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