| Computer security software should be at the top of | | | | permitting data to be exchanged. Many Windows |
| any new computer owner's shopping list. Although the | | | | users find that the built in firewall protection is |
| protection offered by the built in computer firewalls and | | | | adequate. However, others find the Windows firewall |
| privacy settings on all new Windows based computers | | | | to be bulky and difficult to use. They prefer the |
| is reasonably adequate, third party computer security | | | | additional customization and ease of use provided by |
| software is strongly recommended as a supplement. | | | | some of the third party computer security software |
| Computer security software is available in many | | | | companies' products. |
| forms. What you need depends on how you plan to | | | | As the skills of internet predators continue to grow, the |
| use your computer. | | | | importance of antispyware software becomes more |
| For anyone who plans to connect to the internet, | | | | important. An essential part of any computer security |
| antivirus software is essential. Antivirus software | | | | software, these programs work alongside your |
| scans files that are sent or received from the internet | | | | computer firewalls to make sure that no outside |
| to check for known viruses. Two of the most popular | | | | sources can monitor your internet activity and traffic |
| providers of antivirus software are Norton and | | | | patterns. Aside from being able to identify where you |
| McAfee. Both are large PC security software | | | | go, some spyware can capture keystrokes and hidden |
| providers with strong reputations. However, many | | | | passwords, thus making them available to thieves or |
| smaller companies offer antivirus software as well at | | | | anyone who is willing to pay for this privileged |
| a lower fee. When choosing a product and provider, | | | | information. |
| make sure that regular updates are available at little or | | | | More advanced PC security software is also available. |
| no additional charge. New viruses are released daily, | | | | Of the advanced programs, disk erase software is the |
| so antivirus software must be updated regularly in | | | | most common in the home and business markets. |
| order to remain effective. You should scan your entire | | | | When you delete a file or program, a trace remains on |
| computer for possible viruses regularly. A virus scan | | | | your hard drive even after emptying your Recycle Bin. |
| will take a lot of system resources, so it is better to | | | | An accomplished hacker or computer expert could |
| perform the scan when you will not be at the | | | | follow the trace to retrieve the file. Most home users |
| computer. Most programs allow you to schedule a | | | | will not need to fully erase their hard drives even if |
| weekly scan for any time of day you choose, and | | | | they want to re-format. However, identity theft is now |
| many computer users schedule this for a time when | | | | rampant, so it is highly advised to use disk erase |
| they will be at work or sleeping. | | | | software before you throw away a computer. |
| Whether to purchase external computer firewalls is a | | | | Most new PC's come pre-loaded with trial versions of |
| very personal decision. A firewall provides an additional | | | | anti-virus software. These trials are usually coupled |
| layer of protection when you are connected to the | | | | with computer firewalls so that you can be fully |
| internet. Programs must gain permission from the | | | | protected. There is no reason why you can |
| firewall software to send and receive information from | | | | immediately set up your PC with computer security |
| your computer over the internet. Computer firewalls | | | | software since the software usually comes with a |
| are customizable, allowing you to grant trusted | | | | free trial period. If you install it and really don't like it, you |
| programs unlimited sending and receiving access while | | | | can cancel it and try another one without losing any |
| blocking known malicious programs. For unknown | | | | money. |
| programs, the firewall will ask for your approval before | | | | |