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Overview of Virus and Trojans

June 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Anti-virus software applications are very helpful in analyzing the virus and its threats. The users planning to buy any software applications should consider various package and select an application that offers maximum level of protection. An individual must understand that all viruses differ in their causes and threats. There are two main types of threats that affect most of the systems: Trojans and boot virus.

Trojan is a benign application and they are equally destructive when compared to virus. Trojans never replicate, but they trick the computer user to open it by posing as an application from the legitimate source. Most Trojans are annoying applications as they repeat some sound repeatedly, displays graphics, or even change the desktop. Some Trojans delete or damage any files and few even open a backdoor for many malicious applications and unauthorized users. This way, they become the threat to confidential and personal information.

The main target of most viruses and malicious codes is to damage the computer hard disk’s boot sector that has the program code of the operating system. The goals of this virus are propagation and replication. These virus normally attacks the system before booting up and even starts before any other application in the system starts working. Boot virus runs automatically whenever the system is booted. These virus are normally spread through exchange disks. Some of the popular viruses are boot virus, disk killer, form, and stoned. Most popular Trojans are Trojan.Emcodec.B and Trojan.Realsearch. Among these Trojans, Trojan.Realsearch always alert with false messages about the infected machine.

 

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The Dangers and Annoyance of Mal-ware

February 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are many malicious sources online that pose potential dangers to a computer. Whether an unsuspecting email account holder inadvertently opens an attached file and installs it on their computer without knowing it is a virus, or someone stumbles upon a web site that presents a barrage of pop-ups containing viruses; there are many things that can wreak havoc on your computer. However, one of the more common associations with dangers and overall annoyance pertains to mal-ware programs. These programs are becoming more prevalent in the modern Internet, and are infecting more and more people on a daily basis.

Mal-ware programs are programs designed to infect a computer, then run silently in the background for any known period of time. As it is running in the background, it tracks the users of that computers search habits and other aspects that give an indication of their interests. It then transmits these algorithms back to the source of the virus. Once that source has collected enough information, the mal-ware begins sending ads and other annoying pop-ups to the computer in which it is infecting with theoretical relevant ads. When people click on these ads, the source of the mal-ware then begins making money. The ads while annoying in their most natural form, also have detrimental effects on the system resources, and can greatly increase the amount of time in which a web page loads.

Fortunately, there are some simple ways to check for mal-ware if you believe your computer has been compromised with a virus. Simply pull up the task manager and analyze the various processes that are running on your system at the current time. For the most part, many of them should be recognizable. If you do come across one that looks suspicious, look it up and determine if you can shut it down, or get rid of it without hurting anything on your machine.

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Error Messages That Take You Online – Never Click On Such Ads

January 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are many viruses and malicious software applications that lure gullible computer users to hand over their private and confidential information by creating numerous error messages on the computer.

It is natural to end up with one error message or the other over a period of time when you use your computer for different activities. The software application that you have just installed may not have been registered properly with the registry of the operating system.

Or, an extension added to the web browsing software application may cause some other program to hang. With so many programs operating in an interconnected manner, it is but natural that a few glitches would occur.

How can you find out whether the warning on your computer screen is a genuine operating system error or whether it is a malicious trick to cheat you of your private data? Most error messages contain information and details that will help you take remedial action.

Never will you be taken to a website that will promise you to sort out your problem through a software program. Clicking on a Windows error message and ending up in the website that asks you to download a software application is a clear case of a spam and a fraudulent advertisement. The only difference is that the advertisement has been designed and presented as if a Windows error.

The smartest option is to never take the advertisement and never accept any downloads from such websites. Secondly, you should immediately install an antivirus and a firewall on your computer.

If the problem persists, then you may have to go in for complete reinstall of your operating system to ensure that the problem is taken care of. If you cannot afford a premium antivirus software application, go in for a free version that will give you minimum protection.

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks Tagged With: , ,

Computer Protection: How to Keep Your Computer Safe

January 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

You’ve made an investment into a computer for business, school, or personal use and want to ensure that it is safe guarded at all times.

Virus & Spyware Protection

The most important thing you can do for your computer is to install an antivirus and anti spyware software package onto your computer. There are many available on the market and some are even free or offer free trials.

  • Look for an antivirus program that scans web traffic in real time, stopping malware and viruses from infecting your PC immediately.
  • Schedule scanning of your system when it is idle so that it does not interfere with or slow down normal production
  • Set your program to search for updates daily so that your system is keep current on scanning for any new viruses, Trojans, worms, etc.

Firewall Protection

Firewall software is the insulation computers need to avoid the operating system from being hacked for personal or sensitive information by hackers.

You want a firewall protection program that:

  • Stops hackers from getting into your computer through open ports
  • Stops unauthorized scans of your computer by hackers looking for open ports or holes in security
  • Stops installation of spyware by hackers using personal data for identity theft or illegal transactions
  • Stops the code injection of good programs for the use of theft, downloading viruses, spyware, etc.

Trusted Sources and Downloads

Download only materials from the programs official website or one that is listed on the official site by the manufacturer.

Avoid freeware or shareware, as untrusted sources often time leads the user to sites that download the program along with virus infections, adware, spyware, and other potential hazards. As an added precaution or extra security, immediately scan any downloaded files using your antivirus software program.

Browsing and Internet Use

Yes, even browsing the Internet can open your computer to unsafe conditions. Keep your eyes on the status bar before clicking on a link. It may not be pointing to the place where you think you are linking to.

If you use your computer to transfer money, pay for bills, or any other transactions concerning bank or credit card information, make sure you are in safe mode. URLs should have https:// prefix and the padlock symbol at the bottom of your browser should be showing.

Taking a few precautions now will require a small amount of time, but in the long run it will save you time, money, and the stress of lost or stolen data.

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