Anti Virus Software Reviews

What is a Firewall?

2007-09-20T13:23:00.001-07:00

A firewall is a component of software that filters out viruses, worms and any other threats trying to invade your PC via the Internet. All computer users should activate a firewall and purchase antispyware and antivirus software as well. Firewalls are essential, but do not necessarily protect against the highly advanced threats created every day. Things can get tricky in a multi-computer household or if you are part of a large computer network such as a university. In a household setting, be sure to utilize a router which will protect every computer; in addition, activate a firewall on each individual computer. In a large computer network a policy usually exists to keep all computers safe. A network administrator can help field any questions about firewall protection and whether a user needs to activate one.

Virus Recovery

2007-08-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately once a computer has been infected by a virus it's not safe to continue using the system. In most cases the only way to remedy a virus infection is to completely reinstall the Operating System. However there are some options for those of you who have been infected and wish to recover your system the best way possible.

Obviously, it's extremely important to remove the virus as your first step. If your operating system is Windows XP you may be able to use the System Restore function to restore your system to the way it was prior to virus infection. Sometimes, the severity of the virus makes even system restore impossible.

Again, Operating system reinstallation will need to occur if all other attempts fail. When you reinstall the OS the hard drive is erased. This is obviously a drastic choice as you will lose all data that has not been backed up, but also the only way to be sure that your system will remain clean.

What kind of files can spread viruses?

2007-07-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

Viruses have the potential to infect any type of executable code, not just the files that are commonly called 'program files'. For example, some viruses infect executable code in the boot sector of floppy disks or insystem areas of hard drives. Another type of virus, known as a 'macro'virus, can infect word processing and spreadsheet documents that use macros. And it's possible for HTML documents containing JavaScript or other types of executable code to spread viruses or other malicious code.Since virus code must be executed to have any effect, files that thecomputer treats as pure data are safe. This includes graphics and soundfiles such as .gif, .jpg, .mp3, .wav, etc., as well as plain text in .txtfiles. For example, just viewing picture files won't infect your computerwith a virus. The virus code has to be in a form, such as an .exe programfile or a Word .doc file, that the computer will actually try to execute.

Information lifted from: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/computer-virus/new-users/

Report Viruses

2007-07-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

If your system has been infected by a virus or you've successfully eluded a virus you could help many other computer users by reporting it. There are virus reporters out there that keep track of "in the wild" viruses. In the wild simply means that a virus is still out in the computer world, infecting computers and no one has reported it or attempted to stop the virus. Let the reporters know and the web will be a safer place for everyone. Go to this site to see the contact information for a virus reporter in your region: http://www.wildlist.org/R_email.htm

Be careful with those flash drives!

2007-07-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

Well, flash drives are great, portable storage. However, a bad bug is going around and it's moving with the help of flash drives and floppy disks. A malware creation spreads through memory sticks. The SillyFD-AA Worm copies itsself from infected machines onto your flash drive or removable disk. The next time you hook the storage device into a computer it starts moving and infecting that system. A hidden file is able to automatically run into a computer system from the removable media. It's believed that flash drives given out for free samples and at various trade shows is a mode of attack now for virus and malware creators. If you receive a free flash drive, proceed with caution, you could be infecting your computer!

Am I Infected?

2007-07-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

Watch for these warning signs that a virus has infiltrated your system. Strange error messages, images or noises are tell-tale signs pointing to infection. Dwindling computer memory and slow operation also indicated infection. Some of your files or programs may go missing or main components may be damaged.

So if you are fearing the worst for your computer, first make sure your antivirus software is updated and run a scan. If you don't have antivirus software you should install it immediately. From then on be wary of unknown emails, questionable pop ups and minimize downloading from a P2p network like Ares or LimeWire.

Plain Text: Safer Emails

2007-06-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

Another trick to avoid virus infection is to read emails only in plain text. Many computer users are duped into believing email scams because of the seemingly professional images and logos that virus and phishing developers use. When the fancy logos and graphics are taken away, it's much easier to spot the fraudulent emails.

How, you ask, can I configure my Outlook Express to read in plain text?

1. Go to Tools
2. Select the "Read" tab
3. Hit send
4. Select "plain text"
5. Apply the settings and go.

Virus Recovery

2007-06-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

First, if you've been infected by a virus contact IT support. If you're at a university you should have an IT department. If you're a home user without on-site support, you may need to seek outside help. Next, you should disconnect your computer from the Internet. There is a chance, depending on the virus that has infected you, the virus is gaining access to your personal information and may be using your computer to harm other computers. If you disconnect your Internet connection, that access will stop. You should back up your files. You can't be sure how much the virus will damage and so you'll want to save important files. Then install an antivirus program and scan your computer. The program should detect and remove the malicious files. Then you are safe and sound.

