Adware, spyware, viruses oh my!

How many of you have a high-speed internet connection at home? How many of you have a firewall AND virus protection (and have it configured to update automatically)?

Does your computer run slow? Lots of stuff in the system tray? Do you keep getting annoying popups?

You need to PROTECT your computer from viruses, adware and spyware. Everyone should have the following:

• Firewall: This protects you from unwanted programs on the internet trying to access your system via open ports that you might have. It can also 'hide' your computers real IP address from other programs on the internet. If you have a hardware firewall or router, make sure it is properly configured. Windows comes with a firewall - it's not perfect, but a good start. An even better option is Norton Internet Security. This will cost you a little money, but it's worth it. I also recommend Zone Alarm, which comes in a free version and an inexpensive version that has more features.


• Anti-Virus: You need an anti-virus program that will monitor your system and squash viruses before they do damage. Make sure you have one that checks you email too (email is a popular way for viruses to enter your system). I personally run Norton Anti-Virus, which again will cost you, but it's worth it. A free virus-checker that I recommend is Grisoft's AVG 7, but keep in mind that it doesn't scan email (at least not yet). Make sure that any anti-virus program that you get is set to update automatically. There are new viruses every day.


• Adware / Spyware Removal: You should also have at least one adware/spyware removal tool that you run at least once a week. These tools find and remove annoying and potentially harmful adware and spyware programs on your computer. Go to What is the Difference between Malware, Adware, and Spyware? to read more about what these programs are, how to prevent them from infecting your system and how to remove them.

Most of the viruses I receive are from friends/family that have infected computers and my email address is in their address book. I used to get my share of Adware/Spyware, until I switched to FireFox and I don't them anymore (see previous post about Firefox).
Any question, feel free to ask!