Right Antivirus Software for Computer Security

When people buy a computer, many times they forget the importance of protecting their investment. This can lead to viruses, spyware, and other harmful programs gaining access to the computer and ultimately ruining it. In order to prevent this from happening, new computers should have computer security, which is most commonly known as an antivirus program. There are three main antivirus programs that are used to protect the computer. Norton, AVG, and Trend Micro are the best choices when trying to find computer security.

The first program that should be considered is Norton Antivirus. While many swear by the greatness of Norton, there have been many issues as well. Like any software, there are going to be pros and cons, and these should carefully be looked at. Several years ago, Norton used to be a horrendous program. The list of problems was endless and it sometimes acted like a virus itself.

One of the flaws of this software is that it sometimes is too protective. It sometimes alerts of a threat when there is not really one. False positives are the only problem and can easily be dealt with. Overall, the AVG Antivirus is one of the best on the market and even has a free version to download.

With the new updates to Norton, it not only functions much better, but it is also one of the best on the market. There are still problems with the software and it sometimes does not function well with other applications. Overall, Norton is worth the small purchase price, and it is much better than not having this type of protection.

The next candidate to be considered is AVG Antivirus. This software is newer than most, but it is still one of the easiest to use and it is a very powerful program. With the new 2011 version, AVG is better than ever. It now includes social networking protection and a link scanner to add to the arsenal of protection. Included with this software is an anti-spyware program and full protection online. It keeps users from going to harmful websites and scans emails before they are opened.

The final antivirus application on the list is Trend Micro. For the price, this is one of the better options for computer users because it offers one of the best levels of protection that can be hard to find for this price. It offers an amazing protection range and is very effective when it comes to finding viruses and other harmful programs. While it may not have the fancy tools available elsewhere, it is still one of the best when it comes to computer security.

Computer Security Products

A number of computer security products cater to every situation and every need. A surge protector is an electrical device commonly used to protect computers and related computer components from power surges. If a surge in the voltage occurs, causing the voltage to exceed the norm, the computer equipment can be damaged.

Security cables are a very effective method to protect computers. If a desktop is secured with a lock and cable, it prevents a thief from walking off with your property and data. Various types and sizes of chain or cable locks are available. These include desktop computer security combination lock, notebook security lock, cable lock with clip, flexible cable lock and cable lock with key holder.

The wireless fingerprint mouse is used to protect the information stored in the computer. Privacy filters protect your screen from anyone looking from either side to read what is on your screen. All information is protected from unauthorized eyes. Identity tags are small effective anti theft devices. A small aluminum bar coded plate is attached to your computer, to track it in case of theft. If the tag is removed the computer is permanently marked as stolen property. Projector alarms with siren will protect the computer.

A security shield handles all the downloaded information and technical support. It is simple to begin and easy to maintain. There is no setup cost and no ongoing costs for support. The security shield offers a competitive and aggressive cost per download.

Plates enjoy the best place in computer security. Plates attached to almost any desktop surface secure your computer, monitor, mouse, keyboard, chassis and any peripheral device. Entrapments are gadgets that give the maximum level of security.

Security management software helps to protect your enterprise systems and servers against security threats, malicious attacks and configuration vulnerabilities, with strong security control and maintenance capabilities. With security management software you can perform patch management, execute anti spy ware management, carry out antivirus enforcement, do security threat management, block applications and perform systems management functions

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The Best Practices for Computer Security

Computer security protects against unauthorized access, including hackers attempting to penetrate computer defenses via the Internet. New viruses and malware are created each day, but some basic security features keep machines safe from data theft.

Antivirus Software

Antivirus software protects against maliciously coded programs. Viruses are often packaged with some programs that look innocent, and run in the background of the computer. Antivirus software prevents the malicious code from loading on computers; clean machines that already have viruses; and run scans that quarantine infected files. This security measure protects users from data loss, and prevents password and identity theft.

Firewall Software

Firewalls differ from antivirus programs because they simply block incoming and outgoing communication with the Internet, protecting computers from spyware. Firewall applications are sometimes included in purchased antivirus programs or installed on routers purchased for home and office networks. Firewall software alerts the user that an application is attempting to access the Internet, which helps identify spyware applications. Spyware often uploads passwords and data to hackers who use the information to steal identities. Firewalls protect personal and company data.