Email Viruses

2007-06-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

Viruses can infect your computer through a variety of routes. One primary mode of infection is through your email. When a user receives a virus in an email, the virus is hidden within the accompanying attachment. In order to activate and begin duplicating itself the virus must be opened by the user. This is why it's so important to screen your emails for viruses, especially if you do not know the sender. Once you open a virus-infested attachment, the virus can begin damaging your computer and infiltrating your whole system. Also, the virus can tap into your address book and send itself to all of your saved addresses.

Computer Safety

2007-06-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

Viruses are no good for your health or for you computer. Just as you wash your hands to ward away sickness, there are a few things you can do to keep viruses out of your computer. For one, be very careful when opening emails. We mean it. Viruses are savvy and intelligent and can arrive at your inbox in a seemingly harmless attachment. If you don't know the sender, don't open the attachment. It's simple and it's effective.

Next, IMs are the culprit. Instant messaging is great. It's fun, quick and a nice distraction from homework, errands and other life stresses. However, don't accept attachments through the IM waves either. Unless the sent information is a crucial document from your best friend, there's no reason to accept unsolicited materials through the IM waves. Again, like email attachments, IM attachments are teeming with viruses, spyware and harmful computer applications.

Those are two all two common modes of malware transmission. Take our advice on IMs and email attachments and you will prevent many unwanted Internet predators.

How do viruses spread?

2007-05-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

Viruses can spread in a variety of ways, unfortunately. Through your network, within downloaded content and from disk to disk, including flash drives. Sometimes viruses are even hidden within software that you deliberately install into your system. However, viruses can't spread on their own; they need some help from a knowing or unknowing user. The most common ways viruses are transmitted is through email and through Internet downloads, so be careful what you accept into your system. You can't be too careful when the functionality of your whole computer is at stake.

What are ActiveX controls?

2007-05-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

ActiveX is Microsoft's technology that signs various plug-ins that are required to add software to your computer. ActiveX controls come in play when accessing certain websites. Most of the time the site will ask you if you'd like to trust the plug-in from the website. If you don't trust the site you should be able to say no. ActiveX controls are useful then, to add worthwhile plug-ins like Flash, RealPlayer or Adobe Acrobat. However, sometimes Microsoft doesn't prompt you to approve or deny the ActiveX, and the program is installed without warning. This is no good for obvious reasons: you might be infiltrated with malicious viruses or spyware. This is why it's important to keep your system protected through AntiVirus software which will stop any unwanted or uninvited intruders. Remember a little program called Weather Bug? That's an example of a plug in that asked users for permission to install under the guise that it was a useful weather updater. Wrong- weatherbug like other malicious malware will tear up your system. So keep your eyes open and don't allow ActiveX or other programs into your PC unless you trust them.

Heuristic Scanning: What does that mean?

2007-05-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

Heuristic scanning is an anti-virus software feature that helps to detect the most recent viruses. Heuristic scanning is an important feature for staying ahead of the rapidly-changing and dangerous world wide web. You may not know this, but viruses are created continuously, and with each new virus comes an even more harmful threat. Choosing an aggressive anti-virus solution will ensure your PC stays safe.

What is a Stealth virus?

2007-05-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

This particular breed of virus attempt to hide from your antivirus program and your operating system, even Vista with its integrated protection feature. Stealth viruses hide inside your memory and prevent your operating system from gaining access. The end result of a stealth virus is a computer that thinks it's clean as a whistle when really, it's inhabited by a covert and cunning virus. These viruses can even trick your system to think it's not consuming memory. Stealth viruses can sometimes go unnoticed for weeks and months.

What to look for in Antivirus software

2007-04-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

Scheduled Scans: Most antivirus software products will include a schedule to set when the software will automatically perform a scan. Programs vary in their flexibility of scan scheduling as well, so look for a program that will accommodate your daily schedule.
Email Scanning: the program should monitor incoming and/or outgoing email traffic and file attachments. If a threat should be detected you will be notified to take action.
Instant Messaging Protection: Viruses are often contracted through instant messaging programs such as AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) or Yahoo! Messenger. Some antivirus software can keep watch over instant messaging traffic to detect virus threats.
Automatic Virus Updates/Program Updates: Because viruses are so rapidly and continuously developing updates to your antivirus software is incredibly important. Additionally, the program itself may be updated by the developers to increase efficiency and detection ability.

