Computer Viruses - What are They? What to do about them?
by Kelley Kilanski
A computer virus is similar to a biological virus in that it is spread from one computer to another in a similar way that viruses spread from one person to another. Additionally, a computer virus cannot spread until it is executed. In order to be executed, a computer virus rides on top of other programs or documents, and then the harmful effects begin.
Once you have a computer virus has become 'alive' and started to infect your computer a whole host of problems can arise. Most of the problems caused by viruses are not entirely damaging to your computer, while some can be destructive in that they can destroy damage. Most of the negative effect of viruses comes in the form of the out of control reproduction, which can take up computer space.
Computer viruses are also extended to worms spread over the internet, which act in a similar fashion, but are more harmful and malicious in intent.The best solution is to get good software that will scan your computer for any Spyware, Adware and Viruses you might already have installed as well as eliminate it and protect you from further invasions.
One other thing to note is that while most viruses are targeted toward Windows Operating Systems, all operating systems, including Mac OS and Linux can be infected.
Your best protection is Anti-Virus Software that continually updates and to be careful about what you download off the internet. You only want to download from services or websites that you know to be safe.
For more information and to get a free scan, go to antivirus-now.blogspot.com or Opinedmind - Anti-Virus
(http://antivirus-now.blogspot.com/) (http://opinedmind.com/Prevent_Adware/Anti-Spyware.php)
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About the Author
The author runs the website Opinedmind.com writing articles on computing and financial issues.
Symantec, McAfee, and AOL add backup and antiphishing tools to suites.
by Narasu Rebbapragada
A new generation of security software embodying a holistic vision of PC health is right around the corner. Besides offering updated security features, new software from AOL, McAfee, Microsoft, and Symantec promises backup services and PC tuning utilities, with a different, yearly service type of pricing.
Microsoft kicked off the new trend at the end of May with its launch of Windows Live OneCare, which combines antivirus, antispyware, and firewall tools with Windows' defragging and cleanup utilities in one easy-to-use interface. OneCare also backs up data to CDs, DVDs, and external hard drives--though not to network drives or online storage.
Not to be outdone, established security companies McAfee and Symantec are assembling competing offerings; even AOL is throwing its hat into the ring. McAfee's new all-in-one package, Total Protection, came out in public beta in June, with a final version scheduled for late summer. Symantec's entry, Norton 360, should appear by March 2007; and on July 13, AOL unveiled a members-only beta of its Total Care suite. AOL will make the final version of Total Care available to nonsubscribers, though the company is not commenting on pricing; no final release date has yet been announced.
In addition to firewall, antispyware, and antivirus protection (AOL uses McAfee's engine for antivirus scanning), all three new products will add varying types of antiphishing features. OneCare lacks these defenses, probably because they're built into the new Internet Explorer 7. Like IE 7, AOL's limited feature blocks known phishing Web sites; McAfee's and Symantec's more sophisticated offerings can also analyze other Web sites and rate the sites' safety.
AOL, McAfee, and Symantec are also trying to outdo OneCare by supplementing their backup services with online storage. McAfee's Total Protection beta currently comes with 1GB of online storage. Symantec is still firming up pricing and features for its online backup service, and AOL says that it will be offering online backups, but not in time for the July 13 beta.
Priced at $50 per year for three PCs, OneCare is less expensive than traditional security suites, which tend to run $50 and up for a single PC (plus a yearly antivirus subscription fee). The cost covers all software updates, too; most traditional products do not. Clearly, consumers have found Microsoft's package enticing: According to NPD Group, a market research firm, OneCare ranked among the top eight pieces of software sold in the United States during its first two weeks on retail shelves.
Chris Swenson, director of software industry analysis for NPD Group, expects similar pricing for Total Protection and Norton 360, though neither McAfee nor Symantec has specified prices. He also anticipates improved customer service as the companies compete. Microsoft offers free phone-based tech support, compared to McAfee's $3-per-minute and Symantec's $30-per-incident phone support. Symantec is building real-time chat into its products, and AOL says its pricing will vary depending on the level of support it provides.
Microsoft's giant leap into the security software market caused quite a shake-up--and according to Swenson, that's a positive thing: "Consumers will benefit in the end."
