| While you may think that security software for your | | | | There are always new viruses being developed - |
| computer is expensive, a number of developers have | | | | cyber thugs are ingenious - so it is important that your |
| made some of their versions available over the | | | | anti-virus definition file is routinely updated either daily or |
| Internet for free. Hard to believe, but true. | | | | at least weekly. No anti-virus program is worth it - free |
| Instead of purchasing expensive security software | | | | or otherwise - if it can't perform these basic tasks |
| packages that have more fire power than what a | | | | because otherwise you will only be protected for a |
| typical consumer might ever use, you can find simpler | | | | short period of time. |
| versions that can be downloaded for free from certain | | | | A security program should also include an |
| sites. | | | | anti-spyware program in addition to adware and pop |
| Although there are indeed free security programs, you | | | | up blockers. Spyware and adware are embedded in |
| need to search for ones that contain important | | | | so many of the programs and web sites you visit that, |
| features which will truly help protect your computer. If | | | | without an effective program to block and eliminate |
| you can't find one security program that contains all | | | | them, your computer will be bogged down with spam, |
| these features, then you should consider downloading | | | | advertising, and monitoring programs in no time at all. |
| multiple individual programs to ensure you are fully | | | | Spyware alone can access and collect personal |
| protected. | | | | information on your computer leaving you open to the |
| The first security software you need is called a | | | | threat of identity theft and more. You need to have a |
| firewall. Most new computers come with a firewall | | | | defense program that locates spyware and adware |
| already built in. If not, however, you will need it to | | | | and cleans them out as quickly as possible so that |
| prevent unauthorized probes either to or from your | | | | your computer continues to run smoothly. |
| computer. By adjusting the settings of your firewall, | | | | Finally, if possible, try to find a free security program |
| you instruct the computer what you are allowing in | | | | that includes an anti-Trojan program to eliminate Trojan |
| from the Internet and out from your computer to the | | | | viruses. These are special and unique viruses that are |
| Internet. | | | | hidden within programs such as a game or even a |
| The next component that a free security program | | | | music file. |
| should have is an anti-virus program. A good anti-virus | | | | Anti-Trojan programs should be able to scan all the |
| program will be able to not only identify and deter all | | | | files that you download to verify they are secure and |
| incoming viruses, but should also be capable of | | | | harmless. Again, make sure your security program |
| detecting, repairing, quarantining, and eliminating infected | | | | allows daily or weekly updates, because Trojan |
| files you already have on your computer. | | | | viruses are constantly in development. |