Passwords


With networks becoming commonplace for homes and offices, passwords are options on operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Unix. Users are urged to apply a strong password to log into the machine. The password prevents unauthorized access to hard drive files, either in person or via the local network or the Internet. Passwords should contain letters and numbers, and at least one special character for more security. Network administrators can create password rules so users are forced to enter strong passwords.

Email

Phishing emails attempt to gain access to machines and private information by masquerading as being from an official institution. Users should never execute files from senders that are not recognized. Banking institutions never ask for a password online, so users should be cautious when receiving these communications. Avoid clicking links that claim to bring the reader to a banking institution. Instead, type the website URL into a browser to access the site.

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Clear Browser History In Google Chrome

Every time a person visits the Internet, the pages visited, the images viewed and the values of forms are stored as part of the Internet history. The manual approach to clearing this history in Google Chrome is to simply click "Clear Browsing Data" in the Options menu before you close the browser. This method is rather tedious and sometimes easily forgotten. Google Chrome also provides the option to automatically delete your history when the browser is shut down to help protect your privacy on the Internet.

How to Delete Search History on Google Chrome
Google has forayed in to developing its own web browser – Google Chrome launched recently, which is one of the fastest browsers on the web. Here are simple instruction on how to delete search history on Google Chrome.

* To delete search history from Google chrome, type the key combination 'Ctrl + Shift + Del'.
* In the window that opens, click on the 'Clear Browsing Data' button to delete all search history.
Or

Follow these Instructions:

1: Open the Google Chrome browser and click on the "Wrench" button to open the "Options" menu.

2: Click "Under the Hood" and then click the "Content Settings" button.

3: Under the section labeled "Cookies," select "Clear cookies and other site data when I close my browser."

4: Click the "X" at the top right of the screen to close Google Chrome. Restart Google Chrome. Your Internet history will be cleared each time you close Google Chrome.

Stop Email Spam

People often times are not aware that they subject themselves to spam email when they browse the internet. Most spam emails are sent when these spammers get a hold of your email address. Now people may argue that they don't give out their email addresses to anyone, but surprisingly enough they don't know that some forms that they fill out online are the source of the spam email.

Websites that claim that a person can get freebies just by signing up are fronts that some companies use in order to get email addresses. These companies will then bombard the email address with advertisements and spam email. And even if a person discontinues their subscription or requests to have their email addresses removed from the mailing lists, they may still get spam email. Worst cases of spam emails are those that multiply and cause email owners to close their accounts. When this happens, an email account holder has no choice but to create a new email account.

Troubleshoot Instructions :

1. Determine the type of problem you are having. This first step is critical because you can't correct your problem until you accurately define the problem.

2. Review the online support provided by Verizon. This support provides simple solutions for common problems as well as advice on using the different features of Verizon email.

3. Follow the steps provided by the online Verizon support to attempt to correct your email problems.

4. Access the troubleshooting page on the Verizon website if your problem has not yet been remedied. In this page you can troubleshoot your Verizon email problems in a number of different ways. Troubleshooting options include entering keywords to search for more information, troubleshooting by symptoms and general troubleshooting.

5. Contact the Verizon Technical Support team if you have not been able to correct your problem by following the above steps. As a Verizon subscriber you have access to technical support specialists who can often provide quick and simple solutions to your email problems.

Tech Support Services - What mainly look for

Technical support is a critical part of most companies. A good tech support department operates off of a comprehensive manual to ensure the dissemination of consistent information. While creating the manual can be a challenging task for a small company with a new product, there are many ways to accomplish the task.

Technical support services should at least cover the following:

1: Printer support - whether your photos are printing in pink or your documents are just sitting around in your print queue, printer support can help.
2: Software Help - Most of the time manuals and instructions just don't make sense. Software specialists can explain software operations in everyday terms.
3: Computer Support - Could be drivers, hardware configurations or software incompatibilities, when your computer breaks down it could be practically anything.
4: Virus Removal - There is a lot more to removing viruses and malware than running an antivirus and hitting scan.
5: Digital Camera Support - Part mechanical, part computer, digital cameras create a unique blend of tech support problems.
6: Wireless Support - Routers and networks are easy to use...once they are set up. Making sure your network is working and secured is not as easy as it sounds.