PCWorld
Good Antivirus products
It's been enough of Articles and Information on Spam…Now I am shifting focus to Antivirus solutions. I have seen many times that people and even companies are uncertain about which antivirus is best for securing their Personal computers or their Network. People have different opinions about it. There are several very good antivirus makers in the Market that make top of the breed products and keep your antivirus latest with constantly updated database of virus definitions and product patches. Symantec, McAfee, Trend Micro are some of the reputed ones that we are familiar with. I have myself tried and tested various antivirus products and I sincerely feel the need of a good antivirus scanner. What generally people require for their home pc is a good fast scanning engine, ability to detect and clean viruses easily, besides it should be easy to operate and update. A good antivirus is found to have the following essential characteristics:Good detection rate: An antivirus scanner should be able to detect all types of viruses not only in uncompressed form but also in compressed form. It is an essential criteria for a good antivirus scanner.It shouldn't be a system resource hogger: A good antivirus software shouldn't eat up a lot of your system resources. This is especially important for barebone systems which do not have high processing powers and oodles of ram.Scan featues: Ability to scan boot sectors, scanning before startups, Creating emergency diskettes, Auto protection, scanning within compressed files, heuristic scanning, scanning emails and scheduling of scans, taskbased scanning, scanning downloads, ability to recover virus-infected files, variety of scanning options like including and excluding specific file types and generation of scan reports, creation of scan logs.Ease of use: It should be easier to use and fairly understandable and configurable even by novices and non-technical users.Just installing an Antivirus product is not sufficient, you must configure it properly according to your requirements. A good antivirus cannot do its job properly if it is't configured properly. Staying up to date with latest virus definitions also must not be overlooked. The two Antivirus products that I have found very good to use for a personal computer or SOHO or a small company network are Bitdefender Antivirus and Kaspersky Antivirus. They scan very fast without hogging up the system resources and are easy to update even on a dialup connection. If you are a general home pc user and use the computer for normal day to day activities like surfing, checking emails etc…Try Bitdefender Antivirus
It even includes spyware scanning and detection capabilities.On the other hand, if you are a bit advanced user, Kaspersky antivirus 2006 is a recommended choice. It has a very fast scanning engine and comparatively better detection rate than many other comparative antivirus products.Remember, you pc security is in your hand and it's your liability to keep your pc secure. For more information about some of the best antivirus products, you may visit www.pcsecurityworld.com/antivirus.php
Best Spam Filters
By Eddie Tobey
Spam filters have now become an integral part of Internet usage. Offering easy and user friendly methods of keeping unwanted mails away from the computer, these filters have become immensely popular amongst the users of World Wide Web.
Content-based filters are generally considered the best in terms of performance. Working on the simple principle of analyzing the message subject, headers and content and looking for indicators of spam, content-based spam filters block spam messages from entering the mailbox as soon as they encounter some suspicious words.
Some of the most commonly used spam filters are eXpurgate, Cloudmark, SpamPal, MailWasher Pro, Spamihilator, K9, Spam Bully, Spam Interceptor and many more.
Identifying and establishing a spam filter is not an easy task, as each spam filter has unique features. Moreover, this technology undergoes constant updates, and in such a dynamic scenario determining the best is not easy.
However, there are certain basic characteristics which a spam filter must have in order to function effectively. An ideal spam filter should be a combination of various filtering techniques, like content based, blacklisted/ whitelisted and volume-based filtration. It should not slow down the pace of the system. Also, no additional software or hardware support should be required, and it should be extremely user-friendly. Also, it should be flexible and adaptable to the filtering technique most suitable for the user, while requiring minimal maintenance
Spam filters certainly offer an extremely user-oriented and easy technique of blocking spam. However, apart from relying on technology, one may avoid unsolicited mails by practicing some common Internet safety tips. Apart from identifying private and professional mailing lists and operating them from separate mail accounts, one also needs to follow the professional ethics of using client-based email, as this is generally the worst hit by spam.
Every client-based email service provider, like Microsoft, issues certain guidelines for using the service. Adhering to these may bring down the number of spam mails incredibly. Following ethical Internet practices cautiously and using spam filters can offer a long-lasting and effective remedy to block spam messages.
Spam Filters provides detailed information on Spam Filters, Email Spam Filters, Free Spam Filters, Best Spam Filters and more. Spam Filters is affiliated with Spam Blockers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Tobey
Free Spam Filters
By Eddie Tobey
The increasing demand for spam filters amongst Internet surfers has made it imperative for the software developers to make and offer highly user-friendly and effective spam filters, free of cost.
The World Wide Web is deluged with spam filters which can be downloaded free of cost and do not require any additional software or hardware support. However, the user needs to keep certain guidelines in mind while downloading spam filters. One needs to check with their Internet service provider, as most ISPs offer some kind of spam filter. Also, the spam filter must be compatible with the email program installed in the system, as well as with the Internet mail provider.
Most of the software giants offer free spam filters which are highly compatible with their email services. Most of these spam filters are built into the mail service. Microsoft,
Symantec, McAfee, Allume, Mailshell, SpamFighter, Blue Squirrel, Firetrust, SpamBully, and Cloudmark Spam.net are some of the preeminent spam-filter makers.
