Most Common Ways to Accumulate Spyware (where It is Downloaded to Your PC) by Mark Berger
It is possible that if one avoided all sources of spyware, ad-ware and virus infection that infection would be at minimal levels. Although I don't recommend using only this method as a form of fighting spyware, it can be a potentially effective mean. ... If you run a good virus program while you visit these sites, your virus program will most certainly warn you to "abort the connection" or "terminate the script." This means a server-side script is running to put spyware in the form of cookies onto your hard drive.

Troubleshooting With Your MP3 Player by Edward Shapard
One of the most common problems that an individual encounters with their MP3 player is incompatible file formats. All MP3 players can read files in .mp3 format and most can also accommodate .wma formats. Even if a music file doesn't match these extensions, there are several software programs... By running a virus check on the file prior to opening it, an individual may be able to protect themselves from a computer virus. ... Before it even makes it to the MP3 player, however, any present virus will have already infected the computer.

Adware and Spyware Blockers by Gary Gresham
The most important things you can do for your computer right now is to install adware and spyware blockers. Everyone is aware of computer viruses and run an anti-virus program to guard your computer against them. But only a fraction of computer users are running any kind of adware and spyware... Adware and Spyware are less noticeable than computer viruses but can be much greater danger to your computer. ... However, there are less common ways to become infected. ... These issues can serve to be a hindrance to the growth of e-commerce." There are many programs that you can download to...

How to Avoid Malware on Your Computer by Alan Dwight Sharpe
Malware is the all encompassing term for any unwanted software that invades your computer and makes unwanted changes. Spyware, adware, and viruses are lumped in this group. There are some great products out there that will help you clean up these infections, but the real trick to running a clean... Most of the time good common sense will keep your computer safer than whatever virus protection you have installed. ... If you get a message from your computer warning you that it is infected and you need to download suchandsuch software to remove the virus, don’t do it.

Protecting Your Computer by Courtland Santos
Protecting your computer is an important step to keeping your computer and information safe and secure. One of the most important steps in protecting your computer is regularly updating your software, in particular your Windows Operating System. Protecting your computer is another vital way to... The second step in protecting your computer is to keep your anti-virus program updated by downloading the latest virus definitions. ... The key to protecting your computer is in understanding that no solution is perfect and that you should always trust your common sense before anything else.

How Hackers Gain Control of Your Computer by Richard Rogers
Your PC has many "ports" which are vulnerable to attack from a hacker. These ports are used to communicate internally with your monitor or printer or externally to the internet. For example, Port 25 is used for receiving incoming email and Port 80 is used to connect to the internet. ... When the attachment is opened the virus loads itself onto your computer and allows the hacker to control your computer. ... 4) Install an anti virus program and keep the virus definitions up to date. ... If you have a broadband or DSL connection your IP address rarely changes which make your computer more...

3 Summer Computer Tips by Sharron Senter
#1 – Summer Computer Travel Most computer users have a tendency to turn off their computers when away on trips, which means you’re not getting newly-released anti-virus patches or anti-spyware updates; the two most common areas that cause computers problems. ... Leaving the computer on all the time puts excess wear on the mechanical components (the hard drive spindle motor and cooling fans). ... For a free listing of viruses, spyware threats and trends, visit: www.VisitingGeeks.com/downloads.htm #2 -- Should You Leave Your Computer Running?

Spyware – Back to Basics by Paul Callis
Due to the massive demand for computers and the use of internet by such a high population, there is a need to know about what all of these symptoms that your computer can get. As each new generation is born, more and more people join the internet and learn about computers everyday, and with this... Common indicators include sudden changes or repeat changes in pages you are viewing or your homepage. ... Typically your computer will run very slow, and take ages to change pages, and when it does it is not what you requested.

Basic Computer Maintenance by Donnie Schexnayder
One of the most common questions computer users ask is, “How do I maintain my computer and keep it running great?” A computer is a lot like a car…it costs more than you think it should, it starts going down in value as soon as you bring it home and it requires regular maintenance to keep it... Here are some links you can visit for more information: McAfee Anti-virus - http://us.mcafee.com/ Norton Anti-virus - http://www.symantec.com/nav/nav_9xnt/ AVG Free Anti-Virus (for home users only) - http://www.grisoft.com/doc/40/lng/ww •Be careful what you install on your computer!

What are Viruses and Spyware? by Carlos Cabezas
A question I am often asked is “What is the difference between viruses and spyware?” so I thought I would give a brief primer here as well as some tips to get rid of them. Viruses Viruses install themselves on your computer and then try to propagate, that is, spread to other computers. ... * Worms Worms propagate through a network, looking for open doors and holes that they can exploit in order to get to another computer * Trojan Horses As the name implies, a trojan horse virus disguises itself as something that appears harmless.