Anti-Virus

Anti-Virus Software

2006-07-14T08:31:00.000-07:00

Anti-Virus software

One of the reasons to have good Anti-Virus Software is to prevent one of the most heinous of information crimes - identity theft. Computer viruses make your computer vulnerable to having your personal information collected and used without your knowledge and could result in your identity being stolen and your credit being ruined. Anti-virus software minimizes this risk at least when it comes to what is stored on your computer. Below is an article with more tips on preventing identity theft.

Tips for Avoiding Identity Theft By Brooke Sikula

As anyone who has been paying attention lately no doubt knows, identity theft is on the rise, and more people than ever before are finding themselves at risk. With the recent disclosure of missing consumer data by a number of banks, credit card companies and other financial institutions, now is the perfect time to look at steps you can take to avoid the hassle and expense of identity theft.

What is identity theft?

Many people are confused at just what constitutes identity theft. Identity theft involves much more than someone just using your credit card to buy all those things they've always wanted. Instead, the identity thief will open bank accounts,
obtain loans and get credit cards in your name. These accounts, unknown to you, can quickly ruin your credit and damage your good name. The results of this identity theft can be quite devastating, and on average the identity theft victim can expect to spend about $800 and to put in up to 175 of hard work in order to regain their identity and their good name. Even after all this hard work, the results of an identity theft case can linger for many years, and can continue to have an impact on one's ability to get mortgages and other loans.

What can the individual consumer do?
It can be difficult for the average consumer to know what to do to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Fortunately, there are a number of things savvy investors can do to avoid becoming a victim. One of the easiest and most cost effective steps
to take is to buy a simple crosscut personal shredder. Many identity thieves obtain what they need by simply picking through the trash. It is important to shred any document that contains Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers and other sensitive information. A good crosscut shredder can be had
for less than $50, and it will pay for itself in peace of mind.
Another simple step consumers can take is to mail credit card bills at the post office, or from the office. Many thieves troll mailboxes while homeowners are away, scoring valuable credit card numbers and Social Security numbers in the deal.
Knowing when your credit card bills come due is another important step. If you have not received your credit card bill when you usually do, it could mean that an identity thief has changed the address on the account to hide their tracks.

Keep your private information private

Perhaps the most important tip is to never, ever give out personal information like credit card numbers, bank account numbers and Social Security numbers over the phone unless you have initiated the call. Many identity thieves will call unsuspecting consumers and pretend to be bank officials, credit card officials or even law enforcement officers in an attempt to solicit private information. The stories many of these individuals tell can be quite convincing, but do not let yourself be fooled.

About the Author

Brooke Sikula is a freelance writer based in Ventura, CA and writes on a wide range of topics from home improvement to credit repair and everything in between. She is a regular contributor to http://www.loan-mortgage-auto.com and http://www.home-improvement4u.com For more information and advice on credit issues, check out http://www.credit-card-faq.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brooke_Sikula

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Anti-Virus

2006-06-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

Anti-Virus

Computer Viruses - What Are They? What to Do About Them?

A computer virus is similar to a biological virus in that it is spread from one computer to another in a similar way that viruses spread from one person to another. Additionally, a computer virus cannot spread until it is executed. In order to be executed, a computer virus rides on top of other programs or documents, and then the harmful effects begin.

Once you have a computer virus has become 'alive' and started to infect your computer a whole host of problems can arise. Most of the problems caused by viruses are not entirely damaging to your computer, while some can be destructive in that they can destroy damage. Most of the negative effect of viruses comes in the form of the out of control reproduction, which can take up computer space.

Computer viruses are also extended to worms spread over the internet, which act in a similar fashion, but are more harmful and malicious in intent.The best solution is to get good software that will scan your computer for any Spyware, Adware and Viruses you might already have installed as well as eliminate it and protect you from further invasions.

One other thing to note is that while most viruses are targeted toward Windows Operating Systems, all operating systems, including Mac OS and Linux can be infected.

Your best protection is Anti-Virus Software that continually updates and to be careful about what you download off the internet. You only want to download from services or websites that you know to be safe.

For more information and to get a free scan, go to Opinedmind - Antivirus Software or Free Virus Scan

The author runs the website Opinedmind.com writing articles on computing and financial issues.

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2006-05-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

Trojan Horses - What are they? What do they do?
By Kelley Kilanski

A Trojan is a type of virus of worm that can cause serious damage to your computer. It's a program that at first glance may seem safe but in actuality contains something quite harmful. So harmful, in fact, it can ruin your computer by causing widespread damage that may be irreversible. If you remember your history, you will recall that the Greeks won the Trojan was by hiding in a large hollow wooden horse in order to enter a heavily fortified Troy without knowledge. This indeed is how a Trojan gains access to your computer. Trojans get on your computer by downloading seemingly harmless programs such as games, pictures, music or movie files, but once these programs are executed, their job begins. Trojans may only do things to annoy, but they can do worse damage. Trojans can erase your disk, send your credit card numbers and passwords to a stranger or let others use your computer for illegal purposes like denial of service attacks, crippling networks for months.

Your best protection is Anti-Virus Software that continually updates and to be careful about what you download off the internet. You only want to download from services or websites that you know to be safe.

For more information and to get a free scan, go to Opinedmind - Antivirus

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2006-05-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

Why You Need Anti-Virus Software
by Kelley Kilanski

Antivirus software is meant to help you protect against computer viruses, adware, spyware, trojans and more. If you don't have adequate antivirus software, you are asking for a world of trouble in many forms. As you use the internet, especially if you're using a PC, software is being downloaded onto your computer without your knowledge and could stop your computer from working properly or worse, steal your personal information in order to steal not only your money but your identity as well.

Antivirus software helps protect against this by identifying these forms of attack on your computer before they do damage and destroys them. Antivirus software can also eliminate annoyances like pop-ups. Many antivirus software online distributors allow you to scan your computer for free before purchasing their product. If you don't have any viruses or adware on your computer, great. But, even if you don't, it doesn't mean you won't in the future if you don't have adequate protection.

For information on antivirus software and to get a free scan, go to Opinedmind