Locating and identifying the most suitable spam filter may prove to be a tedious task for a novice. There are innumerable websites and online information resources which discuss spam filters at length and offer apt guidance for choosing the best and the most suitable one.
Spam filters are an immensely popular way to block unsolicited mails. However, practicing ethical online behavior and being cautious while exchanging emails plays a vital role in barring spam as well. One needs to clearly identify and categorize his mailing lists as personal or professional. It is advisable not to send too many personal emails or chain mails, to avoid attracting spammers. A bit of caution coupled with spam filter technology can prove to be very effective in controlling spam circulation on the Internet.
Spam Filters provides detailed information on Spam Filters, Email Spam Filters, Free Spam Filters, Best Spam Filters and more. Spam Filters is affiliated with Spam Blockers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Tobey
Way to Block Spam - Bayesian Filter to Fight Back SpammersBy Micky SingThe most prolific and path breaking innovation of last century had been the developments in the communication field. It literally changed the business working, product marketing, support services and most importantly, the advertisement campaigns.But just like all goods things comes with a price, so was the communication. It brought in the problems of Spam Emails. Automated mailers with mass mailing capabilities, growing marketing dependencies on this tool have seen the large losses in terms of time and money.There have been many ways of targeting spam mails like blacklisted domains, banned IPs, words in subject and many more. The spammers have always found out a way to change their identity. But here is the catch...Read More about Way to Block Spam on PcSecurityWorld
Simple Steps to Defeating Spam
By Ant Onaf
GMail SPAM filter is fighting a losing battle. I am doing some ANTI-SPAM testing. For the past 4 months I have been very public with my Gmail email address, signing up for newsletters, using it on forms, and sharing it publicly on forums, blogs, and discussion boards. I expected to get SPAMMED to death, that's exactly what's beginning to happen. Everyday, I receive about 20 junk emails. I know that is small, but for someone who is use to never seeing SPAM in their inbox, it's a quite bit.
I did this sort of testing, once before with Yahoo! Mail, and I took the time to get rid of all my SPAM (from coming into the inbox). I'll share my secret.
Read More on Simple Steps to Defeating Spam on PcSecurityWorld
How Do Anti Spam Solutions Work?By Paton JacksonWe have all suffered from these annoying dangerous spam emails. Most of us still do. There are excellent anti spam solutions in the market, there is no reason to tolerate this no more.To understand the solution we must first understand the problem. So, what is this spam email? Spam is unsolicited, unwanted, irrelevant or inappropriate email. Spam email is mostly used for commercial purposes. Spam emails are also known as �junk mails�.Read more on How antispam solutons work on PcSecurityWorld
Anti Spam Filters - Stop Making Excuses and Stop this Junk eMail
By Oliver Turner
It is high time to stop making excuses and stop this junk email. Make use of anti spam filters to prevent the junk mails from reaching your inbox. In order to keep your mailbox free of spam mails, a little knowledge on the various anti spam filters and their usage and functions is a must. There are a number of email spam filters that you can use in your computer for the Windows users. eXpurgate, requiring two different email IDs, works well in filtering spam. SpamPal identifies the well known spammers with the help of spam blacklists. POPFile are very effective in categorizing and separating the unsolicited mails from the personal messages. Some of the other effective spam filters include Spam Bully, Spam Inspector, and Zaep.
For POP accounts, Death2Spam is extremely effective. MailWasher Pro is secure and a time-saving spam filter that also protect your computer from viruses. Spamihilator, with the help of Bayesian filters, protects the email accounts.
Downloadable and Easy to use Anti Spam Filters
This whole new range of anti spam filters will make your net life all the more comfortable as you no longer will have to select and delete all the unsolicited mails. This irritating task will be taken care of by the various anti spam software. Anti spam for outlook includes Spam Bully that keeps your inbox free of spam. They work with Bayesian Spam Filter that makes use of artificial intelligence along with server blacklists to filter in only the wanted mails. They often put forth a password to be typed in correctly by unfamiliar sender so as to allow that mail into your inbox. They also forward the good mails into your phone. Anti spam software and anti spam solutions are essential to aid you in getting a clean inbox.
Since you will get not just one anti spam solution in the market, similarly there is no one particular way of filtering out spam. Some of them are pre programmed where the know spammers are inserted. They accordingly block them. Some of the programs filter the emails based on the keywords used in the mails. Some of the email spam filters are configured and you can easily customize it or the network administrator can also customize it according to the requirement of the company. With the advent of various anti spam filters, the time for making excuses is over. It is the time to stop this junk email from entering your inbox with the help of advanced and easy to use anti spam filters.
