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MeanPC -
Networking
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Written by MeanPC
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Saturday, 19 July 2008 08:49 |
 Keeping Your Computer Safe
The internet is filled with good things. With a click of a mouse, you can instantly access news, weather, sports and many other useful items. However, there are also many bad things out there. Spyware, viruses, adware and other things can affect your computer's function, and cost you money. But you can help protect your computer from the bad things in Cyberspace, using some of the tools listed below.
1. avast! Antivirus (http://www.avast.com/)
Avast! antivirus has been rated by many technology sites as one of the best free antivirus tools on the market. It's resident protection is very good at detecting threats on the spot. Also, if you use Microsoft Outlook, it will scan your emails for you. Avast! also scans files downloaded by many P2P clients, including BitTorrent and Limewire. A feature I really like in avast! is the "avast! Screensaver" feature, which scans your computer while your screensaver is running, and letting you know of any threats detected while scanning when you close the screensaver. Avast! is free of charge, however, you can upgrade to Professional Edition, which offers more features, and a better user interface, for a fee. You need to renew your subscription to avast! once a year, which is also free.
2. McAfee SiteAdvisor (http://www.siteadvisor.com)
McAfeee SiteAdvisor places a small button in your web browser that lets you know how secure the website you are visiting is. If you visit a site that is known to distribute spyware, viruses, spam emails, or other threats, the button turns red, and you are advised to leave the site immediately. There are also sites where the button will turn Yellow, which means that you should take caution when visitng the site. McAfee SiteAdvisor also allows you to post security reviews of sites you visit, and read other user's reviews. It has received many prestigious awards, including being featured in magazines like Time, PC World and PC Magazine. McAfee SiteAdvisor is free of charge, however an upgrade is available for a small fee. Compatible with Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer.
3. Spybot Search & Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html)
Spybot Search & Destroy is a favorite among computer users. It guards your computer against many threats like keyloggers, registry edits, adware, and more. Also, you can run a scan for spyware using its simple interface. And, you can keep backups of your registry in case it somehow becomes infected. Spybot Search & Destroy is free of charge, but donations are accepted.
4. PC Tools Firewall Plus (http://www.pctools.com/firewall/)
PC Tools Firewall Plus protects your computer against real time threats, and helps you block unauthorized connections to your network. It updates regularly to keep you protected against online threats. It is free of charge.
5. PC Security Test 2007 (http://www.pc-st.com/)
PC Security Test allows you to run a test on your computer to see how secure it is. It actually runs a simulation of a computer attack, and based on how successful the fake attack is, gives your computer a score, and tips on how to improve your computer's security. Note however, that the program does display advertisements when you close it promoting its other products. PC Securit Test is free of charge.
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