There can of course be more covered in tech service plans, like scanners, music players, DVR's and gaming systems. But these are the most common.

Just as tech support services vary in what they cover, many of them also vary in the type of service they provide. Different types, or levels, of support can include:

1. Support Calls - Phone calls form the basis of most tech support service plans. Call a specialist directly and have them talk you through the troubleshooting process to figure out the specific problem you are having. Phone support should be 24/7 if it is going to be of most help to you.
2. Phone Calls + PC Diagnosis - On top of the basic phone support many tech support services also include computer diagnostics to find the underlying problems to many if the tech support issues you may be encountering.
3. In Home Visits - Above and beyond. Many plans include a few in home visits. There may be a set number of these by year or by month. In addition to the phone support you can also have a specialist come to your home and assess the situation in person.
4. Remote Access - Some services may even install a program on your computer through which you can grant the specialist direct access to your computer.

The Best Solution for Computer Security

Computer security has now become the most important concern to the PC users worldwide. Whenever the computer gets connected to the Internet, it is exposed to threats of diverse types. There are cyber criminals called as hackers who are always in search for computers with less or no security. So if you are ignorant regarding PC security, then you can easily become a victim of their attack and ultimately end up with loosing your important information and data. How to protect your computer? Well, here comes the importance of computer security service providers. Many computer services companies are there in the market that offer PC security support to the computer users so that they can enjoy secure computing.

Antivirus Software:
Antivirus software protects against maliciously coded programs. Viruses are often packaged with some programs that look innocent, and run in the background of the computer. Antivirus software prevents the malicious code from loading on computers; clean machines that already have viruses; and run scans that quarantine infected files. This security measure protects users from data loss, and prevents password and identity theft.

Firewall Software:
Firewalls differ from antivirus programs because they simply block incoming and outgoing communication with the Internet, protecting computers from spyware. Firewall applications are sometimes included in purchased antivirus programs or installed on routers purchased for home and office networks. Firewall software alerts the user that an application is attempting to access the Internet, which helps identify spyware applications. Spyware often uploads passwords and data to hackers who use the information to steal identities. Firewalls protect personal and company data.

Passwords:
With networks becoming commonplace for homes and offices, passwords are options on operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Unix. Users are urged to apply a strong password to log into the machine. The password prevents unauthorized access to hard drive files, either in person or via the local network or the Internet. Passwords should contain letters and numbers, and at least one special character for more security. Network administrators can create password rules so users are forced to enter strong passwords.

Email:
Phishing emails attempt to gain access to machines and private information by masquerading as being from an official institution. Users should never execute files from senders that are not recognized. Banking institutions never ask for a password online, so users should be cautious when receiving these communications. Avoid clicking links that claim to bring the reader to a banking institution. Instead, type the website URL into a browser to access the site. This security measure helps users avoid theft. Some common companies used by phishing emails are eBay, PayPal, banks and iTunes.

The Best Computer Security Programs Tips

PC Tools offers a total Internet security system that rates well among computer authorities. This system features their Spyware Doctor software and anti-spam and anti-phishing protection, plus a Firewall and other browsing security features. Internet Security has a Browser Defender website that runs in real-time to detect potentially harmful sites and warn computer users against suspicious links. Internet Security runs in real time for maximum protection rates.


Tips :

1: The first step towards a secure computer is to install a firewall and an anti-virus. It is very important to have both because they each have different tasks. A firewall will watch the data that is transferred between a computer and the world wide web and will notify the user, or take action, if it detects something abnormal. It may also keep an eye on what is happening between the different applications and services of the computer. For example, if a program tries to access the registry, a crucial part of a Windows operating system, the firewall can detect it, block it and advise the user.