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About the Author
We have made the most comprehensive research to find the best anti spam solutions. Find it only on The best spam blockers research. All about spam blockers on LeanderNet
Detect Key Logger, Identity Theft Spyware
by Gary Gresham
To detect key logger spyware, you need to know what it is and how it works. Key logger is an invisible software program that identity thieves can use to track your online activity.
It is almost impossible to detect key logger on your computer and even if you're careful you'll never know if it is recording information such as bank account passwords and credit card numbers.
You won't even see your machine slow down or see anything unusual. It just silently watches every keystroke you type in as if the identity thieves were standing over your shoulder.
At least on third of all online scams can now be traced to keylogging. If you type key logger into any Internet search engine you can find several perfectly legal ways to buy and install it.
Several businesses use key logger software to monitor employee activity and parents can use keylogging to check up on the web sites their children are visiting. But in the hands of a hacker wanting to steal your financial information, key loggers are extremely dangerous.
Attackers who use key logger spyware often sell the information to third parties who can funnel money out of bank accounts or charge up credit cards. Hackers who use keylogging to get into one computer at a company have the ability to steal vital information from the entire organization.
The best rule of thumb is to carefully monitor what you download on your computer and what sites you visit. The major sites of banks and retailers are usually relatively safe. But be aware of downloading free software from an unfamiliar site that could leave you vulnerable to a potential hacker.
Here are a few tips to protect you against keylogging:
- Never open spam e-mail.
- Do not open e-mail attachments from someone you don't know.
- Do not click ok on pop-up windows without reading them first.
- Use a firewall to help prevent any unauthorized computer activity.
- Run a weekly, full system anti-virus computer scan.
Computer experts say the number of keylogging crimes is on the rise but there are ways to protect yourself . Detecting key logger spyware and destroying it can be done by installing spyware protection software.
Becoming aware of the different ways that you can avoid this from happening to you is the first step to protecting yourself.
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About the Author
This article is provided by http://www.spyware-information.com where you will find free spyware cleaners, downloads, removal software, computer firewalls and valuable tips. For regularly updated articles about adware, spyware and protection from identity theft go to http://spyware-information.com/articles_1.html
Spam! Spam! Spam! Spam!By Mike BryantIf you are like most everyone else in the world with an email address, you cringe every time you look at your inbox and see that 90% of your emails are from someone trying to sell you something. It gets to be a hassle, trying to sort the real emails from the junk, and I have more than once deleted an actual email thinking that it was junk. Of course, all this junk email we get has a name. And its name is Spam.The term Spam as it relates to junk email can trace its origins back to 1994 or 1978, depending on who you ask. The 1994 incident, where a husband and wife lawyer team from Arizona ‘spammed’ around 6,000 newsgroups is generally accepted as the beginning, however. The fact that a lawyer started this whole mess makes me think that there might be a lawyer joke somewhere to be found here, but for fear of litigation I will not attempt to find it…What is Spam, really? Well, aside from the mystery meat concoction sold in a can, it is really any unwanted email. Almost always these emails will try to sell you something. Sometimes they are intended to get you to visit a particular website or to make you think you have won something. The famous Nigerian scam is one of the most popular forms of spam. This is where you get an email from the brother/son/sister/daughter/uncle/etc of some high-ranking official in the Nigerian government. They inform you that the official has in his possession some large amount of American money, almost always in the millions of dollars. They then ask for your discreet help in getting this money into an American bank. And of course, they will reward you with tons of cash for helping them. It is really just a ploy to get you to send them money—don’t fall for it.Very often folks wonder why people go through all the trouble to send these spam emails when almost no one ever buys anything from them. Well, the key to that is that ‘almost’ no one buys anything. When you send out 6,000,000 emails trying to sell some junk, if only one-half of one percent of the recipients buy it you’ve sold 30,000 products. That is why spam is so popular, and so frustrating.There have been anti-spamming laws passed in recent years, but they are quite difficult to enforce. Unfortunately, spam may be with us for some time to come.Now for the Cool Site of the Week… If you are interested in reading more about spam, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s site at www.ftc.gov/spam. There you will find more interesting facts and you can also report spammers.As always, if you have any comment or suggestions please email me at mike@MikeBryant.com (no spam, please).----------------About the Author
Mike Bryant has worked as a professional software developer for over ten years. A born entrepreneur, he currently owns Centrant, LLC, a software consulting firm specializing in custom software for small businesses. He currently resides in Jackson, Kentucky with his wife, two kids, and five computers. For more information, please visit MikeBryant.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Bryant
