CPUTrend

All the software I speak of in this article will be FREE, meaning no hidden costs and no annoying pop-up messages asking you to buy a product. All of these programs run on my own computer, so if you wondering if I give them my own endorsement then there you go!

Please Note: These programs are fairly simple to run, however please read their instructions before hand! Also for security programs to be effective you must USE them, which means regular scanning of your files and not ignoring warning messages.


1) Install programs to protect yourself!

Basic Protection

Ad-Aware Internet Security - Consistently outperforming other free internet security options, the payed version won a pcmag editors choice.

Malwarebytes - Trusted by everyone from large corporations to average consumers. Won CNet editors choice.

ZoneAlarm - ZoneAlarm is a firewall, that means it protects your computer from unwanted intrusions from other people on the internet. Currently CNet's #1 in computer firewalls & PC Mag's 9 time winner!

Advanced Protection

AVG Free - Mainly for the browser toolbar, scanning links in Google, Facebook, emails etc before you click on them.

PeerBlock - Controls who your computer "talks to" on the internet by blocking known "bad" computers.


2) Don't open E-Mail attachments!
Trojens via E-Mail are "activated" through 3 ways:

1: Don't download attachments, even if the E-Mail is from a known organisation. People can "spoof" (change where an E-Mail looks like it came from) emails to make them appear to come from atrusted source.

2: don't click links in emails, most trusted companies no longer send links in emails, instead they ask you to visit their site directly.

3: Allowing scripts in your emails, call your email provider and ask how to disable scripts. Scripts allow these programs to run as soon as you open the email. If you have a tech secure your computer and he doesn't disable this for you, fire him!


3) Update your computer!
Microsoft provides automatic updates to computers running windows. These can fix security holes that allow programs to infect your computer. Also remember to keep your security software updated as well!


4) Don't visit suspicious websites!
Google is your friend, it will warn you if a website isn't trusted...listen to it. Also, the higher up a page is on google, the more trusted it is. This is NOT a fool proof way to avoid bad websites, it is however, something to keep in mind.