What to do about Computer Viruses

There are many ways in which a virus can infect your PC. But regardless of whether it is a harmful virus or an annoying “practical joke,” it is dangerous to let one loose on your system, and it should be dealt with immediately. Whether you are connected to the Internet or not, it is safest to have an antivirus program installed on your computer. If you are connected to the Internet, it is basically a must.

What You Can Do to Protect Others from Phishers

By reporting phishing to both volunteer and industry groups, such as PhishTank, you can help to protect others from phishers. Other anti-phishing methods have been developed, and have been included in web browsers, toolbars, and as part of web page login procedures.

Tips on How to Recognize a Phisher

SPELLING MISTAKES in the email or Website. Sounds simple. But no reputable company will send you an email with spelling mistakes. Or at least they will try not to. It presents a very unprofessional image, and could harm its business.

What is Adware?

Adware, which is short for “Advertising-Supported Software” is any software which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertising material to a computer after the software is installed on it.

Computer Viruses and Antivirus Software

Before understanding what a computer virus is, it is necessary to understand what a virus in when it occurs in a living form (such as a human body, an animal, or a plant). A virus is a small organism that is only able to reproduce itself within another living cell or body. It is typically harmful to the cell or body in which it lives, and is the cause of many illnesses and diseases. The word virus comes from Latin, and literally it means “poison.”

Tips on Preventing Phishing

Never, ever click on a link inside an email from your bank, credit card company, or other similar institution. Instead, go directly to their website. The only exception might be when this is impossible. For example, you sometimes receive a confirmation email where you have to click a link to verify your email address or change your password. In this case, you will usually have just logged onto the company’s website and requested to sign up, change your password, etc. It would not be a random email which you would receive out of the blue. And even in this case, remember the below precautions and tips.

"Phishing" Defined

Why the term “Phishing?” The word “phishing” is really a play on words. In English, the letters “PH” are pronounced the same as the letter “F.” So “phishing” is pronounced in the same was as “fishing.” One of the dictionary definitions of fishing is “to seek something by roundabout means.” Since phishing is an action where one tries to get your personal information through the use of covert tricks and deceit, it appropriately describes this criminal activity.

What are Computer Viruses?

In modern times, most people are aware to one degree or another of computer viruses. But exactly what are computer viruses? Viruses are essentially computer programs written to cause harm and damage your computer. Viruses have the ability to open normal programs, files or documents, and copy themselves or parts of themselves into them.