PC4PEOPLE Computer Security

A Guide to securing you PC.

How to make your PC safe.
Alright, Safer.

AntiVirus

Key Features to look for:
Automatically removes viruses, Trojan horses, and worms Checks incoming and outgoing email attachments for viruses Automatically scans incoming instant message attachments for threats Checks compressed file archives for viruses Keeps dangerous Internet worms out, blocking them before they infect your system Automatically downloads updates to protect against new threats Automatically scans for viruses upon downloading updates Uses smart technology to detect emergent worms and other new threats without waiting for updates Disinfects your system prior to installation, starting you off with a clean, virus-free computer

Anti-spyware

How Can You Tell if Your Computer Is Infected With Spyware? Your PC is showing with pop-ups even when you are offline.
Even though you have popup protection, you still have pop-up ads when browsing online.
Computer is suddenly sluggish and unresponsive.
Strange toolbars and searchbars in your web browser that you didn't install.
Your home page has changed and you can't change it back.
Your search results are strange and full of ads.
Strange icons appear on your desktop and you can't delete them.
Sites you have never visited or heard of have been added to your favorites.

Stay on top of your updates!

All of your updates! This includes your windows updates. Don't forget to manually check for updates before you run both your anti-spyware and anti-virus programs.

Install a pop-up blocker

Many different companies offer pop-up blockers. My favorite is the google toolbar, because it also gives me the ability to search from the toolbar.

Use the tools that you install

Once a week you should first update, then run each program that you have installed for your PC security. This will assure that you are both comfortable with the process and that you are double-checking that the programs are doing there automatic updates and scans. Remember, tools are only as good as the user.

Here are our recommendations:
Anti-virus: Computer Associates
Anti-spyware: Spybot Search & Destroy
Pop-up Blocker: Google Toolbar
And finally: Windows Updates