The Origin of Computer Viruses

2007-04-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

Since the dawn of the computer age the potential for computer viruses to harm your system has been a reality. Though virus attacks seem like a relatively new concept, the vulnerability to those attacks have been around as long as computers could connect to a network, whether a simple computer to computer connection or the wide web connection that is the Internet. In any case the advent of virus attacks seems to have surged because of more media coverage and more users logging on to the Internet. Historically, viruses were directed at a variety of operating systems. Currently though, viruses prey mainly on Microsoft Windows systems. Another difference between viruses of the past and those of the present is the severity of the effect. Pre-1990's viruses affected computers by causing erratic behavior. Today, not only do viruses cause computers to operate differently, they also steal valuable user information like credit card numbers and social security numbers. You can probably understand now why the virus creation industry is bigger now than it ever was before. The new generation of viruses are more dangerous and thus more lucrative to its creators.

Do I really need Anti-Virus software?

2007-03-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

Yes! Anti-Virus software keeps your data safe. Stop to think, for one moment what valuable information you store in your computer. Photos? School papers? Work documents? Now think about how often you back up those files. The majority of computer users don't back up their files, and those who do, backup too infrequently to make an impact. A malicious virus can wipe out your hard work and cherished memories in one quick sweep. Anti-Virus software will protect you from that loss. You won't be wasting your money if you purchase one of the industry's leading anti-virus products. These programs offer multiple scan types, scheduled scans and even real-time scanning which means your computer is scouring for threats every two minutes.

Is Your Virus Software ICSA Certified?

2007-03-12T13:10:00.001-07:00

ICSA is an independent organization with specific criteria for certifying anti-virus software. To become certified, a program must meet certain standards such as: Detect 100 percent of current viruses listed on the‘In The Wild’ list, Detect 100 percent of viruses listed in the ICSA Labs Common Infectors Test Suite, Detect 100 percent of ICSA Labs Polymorphic Test Suite, etc. Make sure your anti-virus software is ICSA Certified. If you find that your software is not certified you need to make a change to ensure the safety of your PC. If you don't currently utilize anti-virus software you need to purchase the software. Consumer First Reviews offers honest and comprehensive reviews of leading anti-virus programs, see http://www.consumerfirstreveiws.com/antivirus

Phishing more common than viruses

2007-03-06T12:07:00.000-08:00

Data from MessageLabs showed that in January 2007 number of phishing attacks overtook number of virus attacks. Emails containing phishing attacks has now reached 1.07%, while Trojans and viruses infected 0.83% of all emails. So what is Phishing and how can I prevent it? Pronounced "fishing," it is a scam to steal valuable information like credit card and social security numbers, user IDs and passwords. When phishing occurs, an professional-seeming e-mail is sent to recipients pretending to be from their ISP, bank or retail establishment. These messages may be sent to people on selected lists or on any list, expecting that some percentage of recipients will actually have an account with the organization the message claims as its source. The e-mail usually asks the user to re-enter their financial or account information because of some internal technical error. The page might seem official, but any HTML page on the web can be copied, so be wary even of sites that "look" official. To prevent phishing on your computer you must equip your computer with the proper software to detect and prevent phishing. We suggest Norton Confidential. See this page for details on this personal privacy defender http://www.topcfr.com/

How to prevent computer viruses

2007-03-05T12:17:00.000-08:00

-Use antivirus software!
-UPDATE your antivirus software regularly. Try to choose a program that will automatically update virus definitions for you. For antivirus software reviews, see: http://www.consumerfirstreviews.com/antivirus
-DO NOT open unknown email attachments. Always scan attachments with your antivirus software.
-DELETE suspicious messages from your inbox AND your deleted mail folder.
-To ensure that your valuable information is safe, regularly backup your files. In the case that your computer is infected, no matter what your files are secure.

Here are some signs that your system may be infected with a virus:
· Your computer starts running slowly
· It shuts down unexpectedly or crashes frequently.
· It runs out of disc space or experiences memory problems
· Unusual files or directories appear on your system
· Strange messages appear on your screen

Why do people create computer viruses?

2007-02-28T12:26:00.000-08:00

If you've experienced the damaging and expensive effects of a computer virus, you might wonder why anyone would create viruses in the first place. It's maddening to believe, but there are programmers who deliberately create viruses. Some are simply pranks others are seen as a creative hobby. Virus makers even spread political messages. Sometimes programmers have a more vicious intent like financial gain from identity theft, as some viruses collect private information and relay it to their creative source.