Protecting Your Computer from Viruses

There are many types of intrusive, dangerous programs for your computer. Some really aren’t that harmful; they are hackers just messing around.  Many are more about gaining data for inserting advertising.  The most dangerous ones are after your personal and financial information.  All have the potential to slow down of crash your computer.

If you run Windows on your computer, you are by far the most at risk.  About 95% of malicious software is targeted at Windows operating systems.  These are steps you can take to stay safe.

• Install antivirus software.
• Don’t open emails if you don’t know the sender.
• Avoid clicking on ads and visiting web sites you are unsure about.
• Use Linux or Mac operating systems.

One of the best anit-virus programs you can use is Microsoft Security Essentials.  Tests have shown it to be one of the best.  AVG is the most popular but slows your boot time and isn’t all that good at detecting threats.  Surprisingly, there aren’t many studies of on virus detecting software.  Here is one.