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software
Picking The Best Antivirus For You
Nov 28th
Some people I’ve talked with say they’ve been a little confused when trying to select protective software to use on their PC’s. One person said it best, “it seems like there’s almost as many different programs for protecting your computer as there are viruses trying to infect it”.
That’s not exactly true, but I’m sure it can seem that way to anyone who wants protection but isn’t sure on which software might be right for them.
So, I found this great article that talks about common needs and features in modern Antivirus applications, and how you can judge them for yourself when picking a program.
I would just emphasize that there’s really no wrong choice you can make other than having nothing to protect your computer and information, and you can always change what you’re using at any time if something doesn’t work with or fit your needs.
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How To Choose Best Antivirus Solutions
by Mike Selvon
These days there are a number of choices that people have when they need to purchase internet security software packages to protect their computers from online threats. People can choose to visit some websites and get trial versions of security downloads before purchasing a full program, or they can simply go into a retail store and buy the software installation disk. Regardless of which method of acquiring the software is preferred, the question still remains for most people, “What is the best antivirus software available and which should they choose?”
In most cases, the antivirus internet security protection software that is published today comes with good warranties, guarantees and a strong level of customer support to help the computer user deal with any serious issues that might arise because of the various internet threats that are posed to their systems. Because of this level of support, many PC owners are most comfortable with an antivirus internet security suite from a highly reputable company.
But, there is a strong contingent of people who are convinced that the best antivirus software packages are the ones that are freely available to computer users. Indeed, there are many different, free internet security systems available that can be found at any of the numerous software download websites or through various software discussion forums. Often, software publishers will have free versions of their software available on the sites as well.
In some cases, the software publishers offer a limited time trial in order to allow the PC user to try out the software. This is a great benefit for computer users who are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of options they have to choose from.
Typically, the company will allow you to use a full version of their software for a limited time, such as two weeks or 30 days. At the end of that period, you must purchase a license in order to continue using their security software.
The biggest advantage to these trials periods is that the user has the opportunity to get a “feel” for the software and to see if they are able to run it easily. They can test the user interface and see if it is intuitive or if it was designed more for computer geeks and engineers than for the average computer user.
In most cases, these companies also offer at least a minimum level of support while the user is testing their software. This is done with the hope that the user will be pleased with both the software and the customer support so that they will decide to make the purchase of the internet safety antivirus package.
Another way that some of the software companies allow people to test out their computer internet security software is to allow them to use a limited or “lite” version. Typically, the limited version will provide some functions that the full software features, but will have many of the advanced features disabled. In most cases, these limited versions have no time limitation on them, but simply do not provide the full level of protection that computer users should have.
Once the PC owner has had the chance to test drive the security suite software in one of these ways, they will be able to determine for themselves which is the best antivirus package for them. While testing the software to see how it handles threats, it is also a good idea to research the software publisher to know if they are reliable and if they have a good track record for providing good customer service.
Mike Selvon has some informative articles for the creative mind. Find out more about the best antivirus solutions at his resourceful site. We appreciate your feedback at our internet safety rules blog.
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Are Pop-Ups Still Bothering You?
Nov 21st
Most of the latest web browsers have some form of pop-up blocking embedded in them which is usually enabled by default, so the annoyance of pop-ups has been largly trimmed over the last year or so.
But still there are a lot of people using older browsers for whatever reasons, and some marketers have found creative ways of skirting around the default blockers in their codes.
So, if you’re one of the folks who can’t seem to stop pop-ups most of the time here’s a quick piece that just might help you.
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Pop-Up Blocking, Honest Advice and Reviews
by Nigel Fryatt
With the development of the internet, new marketing and advertising methods have been used in an attempt to catch internet consumers even when they aren’t browsing. Pop-up’s are not only annoying, they are embarrassing. How are you meant to explain to your partner, or boss, why you’re viewing a ‘one month free trial pornography banner’ Many people who aren’t educated in pop-ups don’t understand them, and will simply assume you really were trying to get that free trial.
Pop-ups mainly occur when you’re browsing the internet online, if not your in serious trouble. You may have a form of Adware, which means your screen gets completely covered in ads. If you’re interested you can view my anti-adware site where I promote and review adware prevention software on behalf of their developers, http://frynig.bezoogle.com/pp/adware/. If you’re not interested, then that’s fine, I’m here mainly to talk about pop-up prevention. You may already use a pop-up blocker then if so, you’ve got no need to read on although I strongly advise you do. Pop-up blockers allow you to stop pop-ups all together. Whilst your trying to watch films, no more little ads popping up in the middle. Whilst you’re in the middle of work, no more ads. Whilst your playing games online or chatting to friends, no more ads. It’s simple, you find a good quality pop-up prevention program and all the bother, annoyance and aggravation disappears.
