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Our technicians are often asked how a computer should properly be protected. There is no doubt a mind boggling number of threats facing computer users today but protection doesn't have to be overly complicated. We advise our customers to perform/implement the steps outlined here to maintain a high level of security.
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Microsoft offers these free updates that resolve known issues in their software. These updates will “patch” or close possible security holes as well as fix bugs in the respective software. Most high profile viruses (the ones we hear about on the news) have exploited these unpatched vulnerabilities.
There is no cost to doing Windows updates given that you maintain a valid (genuine) version of Windows.
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Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are malicious programs that can cause damage to your computer and information on your computer. They can also slow down your Internet experience and might even use your computer to spread themselves to your friends, family, co-workers, and the rest of the users on the web.
We recommend AVG Anti-Virus to protect you against these threats. AVG does a great job at preventing and removing threats and that needs to be the foremost requirement of your antivirus product. What sets AVG apart from other products is how easy it is on your system resources. In other words AVG runs quietly in the background protecting you from threats and doesn't slow your computer for the real work you are trying to do.
**If you are looking for antivirus and anti-spyware/adware protection (described below in step three) consider using AVG Anti-Malware which includes protection for both viruses and spyware/adware (malware) threats. This combinations offers a great value to you the customer.
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Spyware and other unwanted software refers to software that performs certain tasks on your computer, typically without your consent. This may include giving you advertising or collecting personal information about you.
There are two applications we recommend to prevent spyware and adware (malware) threats. Both SpySweeper and AVG Anti-Malware do a great job of protecting you and your machine. AVG Anti-Malware actually includes the AVG Anti-Virus program as part of its package which makes it a great value to the customer.
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A firewall is an important part of any security protection. A firewall closes open ports, or doors, on a computer. The purpose is prevent communications from passing through that might be harmful to the computers operations.
The Windows XP Service Pack Two firewall is listed here as our recommendation. Basically if you are running Windows XP and have the latest service pack you are most likely protected. If you have questions regarding how to check your service pack or whether or not your XP firewall is turned on please contact us.
Other firewall software can also protect you but our experience is that the XP firewall does a pretty good job of securing your computer and you can't beat the price...free!
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