Viruses, worms and Trojan horses are human-made software programs created specifically to wreak havoc on personal computers and networks. The chance of contracting one of these computer viruses over the Internet has increased dramatically. In fact, unless you run anti-virus software, your computer will almost certainly become infected. Typically, you get a virus by opening infected e-mail attachments.
Some viruses are relatively harmless to individuals. They just attach themselves to outgoing messages or e-mail themselves to all the contacts listed in your address book. The sudden flood of e-mail overwhelms mail servers, causing the system to crash.
Other viruses are more destructive and may lie dormant until a certain date. Then they spring to life to do their dirty deeds. Sometimes a strange message appears on your screen, or data and programs may be modified. In the worst case, all the files on your hard drive may be wiped out. These pernicious programs start on one computer, then replicate quickly, infecting other computers around the world.
In 1988 a student at Cornell University sent out a virus out by accident, infecting more than 6,000 computers in minutes, nearly bringing the Internet to its knees. More recently, the "I Love You" virus caused over $1 billion in lost productivity as it crippled e-mail systems worldwide. Last year alone, 10,000 new viruses, worms and Trojan horses were unleashed.
Warning Signs of Virus Infection
1. Your computer starts running sluggishly.
2. It shuts down unexpectedly or crashes frequently.
3. It experiences memory problems or runs out of disc space.
4. Unusual files or directories appear on your system.
5. Strange messages appear on your screen.
Inoculate Your Computer
If you download and run software from the Internet, or receive e-mail attachments, there's a good chance of contracting one of these digital bugs. Protect yourself by using anti-virus programs to scan your incoming e-mail attachments and alerting you if one is infected. The software also scans your hard drive periodically for viruses and deletes them.
The two most popular programs are from are from McAfee.com and Symantec. You can purchase and download the software from their websites. Both offer regular updates to handle newly discovered viruses.
For detailed information on specific computer viruses, visit the Symantec AntiVirus Research Center.
Virus Prevention Guidelines
1. Make sure your computer runs anti-virus software. If not, buy and install it immediately.
2. Even if you have this software, it must be updated regularly, as new viruses appear daily. Configure the programs to automatically download updates, making it easy to stay protected. Otherwise, periodically download the updates manually.
3. DO NOT OPEN an e-mail attachment unless you know who sent it. Even then, it's not totally safe, as a sneaky virus that has infected a friend's computer can access the e-mail address book, send a message to everyone, and attach itself. To be completely safe, scan the attachment with your anti-virus software BEFORE you open it.
4. If you receive a suspicious message, delete it immediately from your Inbox. When you delete a message, however, it's still on your system. Go into the Deleted Mail folder and delete the message again to permanently remove it from your computer.
5. Regularly back up your files. Should your system become infected, you won't lose valuable data.
Computer Viruses
Security Tips
The openness of the Internet has dramatically transformed global communications, making it easy for people around the world to exchange information. But the very same openness also creates an enormous problem. Anyone can access the network, yet not everyone has good intentions. Some engage in malicious mischief by unleashing destructive software programs, while others view hacking computer networks as sport. Then there are people with criminal goals in mind.
To avoid becoming a victim of misguided pranksters or cyber-crime, take the time to examine the security of your personal data. Here are our recommendations, along with links to more detailed information:
1. Use anti-virus software. Viruses spread rapidly and can damage or destroy your computer. New ones appear almost daily. It's critical that you install and update anti-virus software regularly. Use the program to scan all the files on your system once a week, deleting the infected ones.
2. Be wary of e-mail attachments. A virus can hide in an attachment. Opening it will unleash the virus. Don't open an attachment from anyone you don't know. Even if you do know the sender, an infected attachment may have been surreptitiously sent from an infected machine. The safest thing to do is to scan the attachment with anti-virus software before you open it.
3. Install a firewall on your computer. A firewall is a software program that blocks unauthorized access to your computer. This is particularly important if you have a broadband connection, such as DSL or a cable modem. Windows XP has a built-in firewall, so make sure it's activated if you use that operating system. If not, we recommend ZoneAlarm. You can download it for free for personal use from Zone Labs.
4. Protect your passwords. Many online services, such as banking, brokerage and e-mail require the use of passwords. A secure password is the first line of defense against cyber-snoops. Use a different password for each account, don't divulge them to anyone and change them periodically.
5. Update security patches for your operating system and web browser. You've probably read about security "holes" that turn up periodically. Once they are discovered, you can download fixes. For Windows users, an easy way to update your system is click on the Windows Update option under the Start menu.
6. Back up your data. Make copies of your files in case they become corrupted, your system fails or your computer is damaged or stolen. Get in the habit of doing this regularly, at least once a week.
7. Log offline when you are done for the day.
You are most vulnerable when connected to the Net. If there isn't a good reason to remain online, disconnect from the network.
Follow these tips and you will enhance your personal security and the health of your PC.
Use EASY Registry Cleaner
The main benefit of each registry cleaner is its simpleness or not. But not all of them can be called easy in use. These terms are often dismissed. Only that software can guarantee users simple usage which was created special for Internet majority population who often has no time to lean much about software. And this is the fact. All what a user should know about a "cleaner" is that how to scan and fix a PC and the Windows registry. Simple idea: pro soft - for professionals, intro - for home users. All is fair. Some characteristics below prove it.
Easy registry cleaner advantages and disadvantages
From home users:
* Good-looking interface
* Different gratifying to the eye "skins"
* Easy navigation
* Not numerous options
* Easy Help support
* Thoughtful FAQ (frequently asked questions) list
* Easily added plugins for additional scan operations
From professionals:
* Too much colors making program like for children
* Not a lot of functions
* Spoon-fed FAQ and Help support
* Needless "skins"
We can think out much more advantages and disadvantages but the final result - easy registry cleaner will be always better for home users only. I'm sure professionals will like them when they will have a hand in such "cleaner" construction. One way or the other such software should be created in future.
So, we can say that the features of easy registry cleaner allow users to fix and clean safely and easily. These two factors are the most important in case of home user's security and convenience. Professional registry cleaner, in its turn, does the same work but in different performance. But the final choice is user's who have to choose between convinience of easy registry cleaner and multifunctionality of pro registry which is just hidden in easy registry software in order do not make inconveniences for a user.