Computer Security Ames IA

In these days of an increasingly web connected world, the computer user can take several steps ensure that their computer is protected from hackers, spyware and viruses. Here are the top four things you need to do to keep your computer spyware- and virus-free.

Local Companies

Custom Computer Programming
(515) 292-5780
2816 Arbor St
Ames, IA
Pig Champ
(515) 233-2551
426 S 17th St
Ames, IA
Phasient Learning Technologies
(515) 232-1995
1530 S Duff Ave
Ames, IA
Winning Solutions Inc
(515) 239-9900
1421 S Bell Ave
Ames, IA
Gamestop
(515) 232-4488
N Grand Mall
Ames, IA
Phantom Efx
(319) 266-1999
209 Roosevelt St
Cedar Falls, IA
Custom Software Development
(515) 263-2083
1626 E 13th St
Des Moines, IA
Safechoice Business Solutions
(712) 274-2225
Sioux City, IA
Grahamtronics Llc
(563) 326-0288
2303 N Ripley St
Davenport, IA
Softactics Inc
(641) 684-4057
226 W Main St
Ottumwa, IA

Use virus software and update it regularly

Viruses are a constantly evolving threat to computers. Every week malicious hackers create more computer code that through greater sophistication is becoming more malicious. I am a fervent minister to all of my clients that they install and update their computer virus software on a regular basis. That being said many people call me to fix what viruses have wrought.

I like Norton Anti-virus you can find them at http://www.symantec.com

Install software updates as they become available

Keep your software up to date with the latest patches and service packs. New software and operating system vulnerabilities are being found on a regular basis. Hackers exploit these as soon as they are known. Windows XP service pack 2 offers automatic updates that will run with out you having to lift a finger. They have recently added an automatic update to their office suite that will update automatically also. You can find more information about updates here http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdate/default.aspx

http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

Spyware scanning

I cannot count the times I get calls with the complaints of my computer is running slow and I have tons of pop-ups or my browser doesn't go to the website I typed in. Most of these symptoms are a direct result of spyware/adware installed on a system. Spyware and Adware are normally installed surreptitiously without the computer user even knowing a program has been installed. Lavasoft offers Ad-aware a great free spyware removal tool at http://www.lavasoftusa.com/

Firewall

Firewalls control who and what can access your computer from the network and what programs can access the network from your computer. Hackers can exploit computers in both directions. By getting into your computer from the network a Trojan horse can be installed. Trojan horses can do a number of things without the computer user having any idea that something is wrong. For a good free firewall with more features than the Windows XP firewall can be found at http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp

I hope this primer on has been helpful. I have helped many people who did not take the time to make their computers less vulnerable to the internet's band of ne'er do wells. I want to make more people aware of the risks of having an unprotected computer and give them solutions to help stop the invaders at the gate.

About the Author:

Jeff Manke a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and writer for http://www.mother-board.info.


Article Source:

thePhantomWriters Article Submission Service

Featured Local Company

A-Plus Computer Services

319-215-9293
1602 Commercial st.
Waterloo, IA


Rss   Delicious   Digg   Add To My Yahoo   Add To My Google   Bookmark   Search Plugin

Topics:
Advertising Family Home Services Real Estate Resources
Business Services Fashion Industrial Goods & Services Retail & Consumer Services
Career Financial Services Insurance Software
Cars Food & Beverage Internet Technology
Computer Hardware Franchise Legal Telecommunications
Construction Health Miscellaneous Trade Shows
Education Holidays Nightlife Travel
Entertainment Home Appliances Online Database Weddings
Environmental Home Electronics Pets World History