Bad things happen to all people, not just good people. One of the bad things that happens is data loss — one important file, several files, or everything can disappear into cyber-limbo. Here are some common ways it happens: You can simply make some mistake — accidentally deleting data that you can’t get back because … Read more
If you have an “always on” Internet connection, then consider using a hardware firewall. A hardware firewall protects all of the computers and other devices on your network, eliminating the need to install a software firewall on each one. If you’re not convinced that you need a firewall, then consider this: fully one third of … Read more
Windows computers can be attacked in many ways — and not just with viruses, worms, or Trojan horses. Another popular way to attack a Windows computer is to attempt to communicate to it over any of the network “ports” found on Windows computers. These ports are kind of like TV channels or radio frequencies: Computers … Read more
Before you go grab and install a security patch, you may want to get to know a few basic facts about it — where to get it, what it does, whether it’ll cost you, that sort of thing. Most software makers have this process figured out, more or less, even if they don’t collectively take … Read more
The big software programs that run on PCs today consist of thousands — and sometimes even millions — of lines of source code (the step-by-step instructions that give the program its functionality and personality). That’s a lot to keep track of — and (as with anything made by people) flaws can creep in. Software can … Read more
If suddenly the realization hits that it’s been more than a week since you updated your virus-signature file, you better scan your computer for viruses immediately — particularly if you’re the active type (lots of e-mail, file sharing, file swapping, opening mail from strangers, and other such cyber-exuberance). The more time that has gone by … Read more
Signature updates are your antivirus program’s ammunition. Without regular signature updates, your antivirus program quickly becomes dependent on unreliable ammo — which is to say, practically useless. Fortunately, getting the good new stuff is pretty straightforward, whether you do it manually or automatically. Manual updates Antivirus programs permit you to do signature file updates “on … Read more
Because computer viruses behave like viruses in the organic world (in the way that they infect and spread), it’s no wonder some medical terms crossed over into the computer world. For example, antivirus programs borrowed quarantine from hospitals, where it’s a secure place (and a set of procedures) intended to isolate patients with infectious diseases … Read more
Different antivirus programs have different ways of showing you when a virus is detected in an e-mail message. Some slip a note into the mail message, informing you that your program has removed a virus from a particular mail message. Others warn you with a pop-up window (not a browser pop-up, but one produced by … Read more
You may have seen a warning message that appeared to come from your antivirus program — and said it found a virus. First response: Separate fact from fiction. If your message was wholly contained within an e-mail message, then it’s most likely a “spam” (junk) message, and one of two things is going on: … Read more