2: An Anti-virus has other tasks. It checks the computer for any data that might constitute or be the result of a virus, a spybot, a trojan, etc. Instead of only blocking the actions, they will detect the problem and, if possible, remove it. It is important to schedule periodic scans, without what the software might be useless. All this might seem costly, but there are some free alternatives that do a similar job, if not sometimes better, than paid ones. I have used and personally recommend the following: For the antivirus, Avast is one of the good free ones you'll find. For the firewall, I'd suggest Comodo personnal firewall.

3: The second most important step is to keep your system updated. Operating systems and web browsers often have protocols in place to prevent viruses and hackers to access the computer. Anti-viruses and firewalls also have lists of data they have to block and delete. Unfortunately, malicious software evolve everyday and new ones emerge, not waiting for the old ones to go away. Most of the time, it's possible to set up automatic updates. If it's not the case for the software you are using, be sure to do it manually every now and then. An out-of-date anti-virus is almost as useless as not having any.

4: The final step is to back-up your data. The softwares mentioned above are not perfect and a day might come when something you don't want finds its way to your system. Having a second copy of your data is also good in the case of a hard drive technical problem. If a lot of files are created and work is done on a computer on a daily basis, it can be useful to have an automatic backup plan that takes action everyday. That may be a lot of hassle, so I'd suggest doing a weekly back-up of your data. A lot of software do recursive back-ups, meaning that they only copy the files and folders that have been created since the last time. To find the right software for you, you can check on Wikipedia. It has a list of both free and paid options.

Computer Security Authentication Methods

Spyware, malware, computer bots are just a few of the threats that can be named; which prompt the use of a secure computer authentication system. Various methods are used in the authentication processes. The stress has however always been towards a software approach for solving the purpose of authentication.

These are computer security authentication methods:-

Passwords

Passwords are the easiest and most common authentication process that are used, not only on desktop computers but also at the network level. However certain rules should be followed when setting a password for your computer or network. Do not use easily predictable words for your passwords; they don't even require a hacker to access the system through your account. Use passwords that are unpredictable. Set long passwords and use numbers and special characters when setting your password. Remember your passwords; don't write it down anywhere. Hackers use various tools to know your passwords, but a long password with a number of special characters, indeed gives them a lot of trouble.

Digital Certificates

Using a certain algorithm, computer administrator combine your personal details with other user credentials to generate a public key. This public key or digital certificate is used for the authentication purpose in the network.

Smart Cards

Smart Cards are among the very few hardware authentication processes in which a simple card with an embedded circuitry is used for accessing the network. Each valid card for a particular network, when inserted into the circuitry it has been made for, gives an output which decides whether you will be allowed to enter into the network or not. The programming logic inserted into each card is different and it is one of the safest methods of authentication.

Fingerprint detection

Almost available in all laptops that are manufactured today; fingerprint detection is another safe method of computer security authentication. Everyone knows that even the iris pattern of two people may even match, but fingerprints can never match.

Face recognition systems

Face recognition system, may amuse you, but of late many people working in the field of security have questioned its user friendly nature and the security it can provide. A simple dimension calculation of the face is done by the computer and the logic used in doing so, has been often found to be prone to errors.

Biometrics

Biometrics is often considered as a far more secure way of authentication than passwords or digital certificates. It is even safer than smart cards, which may be misplaced. The physical and behavioral traits of a person are taken into consideration in this type of authentication.

Captcha Keys

This is the process of authentication that is used to verify whether a human or a computer bot has logged into the system. Captcha keys are randomly generated alphabets and numericals presented in such a form, that only a human can recognise.


Now, let's come down to the normal computer security authentical processes that we can do at the local level. Setting up a BIOS password for your computer may not be the ultimate security authentication. Removing the BIOS battery from the computer system for 30 seconds, deactivates this security feature. Setting up the administrator password is of utmost necessity. If the administrator password is not set, then any user can log into the computer irrespective of the fact whether he has an account in that computer or not.

The above listed methods are just a few of the widely used authentication methods. Infact, the measures that we take for safeguarding our computer or network are more important than the method itself. Many of us have a habit of naming our networks after the protagonist from our favourite movie. This should be avoided and networks should have sensible names that cannot be easily determined. If you are a network administrator in charge of a closed secure network, then it is always desirable to set your network visibility status to the invisible mode.

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