Owner: Anti-virus and Internet Security URL:http://anti-virus-and-internet-security.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Sun, 04 Nov 2007 23:32:04 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Explains Internet Security in words that anyone can understand. Helps the visitor understand how to handle computer viruses, spyware, adware, trojan horses, phishing, and other matters of computer security. Site statistics:Click here
What to do about Computer Viruses 2007-05-15 09:50:00 How to Deal with ComputerViruses
There are many ways in which a virus can infect your PC. But regardless of weather it is a harmful virus or an annoying "practical joke," it is dangerous to let one loose on your system, and it should be dealt with immediately.Whether you are connected to the Internet or not, it is safest to have an antivirus program installed on your computer. If you are connected to the Internet, it is basically a must.Types of Antivirus ProgramsThere are two types of anti virus programs. Both do more or less the same thing, but use different methods. Both types of programs are constantly on the lookout for viruses on your computer, but they do so in different ways.The first one keeps a list of known viruses and virus types, called "virus definitions." This list of virus definitions is called a virus library. It constantly looks through your computer, checking to see if anything coming into your computer is a virus. It does so by comparing all things coming in with
What You Can Do to Protect Others from Phishers 2007-05-15 09:28:00 (if you have not read the description of what phishing is you may see it here).Helping ProtectOthers
from Phishers
By reporting phishing to both volunteer and industry groups, such as PhishTank, you can help to protect others from phishers.Other anti-phishing methods have been developed, and have been included in web browsers, toolbars, and as part of web page login procedures. A few examples are as follows:Since phishing is based on the phisher pretending to be someone or someone or something else, one can prevent it if one can recognize whether a site is reliable or not. There are toolbars available that display which site one is really on.Firefox allows you to type in "petname extensions" and make your own labels for websites that you visit. Using this function, you will be able to recognize if you are on the right site or not, when you go back there later. If the site is false, the software will either warn you, or block the site. (You can download Firefox for free with the link at
Tips on How to Recognize a Phisher 2007-05-15 09:25:00 (if you have not read the description of what phishing is you may see it here).Recognizing a PhisherSPELLING MISTAKES in the email or Website. Sounds simple. But no reputable company will send you an email with spelling mistakes. Or at least they will try not to. It presents a very unprofessional image, and could harm its business.LACK OF A PERSONAL GREETING. This is another giveaway, though the fact that you are personally greeted is not a guarantee that it is not a phishing attempt. Paypal, for example, always addresses you by your name in its emails. A common practice of phishers is to send out fake Paypal emails. These are sometimes recognized by the fact that they start with the statement “Dear Member” or “Dear Paypal User” instead of “Dear Jane Smith” (or whatever your name is).OTHER MISSING DATA: Almost all legitimate companies include some form of information that is not easily available to someone else. Paypal always uses your username in its emails. Emails from ba Read more:Recognize
What is Adware? 2007-05-11 08:03:00 Adware - or Advertising-Supported SoftwareAdware, which is short for “Advertising-Supported Software” is any software which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertising material to a computer after the software is installed on it. It is usually included with other software downloaded from the Internet, especially what you download for "free". The price you pay is having the adware installed on your computer. when you run the program that you downloaded for "free" from the Internet, it will usually automatically cause adds to pop up on your screen thereafter. Adware software is integrated into or combined with another program. The person or company who is making the free program available is usually paid for including adware in his program. This is one of the ways that some programmers make a living or cover the cost of writing "free" programs. Sometimes Adware takes the form of spyware, keeping track of what you do on your computer, and which pages you visit on th
Computer Viruses and Antivirus Software 2007-02-07 19:02:00 Computer Viruses
and AntivirusSoftware
ExplainedWhat is a Computer Virus, and Why is it Called a Virus?Before understanding what a computer virus is, it is necessary to understand what a virus in when it occurs in a living form (such as a human body, an animal, or a plant).A virus is a small organism that is only able to reproduce itself within another living cell or body. It is typically harmful to the cell or body in which it lives, and is the cause of many illnesses and diseases. The word virus comes from Latin, and literally it means "poison."So basically it is a "poison" able to reproduce itself within another cell or body. An example of an illness caused by a virus is the flu.How does this relate to computers?Well basically, a COMPUTER VIRUS is a harmful computer program which will damage files or your computer, and which is able to duplicate and spread itself within a computer or computer network. Usually the computer virus is hidden within a program, file or document.Perhaps ev Read more:Computer
, Computer Viruses
