Computer Security and You
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Computer Security and You
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Malware
A "catch all" term for viruses, trojan horses, worms, etc. It is the combination of the words "malicious" and "software". Basically, any piece of software that means to harm/steal the data on your software driven devices, such as a computer or smartphone.
Virus
A true "virus" is rarely seen anymore.
From Dictionary.com, definition 4:
"a segment of self-replicating code planted illegally in a computer program, often to damage or shut down a system or network."
Most people don't want to damage your files anymore, they want to steal it.
Trojan Horse
From Dictionary.com, definition 3:
"a nonreplicating computer program planted illegally in another program to do damage locally when the software is activated."
This is a piece of malware that usually hides in what seems to be an innocent picture, advertisement, word document, etc. etc., that can release spyware or other trojan horses to steal your information.
Spyware
Spyware is defined as software that is used to obtain information through your Internet connection, usually without your knowledge, which is then used for many purposes, most common being advertisement purposes. Spyware is usually bundled with "shareware" or sometimes called "freeware". These are programs which you download from the Internet to use on your PC and do not pay for. Generally speaking Spyware is not destructive like Viruses, however it can slow the performance of your PC and Internet connection, especially if you have several different pieces of spyware. This in turn could lead you to believe your PC is getting slow and you need a new one. No one likes to waste money that way!
How to avoid and remove malware:
1. Do not download any free programs from unknown sites. Sites such as Microsoft, Macromedia, WinZip, Adobe and Real Networks, to name a few, would be exceptions to this rule as would other, but not all, big name sites. You really have to use your best judgment here.
2. Do not visit adult oriented sites. Many are loaded with spyware and other malware.
3. Change your internet browser to Mozilla Firefox or another of your liking. Always keep Internet Explorer handy, as some websites will only work correctly in that browser, but Internet Explorer is far less secure than the other popular browsers. Slower as well.
4. Purchase a good antivirus program. For a list of those (and ones to avoid), check out the Best Antivirus thread.
5. Turn on your pop-up blocker. (Within Internet Explorer go to Tools, Popup Blocker and click on Turn On Popup Blocker. If you see Turn Off Popup Blocker then it is already turned on. If you do not have the Popup Blocker option you need to upgrade your Internet Explorer and Windows, go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com )
Thanks goes to 94rt10ohio for starting a security thread, and a large portion of the text above is his work.
Malware
A "catch all" term for viruses, trojan horses, worms, etc. It is the combination of the words "malicious" and "software". Basically, any piece of software that means to harm/steal the data on your software driven devices, such as a computer or smartphone.
Virus
A true "virus" is rarely seen anymore.
From Dictionary.com, definition 4:
"a segment of self-replicating code planted illegally in a computer program, often to damage or shut down a system or network."
Most people don't want to damage your files anymore, they want to steal it.
Trojan Horse
From Dictionary.com, definition 3:
"a nonreplicating computer program planted illegally in another program to do damage locally when the software is activated."
This is a piece of malware that usually hides in what seems to be an innocent picture, advertisement, word document, etc. etc., that can release spyware or other trojan horses to steal your information.
Spyware
Spyware is defined as software that is used to obtain information through your Internet connection, usually without your knowledge, which is then used for many purposes, most common being advertisement purposes. Spyware is usually bundled with "shareware" or sometimes called "freeware". These are programs which you download from the Internet to use on your PC and do not pay for. Generally speaking Spyware is not destructive like Viruses, however it can slow the performance of your PC and Internet connection, especially if you have several different pieces of spyware. This in turn could lead you to believe your PC is getting slow and you need a new one. No one likes to waste money that way!
How to avoid and remove malware:
1. Do not download any free programs from unknown sites. Sites such as Microsoft, Macromedia, WinZip, Adobe and Real Networks, to name a few, would be exceptions to this rule as would other, but not all, big name sites. You really have to use your best judgment here.
2. Do not visit adult oriented sites. Many are loaded with spyware and other malware.
3. Change your internet browser to Mozilla Firefox or another of your liking. Always keep Internet Explorer handy, as some websites will only work correctly in that browser, but Internet Explorer is far less secure than the other popular browsers. Slower as well.
4. Purchase a good antivirus program. For a list of those (and ones to avoid), check out the Best Antivirus thread.
5. Turn on your pop-up blocker. (Within Internet Explorer go to Tools, Popup Blocker and click on Turn On Popup Blocker. If you see Turn Off Popup Blocker then it is already turned on. If you do not have the Popup Blocker option you need to upgrade your Internet Explorer and Windows, go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com )
Thanks goes to 94rt10ohio for starting a security thread, and a large portion of the text above is his work.
Last edited by jasonw; Sep 1, 2010 at 12:49 AM. Reason: Adding additional info.
