keeping safe
You can avoid infection by 1) not installing any programs without researching them first and 2) by responding correctly when a threat pops up.
To close pop-up windows DON'T click 'cancel' and DON'T click the X in the upper right hand corner - that could actually install the malicious software. Instead, to safely close a pop-up window, hold down the ALT button and click the F4 button on your keyboard. Click here for a visual example of this common popup which claims to remove viruses but actually installs them!
If that doesn't work, just turn off your computer, because clicking anywhere in the popup graphic installs the virus, which will then go and download and install more viruses until your computer won't even run.
about malicious software
To know what can threaten your data you should know what kinds of malicious software (Malware) exist and how they function. Malware includes the following types:
keyloggers- rootkits
- viruses
- worms
- trojans
- spyware
- phishing
- adware
- riskware
- spam
- jokes
If you'd like to read more about what each of these things is, I've made a webpage with their descriptions
free online virus scanners
You can do free online virus scans at these links:
Kaspersky Online Scanner
Kapersky Labs
Trend Micro
Panda Security
BitDefender
CA Internet Security
You need to use Internet Explorer and allow/install ActiveX controls to do these online scans
FAKE antispyware programs
There are many fake or 'rogue' programs on the web that offer to remove spyware for free but instead INSTALL spyware on your computer.
Check here to see a list of rogue software before downloading or installing any anti-spyware program!!
good Antispyware programs
that are free
SUPERAntiSpyware
XoftSpy
Spybot Search & Destroy
Spyware Blaster
AdAware
Spyware evolves so quickly that these outstanding products are not sufficient for the task of providing primary protection though they are useful as secondary, on-demand scanners.
free AntiVirus programs
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Avira AntiVir Personal Edition
AVG by Grisoft
avast 4 home edition
BitDefender Free Edition
These are excellent free products that will meet the needs of most users. None of these offer the best malware detection available. That is achieved by commercial products like those listed in the middle column. They are, however, capable packages and offer the financially challenged an alternative to the major anti-virus suites.
remove Norton
Although Symantec is on the forefront of
combatting malicious software,
Norton Security and other Symantec products often cause conflicts with other programs. Many IT professionals would recommend removing Norton products and using other antivirus solutions.
Unfortunately, using the 'Add/Remove Programs' function built into Windows to remove Norton doesn't do a complete job, so much so that Symantec has made available a Norton Removal Tool, which you can download here.
antivirus programs
Having an anti-virus program installed, even the best one, is not a 100% guarantee against infection by malware. But, not having any anti-virus program installed is pretty much a guarantee that you will get infected by some kind of malware.
Spyware Doctor with Antivirus is one of the best internet security solutions
Kaspersky Labs
makes one of the best antivirus and internet security programs
Panda Security Anti-Virus Products are industry leaders
BitDefender Total Security 2010. one of several solutions from BitDefender, includes PC tune-up and backup functionalities
Save $10 on CA Internet Security Suite Plus 2009
ZoneAlarm Extreme Security
25% off 1 year subscription to AVG Internet Security - Now $39.95.
Great Antivirus protection with volume discounts when purchasing two or more licenses. To buy it click here
