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The Best Spyware Software
Mar 28th
Spyware, adware and malware are constant threats online and we’ve been asked about which programs we think are best for combating them. This is our thoughts on picking the best spyware software program.
Typically, most of the commonly known spyware fighting software is all going to do a fine job for you. For the average user the only noticable differences between them are going to be the user interface (how easy each is to setup and use) and the pricing.
Here’s the thing though, despite being a major threat online, not everybody has problems with spyware because some anti-virus and firewall programs alone do a very good job at preventing infections.
Also, web browsers and email programs are getting better at protecting users as well, and for some people your online habits alone help to keep your system safe because you aren’t visiting malicious sites or downloading files from unknown sources.
That’s why our first recommendation is to always perform a free scan of your system before even thinking about purchasing any spyware software.
You may not even need it right now, though it never hurts to have it handy just in case, but even if you’re purchasing something to be proactive against spyware your first step should be to scan your PC and find out what’s there or not.
When it comes to what spyware software to buy, just look at the common programs and compare prices as well as user interfaces. There’s no sense buying something that will be confusing or frustrating for you, the popular programs are all going to protect you from the common threats, so find the one that’s in your price range and easiest for you to get setup and running.
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Sean Wallace is a technical support technician in the web hosting industry, and fanatic to all gadgets and toys that are technology related.
2 Simple Tips to Prevent Spybot, Spyware and Adware Intrusions
Apr 19th
We’ve all heard the horror stories of identity theft, compromised PC’s that become slower or unstable, lost or stolen data. Every home computer and office workstation connected to the Internet is at risk of being infected by a spybot, spyware, adware, torjan viruses and worms.
That may seem overwhelming to some, but the good news is that 2 steps is all it takes to protect your PC and personal information, how much easier can it be?
1) Install preventative software. There are high quality spyware remover, adware removal, anti-virus and firewall programs out there for just a few dollars. Going online without them is like drunk driving, it will eventually end badly for you.
You risk your PC, personal data and even your identity if you surf the web without spyware, adware and anti-virus software running on your system, and there are people trying to access all of that right now. I can’t make it any more clear.
2) Keep your preventative programs up to date. Almost all of them issue constant updates to stay current with the threats they’re protecting you from, and have some sort of weekly–or even daily–update option available. Use this!
It’ll only take a few moments, and if you don’t keep these programs current then you might as well not even have them. The threats constantly change as those who want your information try new ways to get at it. These programs have to update frequently to keep up with those changes, otherwise it’s like putting up a fence but never closing the gate.
Here are a few simple things to avoid doing as well that will help in preventing malicious spybots, trojans and worms from infecting your system and accessing your information:
A) Never open suspicious emails from unknown senders. Have you heard that before? But did you listen? Most people don’t and just invite hackers into their homes or offices by opening these messages.
If you don’t already, start making a point of checking the sender’s address and subject line of every email you get before opening it. If something seems odd to you, it probably is and you shouldn’t open the message.
B) Never click on links or attachments/downloads in an email message unless you’re 100% sure of who sent it, and why. You may think it’s a harmless link to some online silly joke or video from your co-worker, but it could very well be something sinister that they didn’t actually send you.
C) Never use the login form of any web site page that you arrived at from an email link. This is the most common way identity theft occurs. Someone sends you an email that looks like it came from your bank, credit card company or some other financial institution and asks you to login to your account, with a link to the login page provided in the email. The problem is, it’s all fake.
Even if it looks like you’ve been taken to your bank’s web site, you’re more likely on a special landing page that was made to fool you. Then when you enter your normal login data on the page, they are waiting to capture it and within seconds your real account has been emptied.
If you think an email from your bank or credit card company is real, then visit their site by typing the actual address into your web browser yourself and find out. But do not use the link in that email!
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Heather Moore & McGeeks.com promote fun and safe computing habits online. Perform a FREE spyware and adware scan of your system right now at http://www.mcgeeks.com/adwarealert/
Computer Virus Protection Software Can Save Your Life
Mar 23rd
Right now you’re already thinking, “computer virus protection software can’t save my life, it only protects my computer”. Well, you’re sort of correct.
As the tech-guy who often gets called by friends and relatives when their PC’s are in trouble, and after spending six hours last night removing a virus and tons of spyware from a friend’s machine–a friend who didn’t have any sort of protection software installed–trust me when I say his life now depends upon him keeping the protection software I got him up to date from here on.
Obviously his life isn’t really in danger, but if I have to go through the same thing again with him in the future it could be a real strain on our friendship.
There’s simply no reason for anyone to be running their PC without proper spyware and computer virus protection software installed. There are great programs available which are extremely easy to install, and they cost next to nothing. Not having them is like refusing to ever put air in your car tires because it’s too much of an effort or you can’t part with the few quarters. Eventually your tires will go flat and then your car is just a giant paper-weight in the driveway. Same goes for the PC on your desk, and that’s one expensive paper-weight.
For your own good, because the tech-guy friend you call might not be as easy-going as I am, spend a few minutes and get yourself a decent firewall, along with spyware and computer virus protection software. Not only will it help keep your PC running more smoothly and faster, but it just might save your life.
Some programs I recommend for keeping your PC safe and running well: