Computer Viruses and Spyware | Español |
Anti-virus programs.
Spyware.
Anti-virus programs
The oldest danger to personal computers, predating even the Internet, is the virus. Before the Internet, computers picked these digital infections up from software passed around on floppy disks or via bulletin board services. One of the reasons computer “crackers” apparently started writing viruses was that they wanted to try to undermine the hugely successful MS-DOS operating system, which evolved into the many versions of Windows we have today. DOS and Windows were,
 |
|
and continue to be, the operating systems most targeted by viruses. Windows is found on more than 85% of the world’s computers today. Other operating systems, such Unix and Mac OS, are far safer to use, in part because they are less popular targets, but also because of their design. If you are a Mac user, you are safer. If you are a Windows user, be sure you have an updated anti-virus installed on your computer.
So what are computer viruses anyway? They are dangerous programs that secretly install themselves on your computer and set about causing all kinds of havoc, from sending out unsolicited e-mail messages to disabling your operating system, or even destroying all the files on your hard disk. Parents also should be aware that, as Be Safe Online warns, viruses may link to pornographic websites or install a pornographic picture as a screensaver.
There are many programs available to ward off viruses. The best way to get an idea of how effective and user-friendly each program can be is to do a little research of your own. A good starting point is to read reviews by trade magazines or online services, such as CNet or ZdNet. At the top of most reviewers’ lists are the Norton and McAfee anti-virus programs. Both come as standalone anti-virus programs or in suites that offer other security features as well. Prices for both vary, depending on the features you need, but bargains can be found on eBay.
There are low-cost options for protecting personal computers, including highly regarded anti-virus programs such as AVG and Avast! which are available for free online. Download sites can be found through services such as Download or Tucows or by simply searching in Google. AVG is a particularly popular anti-virus program for home computers that is easy to install and updates automatically.
Spyware
Another menace is spyware. Unlike viruses, these programs do not seek to interfere with the operation of your computer. Instead their purpose is to track your online activity, particularly what you buy. Spyware can report information back to businesses that then may try to interest you in their products through repeated advertisements that literally pop up on your computer screen. These unsolicited ads are known as “pop-ups.” The impact of pop-ups can range from being mildly annoying to making it almost impossible to browse the web. Like the viruses noted previously, pop-ups can sometimes include pornographic images.
As with anti-virus software, there are many different anti-spyware programs available. In part because spyware is still a relatively new phenomenon, none of the programs available seem to pick up all of the spying programs floating around in cyberspace. The good news is that the competition in this market is so intense that many anti-spyware programs are available free of charge. The most highly recommended anti-spayware programs are these:
Windows Defender is the latest entrant to the market. It is widely used because it is an integrated offering from Microsoft. Most anti-spyware programs have community features built into them that provide automated feedback to add to the database of known spyware. This allows anti-spyware manufacturers to improve their products and afford better protection against spyware.