Tips on Preventing Phishing 2007-02-07 18:59:00 Tips on Avoiding Traps Laid by PhishersPrecautions:Never, ever click on a link inside an email from your bank, credit card company, or other similar institution. Instead, go directly to their website. The only exception might be when this is impossible. For example, you sometimes receive a confirmation email where you have to click a link to verify your email address or change your password. In this case, you will usually have just logged onto the company’s website and requested to sign up, change your password, etc. It would not be a random email which you would receive out of the blue. And even in this case, remember the below precautions and tips.When you go to a website which has your personal information stored, such as your bank’s or your email’s website (like Hotmail or Yahoo), don’t type the name directly into the address bar. Instead, type the name into a search engine like Google or Yahoo, and then click the link to the site. Why? Phishers sometimes rely on spelling m
Computer Viruses and Antivirus Software 2007-02-06 05:47:00 Computer Viruses
and AntivirusSoftware
ExplainedWhat is a Computer Virus, and Why is it Called a Virus?Before understanding what a computer virus is, it is necessary to understand what a virus in when it occurs in a living form (such as a human body, an animal, or a plant).A virus is a small organism that is only able to reproduce itself within another living cell or body. It is typically harmful to the cell or body in which it lives, and is the cause of many illnesses and diseases. The word virus comes from Latin, and literally it means "poison."So basically it is a "poison" able to reproduce itself within another cell or body. An example of an illness caused by a virus is the flu.How does this relate to computers?Well basically, a COMPUTER VIRUS is a harmful computer program which will damage files or your computer, and which is able to duplicate and spread itself within a computer or computer network. Usually the computer virus is hidden within a program, file or document.Perhaps ev Read more:Computer
, Computer Viruses
"Phishing" Defined 2007-02-03 17:20:00 What is Phishing?Phishing is a relatively new term used to describe the act of trying to get private information from a person. This is usually done through the use of computers, but sometimes via telephone. The information gained is then used to commit crimes - such as emptying your bank account.Why the term "Phishing?" The word "phishing" is really a play on words. In English, the letters "PH" are pronounced the same as the letter "F." So "phishing" is pronounced in the same was as "fishing." One of the dictionary definitions of fishing is "to seek something by roundabout means." Since phishing is an action where one tries to get your personal information through the use of covert tricks and deceit, it appropriately describes this criminal activity.How is Phishing Done?Phishing is accomplished through the use of tricks or schemes to gain your trust so that you will give out your personal information. Your natural response to this statement is, of course, "yeah but I am not so easily
Computer Security and Antivirus Software 2007-01-29 19:30:00 Computer Viruses and AntivirusSoftware
ExplainedWhat is a Computer Virus, and Why is it Called a Virus?Before understanding what a computer virus is, it is necessary to understand what a virus in when it occurs in a living form (such as a human body, an animal, or a plant).A virus is a small organism that is only able to reproduce itself within another living cell or body. It is typically harmful to the cell or body in which it lives, and is the cause of many illnesses and diseases. The word virus comes from Latin, and literally it means "poison."So basically it is a "poison" able to reproduce itself within another cell or body. An example of an illness caused by a virus is the flu.How does this relate to computers?Well basically, a COMPUTER VIRUS is a harmful computer program which will damage files or your computer, and which is able to duplicate and spread itself within a computer or computer network. Usually the computer virus is hidden within a program, file or document.Perhaps ev Read more:Computer
, Computer Security
What are Computer Viruses? 2007-01-29 19:28:00 Viruses In modern times, most people are aware to one degree or another of computer viruses. But exactly what are computer viruses?Viruses are essentially computer programs written to cause harm and damage your computer. Viruses have the ability to open normal programs, files or documents, and copy themselves or parts of themselves into them.When you access an infected program, file or document, you also activate the virus program without knowing that you are doing so. Some viruses lodge themselves into the memory of your computer, and access files every time you or your computer opens a document. (For more information on viruses you may see the page here.)What happens when you open a program or document infected by a virus? That depends on what the virus is designed to do. Some erase files, some erase parts of files, some are designed to damage your computer operating system, and some are designed to simply fill your computer with unwanted garbage - making it impossible to operate yo Read more:Computer
, Viruses
, Computer Viruses
What are Macro Viruses? 2007-01-29 19:26:00 Macro Viruses
One way of covertly introducing viruses into a computer is through the use of a MACRO. A macro consists of several instructions grouped together which then carry out a series of instructions. Macros are normally very useful tools, that make working with computer programs easier.Common examples macro functions are: automatically inserting the date and time into your document, displaying a picture in your document, adding a sound to your document, or automatically calculating something in a spreadsheet. To perform these functions, the computer has to follow quite a set of complicated instructions. These are called macros.Sadly, macros can also be used to cause harm to your computer or files. When a macro is used this way it is called a virus. When a macro is inserted to cause harm, it might not even be visible; or might be disguised as something desirable such as an innocent picture.Far from all viruses in the form of macros. Some viruses come in the form of program files, Read more:Macro
