Computer saftey adware, spyware & viruses

Computer SafetyViruses, Adware and Spyware

A Module of the CYC Course – Internet Basics

Computer SafetyViruses, Adware and Spyware

• Although searching the web, watching videos, and sending and receiving emails can be fun, It is important to realize that there is a responsibility that comes along with it.

• It is up to you to make sure that your computer is protected, and that it is free of Viruses, Spyware and Adware.

What is a VIRUS?

• A Virus is a code written with the express intention of replicating itself. A virus attempts to spread from computer to computer by attaching itself to a host program. It may damage hardware, software, or data.

An example of a computer virus

• The RINBOT Virus affects all systems that operate on Microsoft Windows, including Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, & XP.

• Adware is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertisements to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. Some types of adware are also spyware and can be classified as privacy-invasive software.

Adobe Reader

Yahoo Messenger

Real Player

Bearshare

While the term spyware suggests software that secretly monitors the user's behavior, the functions of spyware extend well beyond simple monitoring.

Spyware programs collect:•personal information•Internet surfing habits•sites that have been visited•And more…

Spyware interferes with the users control of the computer in other ways:•such as installing additional software•redirecting Web browser activity•accessing websites that cause more harmful viruses•diverting advertising revenue to a third party

Spyware can even change computer settings, resulting in slow connection speeds, different home pages, and loss of Internet or other programs.

WeatherBug

Morpheus

WildTangent

1. Purchase a credible virus protection software with regular updates.

Software packages that have a good reputation in the industry are

Norton Anti-Virus McAfee Anti-Virus

Both offer updates for a period of time following the purchase of their software.

Additional subscriptions to updates are available for a price. It is well worth it to keep your computer protected.

HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,ADWARE & SPYWAREADWARE & SPYWARE

2.Run your virus protection diagnostics regularly.• do not postpone updating

the virus definitions when your software prompts you to do so.

This will keep your computer's "antibodies" strong and able to defend itself from attacks.

HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,ADWARE & SPYWAREADWARE & SPYWARE

HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,ADWARE & SPYWAREADWARE & SPYWARE

3.Do not open e-mail messages with strange subject lines.

They often contain viruses. If the subject line doesn't make any sense, it's best to delete the message if it's not from someone you know personally.

HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,ADWARE & SPYWAREADWARE & SPYWARE

3.Do not open e-mail messages with strange subject lines.

They often contain viruses. If the subject line doesn't make any sense, it's best to delete the message if it's not from someone you know personally.

HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,ADWARE & SPYWAREADWARE & SPYWARE

4. Change your e-mail preferences so you do not automatically open new messages.• Changing this preference can

defend you from viruses that activate when an e-mail message is opened.

• By opening each message manually, you choose which messages you open, and you can make sure that they come from people you know.

HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,ADWARE & SPYWAREADWARE & SPYWARE

4. Change your e-mail preferences so you do not automatically open new messages.• Changing this preference can

defend you from viruses that activate when an e-mail message is opened.

• By opening each message manually, you choose which messages you open, and you can make sure that they come from people you know.

HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,ADWARE & SPYWAREADWARE & SPYWARE

4. Change your e-mail preferences so you do not automatically open new messages.• Changing this preference can

defend you from viruses that activate when an e-mail message is opened.

• By opening each message manually, you choose which messages you open, and you can make sure that they come from people you know.

HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,ADWARE & SPYWAREADWARE & SPYWARE

HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,ADWARE & SPYWAREADWARE & SPYWARE

5.Use a firewall!• While most spyware and other

unwanted software come bundled with other programs or originate from unscrupulous Web sites, a small amount of spyware can actually be placed on your computer remotely by hackers.

• Installing a firewall or using the firewall that's built into Windows XP provides a helpful defense against these hackers.

HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,ADWARE & SPYWAREADWARE & SPYWARE

6.Adjust Internet Explorer security settings.

• You can adjust your Internet Explorer Web browser's security settings to determine how much—or how little—information you are willing to accept from a Web site.

• Microsoft recommends that you set the security settings for the Internet zone to Medium or higher.

HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,ADWARE & SPYWAREADWARE & SPYWARE

7.Download and install antispyware.

Protection windows Defender protects your computer from spyware and other unwanted software.

Windows Defender comes with Windows Vista and you can download it for no charge for Windows XP at the Microsoft Download Center.

HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,HOW TO AVOID VIRUSES,ADWARE & SPYWAREADWARE & SPYWARE

8. Read all security warnings, license agreements, and privacy statements associated with any software you download

9. Never click "agree" or "OK" to close a window. Instead, click the red "x" in the corner of the window or press the Alt + F4 buttons on your keyboard to close a window.

10. Be wary of popular "free" music and movie file sharing programs, and be sure you clearly understand all of the software packaged with those programs.

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