Are pop-up prevention programs really worth it? Yes, many people have been known to completely destroy their laptops or computers because of pop-ups, they just can’t take the strain of pop-ups whilst trying to do things they want to do. Would you rather pay out for a new laptop/computer or spend very little on a high quality pop-up blocker. I’m not here to sell you these programs however; I just merely think it is an extremely worthwhile investment. I use them on a daily basis and I’ve been able to write this whole article without a single disruption.
I work within the pop-up prevention and adware field so I have great knowledge of the effects of both. I work on behalf of software developers to review their products and I get money for referring people to their websites. This is how I make my living; I’m not going to lie, but I only promote the most high quality programs. If you genuinely want to stop pup-ups then check out my anti pop-up review site http://frynig.bezoogle.com/pp/popup-blocker/. If you’re not interested in buying anything, then merely go to inform yourself.
I believe strongly that the annoyance of pop-ups can be stopped, but only using the best quality software. Take my advice and you won’t be bothered anymore.
I thank you very much for reading my article, and look forward to your visits on my sites.
Honest, Reliable reviews and opinions.
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Can You DIY on Spyware Removal?
Nov 18th
We’re always looking for good, reliable and affordable solutions to safe and secure computing online and off, so I was pretty impressed with an article I just came across from Tim Brendel on DIY spyware removal for Windows users.
It doesn’t take you through a step-by-step process, but provides the basic foundation knowledge you would need on spyware to begin researching options for yourself.
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Windows Spyware Removal – Do It Yourself & Save Money
by Tim Brendel
If you have a PC powered by Microsoft Windows, you more than likely have, or will experience spyware. In a nutshell, Spyware is an unwanted program that is installed onto your computer to intercept or take partial control over the user’s interaction with the computer, without the user’s informed consent. It is installed and runs without your permission in an attempt to gain statistics about your internet surfing habits. Spyware creators do this so that they can hopefully see what websites you frequently visit, and then advertise to you with related topics.
For example, let’s say you are shopping for a new vehicle. You visit a few websites, collect your needed information and move on. Suddenly, you get pop-ups, emails, etc. all related to purchasing a new vehicle! Another reason these spyware makers may do this, is an attempt to improve their software that you have already installed willingly. Yes, Microsoft & Adobe (the makers of the Flash Player and Adobe Reader) have, and still do use these spying programs to gain a better understanding of their target market. Spyware infections can get pretty nasty. If you have experienced an issue related to spyware, then there is a 90% chance that the rogue program isn’t alone on your computer. You more than likely have several other infections.
This is because of spyware Trojan Horses. They are installed onto your computer, then they go out and download and install other spyware programs, all without your consent or knowledge! This should be illegal, however the powers that be have realized that spyware makers are very sneaky, and do in fact deceptively get users to give consent to installing their software. They do this by providing little check boxes in a pop-up that read something along the lines of: “Click Here If You Accept the Terms and Conditions”. Does anyone ever read those terms? Short answer -
NOPE!
The good news is that Spyware is definitely not permanent, and in most cases can be removed quite easily if the infection isn’t that bad. You can take your PC to a repair shop, but be prepared to pay high dollars for this service. The going rate for reputable computer repair is upwards of $125 per hour, and spyware & virus removal services can take 2 to 3 hours or more. Sometimes, the other and most effective option is to backup your important data and reinstall your Windows Operating System from scratch. If you do end up having to go this route, you should know that your computer will be “like-new” when you get it back. Meaning, you will have to reinstall your printer, your internet software, and your favorite programs, etc. The up side to that is, there will be zero spyware or viruses when you get it back!
Tim Brendel – 28, Phoenix Metro Area, AZ has been a freelance writer for the last 5 years, and he loves sharing his knowledge and opinions for people to read. Tim is also an information addict! He wants to learn as much as possible about every topic that he get his hands on. As an author, he specializes in Technology, Advertising, Marketing, Social Networking, and in other areas of web copy.
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Spyware Removal Guide
Nov 13th
I found this article online and thought it worth republishing (with full permission) for readers here because it’s a pretty good guide for getting rid of spyware from your PC.
