Best FREE Antivirus Software by Paul Edwards
If you suspect that your PC has been infected by malware (virus, Trojan, adware, spyware, etc.), one of your first stops should be at a web site that allows you to download a free antivirus package. Many companies offer free programs that are cut-down versions of their commercial products. ... For this reason, it is always a good idea to check your computer with two or more antivirus programs if you suspect a virus infection. ... When the program first starts, there is a short delay while it checks the computer's memory and other locations for signs of virus infection.

Microsoft's Spyware Fight by Mitch Johnson
Now that spyware has far exceeded the threats of viruses Microsoft has released their version of a beta spyware scanner, remover and blocker. Spyware infects users with Internet Explorer with an endless build up of threats that run on computers and gather personal and usage information. ... The software includes a scanner that will detect and remove or fix spyware infected files. ... Upon approval computer users get the download free and it begins immediately protecting against spyware invasions.

The Butterfly Effect Part I: Microsoft, Security, and the Developing World by Charles Spencer
Much has been made of the argument in Open Source circles about the benefits that Open Source offers developing countries, as opposed to expensive or pirated versions of Microsoft. Some of the more common arguments run, contra-Microsoft, that the expensive and proprietary software that runs on... I then carefully explained what a virus was, and what a virus scanner does. ... How easy is it for Hospital in Guatemala to clean up a computer database after a virus outbreak, as opposed to say a hospital in New York or Paris?

On the Origin and Evolution of Computer Viruses by Kevin-James Vella
Trends and industry analysts state that the efforts of the propagators will not relent. Last year marked the first ever mobile phone virus and Bluetooth technology, for example, compounds the threats to security. 35% of PCs in the US are infected while in China and India the rates hit 50%. ... A firewall on its own will not get rid of the virus problem but when used in conjunction with your OS updates, anti-virus software and processlibrary.com information, it will give you deeper system security and protection.

How to Remove Spyware by Kenth Nasstrom
Spyware removal has become a tedious work. As the spyware threat has worsened, a number of techniques have emerged to counteract it. Among these are * Programs designed to remove or to block unwanted programs * Eucating the users in such a way that they can keep bad programs from infecting their... In the beginning, anti-virus firms did not want to add functions that was connected to other forms of threats then virus, citing lawsuits brought by software authors against the authors of web sites and programs which described their products as "spyware".

Hard Drive Crash Prevention And Recovery Tips by Michael Cottier
The hard drive in our computers right now stores all of our data, and our computer could not function without it. There would be no World Wide Web, email or even an operating system without hard drives. Since hard drives are so important, a hard drive crash is without a doubt the biggest problem... The flashing light on front of your computer case, that blinks when the computer is busy, is a good tool to determine the problem. ... Another way to protect your hard drive from crashes is to purchase a good virus scanner, preferably by McAfee or Norton, and keep protection tools enabled and...

Virus or Spyware - What's the Difference? by Dave Fraser
This month's article is one of the things I still find comes up as a frequent question, "what's the difference between Viruses and Spyware"? so I will try and answer that here. One of the biggest slowdowns of a PC is caused by viruses, adware or spyware as it's often called. ... A virus is a piece of malicious software code written to cause some kind of damage to a computer system or network or even the Internet itself. ... Sometimes people say to me "doesn't my anti-virus software remove spyware"?

Free Spyware Removal Tools by Alison Cole
There are many pseudo spyware removers out there, which intend to infiltrate your system under the pretence of an effective spyware removal tool. Many such spyware removal tools lured users and trapped them inside their own computers. Systems slowed down, crashed or were filled with spam. ... Some of its key features include the Spyware and Adware Scanner, Pop-up Blocker, Malware Immunizer and the Browser and Spyware Cookie Guard. ... Trend Micro Anti Spyware is a free online tool that checks and treats any spyware infections on your computer.

Why Should You Worry About A Malicious Code? by Johan Tengstrom
A malicious code can be a program. It can also be a part of a program. Further a malicious code can attach itself to a good program. In that way the malicious effect occurs first when the good program runs. The last time you installed a large software, let us say a photo program, you just... The difference between a worm and a virus is that a worm operates through a network and a virus is spread through a medium, usually a copied program or data files. ... A resident virus locates itself in the memory of the computer and can remain active even if the attached program stops.

File Sharing by Peter Emerson
Depending on the level of information technology exposure you have had, when you hear the phrase, “file sharing,” you may think of exchanging piles of folders, floppy diskettes, CD’s or USB’s. It used to be that the only way that large files could ever be transferred from one computer to another... To address security concerns, programmers and producers of file sharing software have developed virus scanners and procedures for their users to follow. ... They have also released advisories that not only provide tips on avoiding virus attacks, but also warnings on downloading contents with...