-a.net
Firewall
Protection: There are two types of firewalls, hardware and software.
If you are on dial-up, then you can use any one of the following: BlackIce, McAfee,
Norton, or Zone
Alarm. Any of these products are very good and the key to properly
using these software programs is to leave the settings at the recommended
security levels. For high speed DSL/Cable internet users, I highly
recommend using a Router with a built in firewall. My choices are the Linksys
and D-Link
products click on the product names to the left for all the details, pictures,
and great prices: The main reasons
for suggest the Linksys
and D-Link
products, are because they have excellent 24/7
technical support and most chances are you will need to call them because
setting up a router is a small challenge for most people.
Windows Critical Updates
and Service Packs: This is the
third and just as important step to a safe & secure computer. Click on the
"Start" button, "All Programs" or "Programs"
depending on the version of windows you are using, and click on "Windows
Update." Also, more information on updating & protecting your
system can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/security.
Follow the step by step directions provided by Microsoft, to perform all the "Critical
Updates and Service Packs." If you are not sure of the other
types of updates under "Windows 98/ME/2000/ or XP" and "Driver
Updates" you should skip the other updates. The reason you need to
update your windows operating system is because when any software company
develops a program, there will be problems that need to be fixed. The fix is in
a form of an "update" or in plain English a file that is downloaded on
to your computer that adds to or overwrites a portion of the old code to correct any
previous programming errors. In addition, the updates will correct problems with
security holes found by hackers that allow them to gain access to your PC and
see your private information and even wipe your system out. A lot of people have
the false notion or have been advised by a friend to never do the updates. I
have 1 word to say about their advice "Misguided."
Windows XP Service Pack
2 is Here!
Additional Information:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp
Prevent
Messenger Service Window That Contains an Internet Advertisement
How
to Enable Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) on Windows XP
In short, I hope this very
important information was helpful and easy to understand and I wish you a
very safe online experience by
installing Virus Software, Adware/Spyware, a Firewall,
and by updating your Windows Critical Updates
and Service Packs.
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