What is Malware? 2007-01-29 19:26:00 Malware Harmful software is also referred to as "malicious software." "Malicious" means "intending to cause harm" and comes from the Latin word "malus," which means "bad." The term "malicious software" has also been shortened to the term "malware." One can define "malware" as "software that is bad or causes harm."In earlier times, the only way to give a computer a virus, was by inserting an infected floppy disk into your computer. Today, with much more advanced technology, almost every computer is interconnected to the rest of the world, one way or the other. On top of all this, advancement in software and computers have also opened the door to new types of malware.With these advancements in harmful or dangerous software, the term "malware" has come to mean all types of software or programs that are used to harm you or your computer.Next we will look into some of the other types of viruses and malware that are used to attack your computer:SpywareAdwareTrojan HorsesVirusesEmail Viruses Read more:Malware
What are Email Viruses? 2007-01-29 19:25:00 Email Viruses
An email virus is a virus that is distributed through the use of emails, most frequently as an attachment to an email.When the unsuspecting recipient opens the attachment to the email, the virus is released onto his or her computer. Most email viruses consist of a macro virus that enters the address book on your computer and then spreads itself to all of your contacts.The virus then automatically sends emails from your computer to all of the contacts in your address book, such as your family, your friends, and your associates. Anyone receiving "your" email, who opens the attachment of the infected mail, automatically has them same cycle occur in his computer. Such a virus can thus spread rapidly to many computers, in a matter of hours. Read more:Email
What is Spyware? 2007-01-29 19:24:00 Spyware Spyware another form of malware, which does exactly what its name implies. It spies on you through the use of your computer. Twenty years ago only a subject of science fiction, it is today a hard reality.Spyware consists of a computer program that collect personal information or other data stored on your computer, and then sends it to the originator of the spyware.There are several methods used by spyware in order to secretly collect information. Some of these are as follows: "Key logging" is a method by which the spyware keeps track of what keys you strike while you are at your computer. This is useful for detecting passwords, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, and other personal information.Other spyware keeps track of your web browsing habits, which can then be used to build a personal profile of you, discovering your interests, who you contact, and what you visit. When this data is transmitted it can then be sold to advertising a Read more:Spyware
What is a Trojan Horse? 2007-01-29 19:00:00 Trojan Horse
s"Trojan Horses" are named after the Greek legend of the Trojan Horse. The Greeks, at war with the City of Troy, had been unable to get beyond the walls to enter the city. So they built a large wooden horse, and hid a some of their soldiers inside. They pretended that the horse was a gift to the Trojans. When the people of Troy saw the horse, they opened the gates and moved the horse into their city. At night the Greeks came out of the wooden horse and opened the city gates. The Greek army stormed into the city and Troy was defeated.Similar to the Greek legend, we define a Trojan Horse as a computer file or program which seems to be useful, needed, or wanted, but which is, in actual fact, a harmful file or program. A Trojan horse looks like it is doing something innocent, such as showing a picture inside an e-mail or installing a screen saver. But in fact it is also doing something else - such as erasing files, or secretly sending information stored on your computer (s Read more:Trojan
New Antivirus Blog 2007-01-29 07:23:00 This is a new blog about Internet Security and Antivirus. It is written with the intention that ordinary people who are not computer experts will be able to understand it. As I add more content I will also add more features, such as a subscription box and additional links. But for now, if you like the blog, please feel free to bookmark it and tell your friends.
Reviews of Antivirus Software 2007-01-29 07:11:00 Reviews of Antivirus ProgramsSome of the common Antivirus programs are as follows:Kaspersky Antivirus and Internet SecurityAVG Free Anti-Virus and Internet SecurityTrend MicroPanda SecurityNorton Antivirus by SymantecMcAffee AntivirusWhereas Norton and McAffee are some of more well known antivirus programs, they are not necessarily the best. They tend to take up a lot of your computer power, and sometimes cause problems running other programs.When I had Norton Internet Security (which includes Norton Antivirus) installed on my computer, I noticed that the program took up A LOT of memory; running several processes at all times on my computer, and slowing the shut-down process. At one point the "System Restore" function of my computer did not work and it was only remedied by removing Norton! I often got messages from my Norton Anti-Virus, which I could not understand or figure out. The program asked me to make choices which I didn't understand.McAffee created problems on one computer Read more:Software
Features to Look for When Buying Antivirus Software 2007-01-28 18:58:00 Choosing Antivirus Software
Before buying antivirus software, there are several factors to look at; in order to ensure that you get the best possible protection for yourself, your family, your business, and your computer.To make an informed choice when selecting computer security and antivirus software, it helps to know a bit about computers and what threats there are to computers.In this page I will try to give you a basic overview of these factors, without going into needless technical detail. As the information on this blog intended for the average person, I try to steer clear of to much technical terminology. But where I must use it, I will attempt to explain it in simple, everyday language.First of I want to explain some of the common threats to the security of your computer or network.VirusesIn modern times, most people are aware to one degree or another of computer viruses. But exactly what are computer viruses?Viruses are essentially computer programs written to cause harm and Read more:Buying
Links 2007-01-26 15:52:00 Websites of InterestBlogz.inBlogz.in Computers and Internet
Recommend Site To A Friend
