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