How Remove Spyware Removal Guide for Increased Computer Security
Spyware is a type of software that gets installed on your computer that collects information about you and your computer habits and sends this information back to its masters. The most malicious of these programs will actually steal important personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, financial information, and anything else that may be stored on your computer. If this sounds scary and you want to do something about it it is time to learn the ins and outs of how remove spyware.
The first thing you need to do before you remove spyware removal is determine if you indeed have some form of this malware on your PC. There are several ways of doing this.
• The first is to use your built in Windows Task Manager to see if there are any unfamiliar programs running on your computer. To access this feature pres CTRL-ALT-DEL at the same time and click the Task Manager Button. Check under the processes tab to see what programs are currently running. This can be effective if you are computer savvy and know what you are looking at.
• You should also check your startup list to see which programs are running at the time of a reboot. Click Start-Run and type msconfig and click OK. This will list out all running programs, some of which may be spyware.
• The best way to determine if you have a spyware infection is to use a dedicated spyware removal tool or program to scan and remove any malware from your system.
Removal of spyware is an important part of any computer security program. We all know that virus protection is important but spyware and adware should be considered just as dangerous. For this reason it pays to have a dedicated spyware removal program that not only scans for infections but also actively blocks these malware programs from ever getting into you computer in the first place.
Prevention is the best defense against spyware. Protecting you computer can be done quite easily if you keep the following things in mind.
• Keep your software up to date and always choose latest security patches
• Adjust your Internet explorer security settings
• Don’t forget to implement firewalls
• Try something other than Internet Explorer like Firefox or Opera
• Whenever you’re going to download software from a website read all security warnings, privacy statements and license agreement carefully.
• Be alert while downloading some free music and movie file sharing programs because these are main source of spyware.
About the Author
If you’re worried that your computer is infected with malware and you need a spyware adware removal program to restore your computers performance and protect your personal information please visit Spyware Adware Killer Choices by Clicking Here!
Internet Security
Jul 30th
Every time we get online we risk the security of our computers as well as our personal privacy and financial security.
From “script kiddies” who get their kicks from malicious behavior to highly educated hackers that are well funded by criminals who can afford the best when they steal it… someone is almost always trying to access your computer and your information.
But we don’t enjoy sounding like prophits of doom, and you can spend time online in relative safety with the right information and tools.
We hope you know these already, but if not here are a few rules for safe Internet usage:
1. Never share passwords
2. Never share personal information on insecure sites (look for the security lock icon in your browser to ensure a web site requesting your information has the appropriate security protocols in place)
3. Never download files attached to an eMail message unless you know and trust the sender
4. Never follow links from eMail messages if you don’t know the sender
5. If you do follow a link from an eMail message and the web page asks for a username or password don’t enter it. Even if the web page looks legitimate, it may be fake. This is called Phishing and is commonly used by crooks to get your passwords.
6. Be midful of what information and images you place on social web sites such as MySpace or Facebook, and also watch what information and images your children place on their pages. Think about how much what you’re sharing really tells about you and where you live, and how that information could be used by someone with malicious intent. What may seem like an innocent picture of your daughter’s cheerleading squad could tell a predator exactly what neghborhood you’re from if the school name is on the uniform and your daughter mentions what city you live in on her profile page.
Beyond the information you can control, there is also the task of protecting the information you don’t necessarily control. The biggest step to doing this is having a reliable and updated Internet Security suite installed on your system that will block intruders from gaining access to your computer and files.
There are plenty of options out there and we’re not going to review them all. I’ll say that the old saying of “you get what you pay for” should be kept in mind when selecting one. The types and number of threats that exist online are growing every day, so the companies that can afford to keep up with them are the companies that can provide you with the best security.
We love to promote free and open source software whenever possible, but unfortunately when it comes to threat protection the people behind those or low priced options are understandably behind the pack in every case we’ve looked at. They just can’t afford to stay as current as the larger suites.
We’ve used several different security suites over the years, changing brands whenever we find one that we feel is better than what we’re already using, and for some time now our suite of choice has been Computer Associates Internet Security Suite.
It’s easy to setup and use, and we’ve been completely happy with the protection it provides.
This isn’t meant to be an endorsement of CA’s Internet Security Suite, I’m just sharing our thoughts on it, but you should look at multiple options before picking a suite and decide what’s right for you.
If you do want to try CA’s we’ve found a coupon that gives you 15% off on CA’s Internet Security Suite Plus 2008- Enter coupon code CAISS15 during checkout.