by: l4xgeorge
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In a lot of homes, the most popular use for personal computers is for playing games. This raises a lot of questions with respect to Personal Computer (PC) Security. Before we press ahead dealing with this particular type of PC Security threat, let us examine PC Security as a whole.

PC Security includes threats such as viruses, identity theft, spyware, adware to name but a few. The latest statistics show that at least over 900 new viruses are created each month which makes keeping track of them really quite difficult. Identity Theft is one of the fastest growing modern day crimes and can \'cripple\' the affected individual. The criminals that do these things are constantly coming up with new ways or ideas to get into our personal computers. Usually, they infect the hard drives of Personal Computers with viruses and destroy the affected computers or steal our personal identity.

Here you find that ones personal sensitive information, like files, credit card information, operating system or software and other non-disclosed data can be penetrated by these criminals.

Spyware, Adware and Malware are recent tools in the arsenal of these hackers and are used quite efficiently to collect and transfer valuable electronic information from unsuspecting individuals over the Internet. When connected to the internet, everyone must ensure that every file that is downloaded, opened or saved is safe and free of irregularities of any kind.

It is vitally important to install and configure software programs that will constantly scan your PC for these bugs which can be nuisances and cause crashes, slow down systems, or steal financial information. This can be called PC Diagnostics which is a utility that runs a battery of tests on your PC or a session held to analyze computer problems.

It should be noted that you must also configure your PC browser to protect you when you are working online. This will help in blocking offensive and dangerous websites from entering your PC environs. Other actions that can be taken should be:

- Installing the latest firewall and antivirus software.
- Making sure you block downloads that install unwanted programs.
- Preventing malicious add ons to your computer and immunizing your PC.
- For those using Microsoft Windows, install all windows critical updates for your operating system.
- Make sure you create a complete backup of your hard drive.

These are but a few of the steps you should take in ensuring that you use your computer without fear of being spied on or having your computer crippled.

Another part of PC Security that cannot be ignored is Email Security. It is common knowledge that you should not open email attachments unless you are absolutely certain who sent them to you. Criminals try to disguise their emails so that you think they are from a friend or business associate or a well known company. Do please remember that no loan company, no credit card company or bank, or any other financial institutions will ever ask for personal information in an email. If any personal information is asked by email, you can be certain that their request is not legitimate. Please with all care, do not email anyone your personal information.

At the beginning of this article, I stated that in a lot of homes, the most popular use for personal computers is for playing games. Computer games are now a multi-billion dollar industry and invariably, kids would love to get their hands on the latest game. Unknown to a lot of families, some of these computer games are riddled with viruses and spyware causing untold damage to the affected computer. A lot of care and consideration should be taken prior to purchasing any computer game. It should be purchased from a reputable company.

Usually in a lot of companies, as part of the security measures undertaken, below are some of the actions given to staff and could be applied to your home:

- When you walk away from your computer, shut it down.
- Make sure your computer is password-protected while you are away.
- Please do not stay connected to the internet unless you are actively online.
- Never leave your computer connected to the internet overnight or at any other time when you are away from your computer.

Finally, it should be noted that if you are cash strapped, you can get free antivirus software applications over the internet. Examples of free applications are:

- AVG Free Edition from Grisoft.
- Zone Alarm Free Firewall
- CyberScrub KeyChain

While this article is by no means exhaustive, it will provide you with the essentials to protect your Personal Computer and data. I sincerely hope you take urgent action before you find your PC in a state of disrepair.

About the Author

Larry George runs www.PC-Matters.info where you can find more interesting articles relating to the Personal Computer.

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PC Security, Startling Facts! In a lot of homes, the most popular use for personal computers is for playing games. This raises a lot of questions with respect to Personal Computer (PC) Security. Before we press ahead dealing with this particular type of PC Security threat, let us examine PC Security as a whole.<br /> <br /> PC Security includes threats such as viruses, identity theft, spyware, adware to name but a few. The latest statistics show that at least over 900 new viruses are created each month which makes keeping track of them really quite difficult. Identity Theft is one of the fastest growing modern day crimes and can 'cripple' the affected individual. The criminals that do these things are constantly coming up with new ways or ideas to get into our personal computers. Usually, they infect the hard drives of Personal Computers with viruses and destroy the affected computers or steal our personal identity.<br /> <br /> Here you find that ones personal sensitive information, like files, credit card information, operating system or software and other non-disclosed data can be penetrated by these criminals.<br /> <br /> Spyware, Adware and Malware are recent tools in the arsenal of these hackers and are used quite efficiently to collect and transfer valuable electronic information from unsuspecting individuals over the Internet. When connected to the internet, everyone must ensure that every file that is downloaded, opened or saved is safe and free of irregularities of any kind.<br /> <br /> It is vitally important to install and configure software programs that will constantly scan your PC for these bugs which can be nuisances and cause crashes, slow down systems, or steal financial information. This can be called PC Diagnostics which is a utility that runs a battery of tests on your PC or a session held to analyze computer problems.<br /> <br /> It should be noted that you must also configure your PC browser to protect you when you are working online. This will help in blocking offensive and dangerous websites from entering your PC environs. Other actions that can be taken should be:<br /> <br /> - Installing the latest firewall and antivirus software.<br /> - Making sure you block downloads that install unwanted programs.<br /> - Preventing malicious add ons to your computer and immunizing your PC.<br /> - For those using Microsoft Windows, install all windows critical updates for your operating system.<br /> - Make sure you create a complete backup of your hard drive.<br /> <br /> These are but a few of the steps you should take in ensuring that you use your computer without fear of being spied on or having your computer crippled.<br /> <br /> Another part of PC Security that cannot be ignored is Email Security. It is common knowledge that you should not open email attachments unless you are absolutely certain who sent them to you. Criminals try to disguise their emails so that you think they are from a friend or business associate or a well known company. Do please remember that no loan company, no credit card company or bank, or any other financial institutions will ever ask for personal information in an email. If any personal information is asked by email, you can be certain that their request is not legitimate. Please with all care, do not email anyone your personal information.<br /> <br /> At the beginning of this article, I stated that in a lot of homes, the most popular use for personal computers is for playing games. Computer games are now a multi-billion dollar industry and invariably, kids would love to get their hands on the latest game. Unknown to a lot of families, some of these computer games are riddled with viruses and spyware causing untold damage to the affected computer. A lot of care and consideration should be taken prior to purchasing any computer game. It should be purchased from a reputable company.<br /> <br /> Usually in a lot of companies, as part of the security measures undertaken, below are some of the actions given to staff and could be applied to your home:<br /> <br /> - When you walk away from your computer, shut it down.<br /> - Make sure your computer is password-protected while you are away.<br /> - Please do not stay connected to the internet unless you are actively online.<br /> - Never leave your computer connected to the internet overnight or at any other time when you are away from your computer.<br /> <br /> Finally, it should be noted that if you are cash strapped, you can get free antivirus software applications over the internet. Examples of free applications are:<br /> <br /> - AVG Free Edition from Grisoft.<br /> - Zone Alarm Free Firewall<br /> - CyberScrub KeyChain<br /> <br /> While this article is by no means exhaustive, it will provide you with the essentials to protect your Personal Computer and data. I sincerely hope you take urgent action before you find your PC in a state of disrepair. Larry George runs <a href=\"http://www.PC-Matters.info\">www.PC-Matters.info</a> where you can find more interesting articles relating to the Personal Computer.