Computer Security and Maintenance

Now-a-days most people know that how can use computer and use of the Internet, But many people do not know that how they can keep their computer securer and how to maintain it's performance. To keep your computer secure and how it running soothly, you should know some basic maintenance things like cleaning up hard drive, basic knowledge about security indication errors, how to perform updates, how to protect computer against viruses and spywares etc. Let us talk about some general things, which is very important to computer security and Maintenance.

As far as computer Security concern if you can understand these below mentioned keys then you defiantly can prevent your computer against viruses.

Use Firewalls: Firewall can keep your computer secure when you browse the Internet. Firewall protect you computer to remote hacking. It secure your all sharing resources. You can say a Firewall as a barrier that checks all network connection, which is connect your computer. So always enable your firewall protection. > To enable the Firewall. Go to Start>Settings>Control Panel>Security and Firewall

Antivirus softwares: Always use good antivirs software and scan your computer at least once in a week. You should update your antivirus regularly basis. If you dont have, you should get it right away. Here are some good antivirus software listed according to their related web site:

Norton AntiVirus http://www.symantec.com
AVG AntiVirus http://www.grisoft.com
McAfee AntiVirus http://www.mcafee.com
PC-cillin http://www.trendmicro.com
Spyware protection: Spywares is more dangerous rather then viruses. It can stolen your email passwords, credit card number, your personal information, it can make your computer performance slow as well. Some good antispywares are:

Spy Sweeper
Counter Spy
Spyware Doctor
SuperAntispyware professional
Ad-Aware
Now take some discussion about computer maintenance. A well maintained computer runs fast and working smoothly without getting any error. There are some simple and useful steps to keep your computer well maintained.

Check Disk and Defragmentation: These two Disk utility is very useful. With the help of Check Disk you can recover your hard drive bad sector and logical error, which improve your hard disk working performance. And other hand Disk Defragmentation utility rearrange all data of Hard Drive, which gives you fast file searching while using computer. >To Perform a full disc clean up. Go to Start> Accessories> System Tools> Disc Clean Up >To Perform a full defrag. Go to Start> Accessories> System Tools > Disc Defragmenter.

Disk cleaning: This is very important. Clean your hard disk every week. For cleaning you can delete files form "temp" folder, Internet temprory folder, Recycle bin etc. You can uninstall those programe which not use often and you can remove any toolbar of Internet browser.> To clean Internet temporary files. Open Internet Explorer > Tools > Internet Option > In General Tab press 'Delete temporary files' button.

About the Author:
Joseph John is a technical expert with iYogi. iYogi on 1-800-237-3901 provides computer help, computer repair, computer support, Microsoft support, dell support, computer repair etc. It is the winner of Red Herring Top 100 Award and helps millions of busy customers in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Singapore through their Microsoft certified technicians.

For more information visit: http://www.iyogi.net

Author: Joshep John

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Is Your Computer Safe from Spyware

Spyware is the virtual plague of the new Millenium. You no longer have to receive emails with viruses in them or even click on dangerous links on websites. Simply surfing the web can now leave you wide open to the scourge of spyware. You may also hear spyware referred to as malware.

What is spyware?
Spyware is when a program is placed on your PC without your consent. The most common way for this to happen is when you install a separate application such as a file sharing program or free download utility on your computer. The program you install also places some "extra" programs on your PC. These extra programs perform tasks from recording what websites you visit to popping up ads on your screen. More worrying are the spyware programs that record everything you type on your keyboard. That's right. Your most private instant messages, emails and chat room discussions can easily be stored and transmitted without your approval. Scary stuff!

Are there different types of spyware?
There are many different classifications of spyware but the following are the most dangerous types:

Adware
The most common type of spyware. These are small programs which sit on your computer waiting for you to go online. Once the adware detects that you're connected to the Internet it starts sending you popup, popover and popunder ads for anything from airline tickets to porn site membership. Not only that but information on your viewing habits is then sold on to marketing companies who will then send you more junk email and popup ads than you ever thought possible.

Browser Hijacker
These are just plain annoying. These install themselves on your computer and change your default homepage and search engine to something else. Every time you start your web browser it will bring you to a page filled with ads, porn or other unwanted material. This interrupts your web browsing and is intensely annoying. Most browser hijackers are also data miners. A data mining program reports your web browsing habits to a central database. This information is then sold on to marketing companies.

Keyboard Logger
These programs are designed for one thing - theft. When you log in to your online banking these can record your PIN number. When you check your private email account these programs can record your password. Keyboard loggers are potentially one of the most damaging pieces of spyware because of the potential financial dangers and theft of personal information.

Modem Hijacker
Potentially the most costly spyware. Modem hijackers are also referred to as diallers. Diallers normally install themselves to your computer via a virus infection or from warez, mp3 or adult websites. A dialler is a small piece of software that will dial long distance, premium rate phone numbers when you're not at your PC. These phone numbers are normally for adult chat line services located in Russia, China, South America and the Phillipines. I have personally seen unlucky victims receive $2,000 bills for one month of telephone calls.

How do you remove spyware from your PC?
Thankfully several responsible companies have made it their mission to help eradicate the menace of spyware. You'll need 2 - 3 programs to remove spyware from your PC. The first of these is Ad Aware which is a free download. The second application is Spybot Search and Destroy which is also a free download. Last but not least I'd recommend also getting yourself a copy of CrapCleaner 1.0. These applications can only remove the spyware already on your PC - they cannot protect your PC from being cluttered with new spyware.

How do you stop spyware infecting your PC?
1. Do not click on links offering free movies, competitions, prize draws, free software or anything that looks suspicious. If it looks like a dog, smells like a dog and walks like a dog... well it's a dog.

2. Install firewall software. This is absolutely critical for Broadband or Highspeed users. All computers connected to the Internet today should have firewall software installed - regardless of your connection speed.

3. Make sure your antivirus software is updated. Good antivirus software can find and delete the most harmful types of spyware.

Author: Geeta

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