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| Photo credit: arinas 74 |
Did you know that there are many excellent anti-virus programs available at no cost that work together to protect your PC from attacks?
A friend of mine and her co-worker, who work in government security, came up with a list of FREE Anti-Virus products to protect your PC from all the sophisticated viruses, spyware, and malware that are constantly evolving and making trouble for us all.
I passed on that list to my readers yesterday in a post called Free Anti-Virus/Spyware/Malware Protection Your PC.
Rather than ANSWER my Thursday Two Questions below, I'd like you to THINK about them and then share this information with all who might need added protection for their computer (an easy way to do this is to click on the "Like" button below this post).
My Thursday Two Questions to you are:
- How many people do you know who have been attacked by computer viruses in the past year?
- Do you think most of your friends and acquaintances are adequately protected against virus/spyware/malware attack?
Thanks for stopping by.
23 comments:
Good article Margaret, these days we need anti-virus protection.
I have removed a few viruses, a piece or two of malware, etc. But about two years ago I had an all out attack, it came fast and was playing havoc with my system with multiple screens flashing before my eyes. I shut down the computer, restarted in Safe Mode and decided it was a good time to move from a trial version of Norton to full protection. At that point I could let Norton clean up the problem and then I did a partial reinstall of my OS. Everything was fine, no files lost.
I use Norton 360, it is a good program that covers all the bases. It automatically updates for the newest threats.
You might also want to remind everyone to stay current with the Microsoft Updates, those also help protect your system.
I still hear from friends occasionally that they have run into some problems with viruses, but it doesn't seem as bad as it use to be. I think in the past year, I can only recall maybe two friends telling me of their misfortune.
In general, folks are getting on board better about protecting their computers, but there obviously are still some not doing their job.
We have always done an over-kill with protecting against attacks. Thankfully, we haven't had any problems (knock on wood). Currently, we use Norton 360 and SpySweeper. We also, use Window Washer to clean up internet cookies on our system.
Hi Cathy. Thanks for adding more programs to the list that help protect against attacks. Squirrel Queen also mentioned Norton 360. I'll look into this one and also SpySweeper. The more I know and can pass on to friends and readers, the better.
I think the safest is not to divulge your protection program ;-)
But you're right, it really pays to have several of them and regular clean ups help a lot.
Hi Lui. I agree that it's safest not to divulge your protection program and have therefore changed my Thursday Two Questions and given readers the option to just think about them rather than answer them. Yes, it's important to have several protection programs (if they don't conflict with each other), and the free ones I've listed all work together.
I Squirrel Queen. I looked up Norton 360 and it looks like $60 well spent. It includes tuneup, identitiy protection, phishing protection, and backup of files. Norton has been around for a while and knows its stuff.
Hi Ewa. I shared these websites and programs for everyone who has put off protecting their computers because of the cost of excellent programs like Norton 360. These are all free and work together. The only disadvantage is that you need them all. Each protects something different. Your computer may work a little slower because these programs are working behind the scenes. But in my opinion, their protection is worth it.
I have tried three different programs and liked them all. One of the things I find useful is to never open an email from an unrecognized source and of those who are ones requiring personal info, I read and do not click anything. For example emails from my bank or paypal may in fact be from someone trying to perpetrate a fraud so I type the address in my browser and go there on my own. We must always be aware. I also advise my grands to not sign up for free music or games on my computer.
They are attacked by viruses mostly from using sites to download songs. Then I run their computer over to my brother in law who cleans it out but they lose all their files.
Hello Judy. I try to be diligent, but still mess up now and then, especially when the virus/scam comes via a person I know, who isn't even aware that the scammer has infiltrated their contacts. Thank goodness there are programs and people like your brother-in-law who can help us out.
every now and then, friends share the stress of dealing with viruses. but not that often compared to say, 5 years ago.
yes, i think most of friends are well-protected. it's my laptop that is not well protected. my nephew uses it every now and then and he visits links that i won't even dare to see. but he's been warned. he won't be able to touch my laptop the next time i see his visited links.
Hi Luna Miranda. I'm glad the frequency of virus invasion has gone down for your friends because they are being diligent about protecting their computers. Yes, I worry about my laptop when I take it on trips with me and use wireless Internet connections at hotels, etc. I don't allow anyone to use it, though, unless I'm in the room with them and know exactly what they're doing and to what links they're connecting.
Thanks for your consideration in posting the link..I know just what you mean! I currently have protection but would like to check it out. Recently something came up on my computer (a box) that said something like my own virus protection wood..I shouldn't of x'd it out, after that it just started loading (I'm sure a virus really fast). I just held C-A-D wouldn't do the trick, so I held my power button down. My husband opened it later in safe mode and took care of it.
Your 2nd Q..no, my husband fixes a lot and wow, I can't believe how many have bugs!!
Anyway, thanks-
I know a couple of people who have been attacked this year. My Gmail was hacked, but it didn't last long because followed the security steps right away. I have Norton, it came with the computer and Comcast. It is always good to know more about how we can protect our system, thanks for the link. I will go look it up.
Thanks for your participation and linking up this week.
Hi Margaret,
I accidently opened a 'virus infected' valentine's day greeting from a legitimate contact! What a nightmare. However, this experience has made me my computer repair guys 'best customer.'
Actually, now, after re-occurring problems with the original virus - I am fortunate the computer repair shop stands by their work and I can keep bringing my problems back at no charge.
It is not a question of 'a bad repair job' it was just such a vicious virus that it kept re-infecting my computer.
I'm their best customer, and they even put me on their facebook site as 'best customer'. Now instead of paying a repair bill, if a phone cant's walk me through my current problem situation, I take my computer in - and if I don't get a bill - I stop by with 'a fresh fruit arrangement' or a 2 pound box of 'See's Candy' and they are happy!
When it comes to a virus infecting your computer, be aware that not all anti-virus programs can catch and/or eliminate them.
But I have been fortunate not to loose anything, as my computer guys can 'recover' everything up to and including pictures and my writings and even email contacts when bad stuff happens. Hurray for my computer guys. bernadine
Hi Kilauea Poetry. Yes, these viruses are tricky--and smart. They know just what words and images to use to lure you in. I was tricked by what I thought was a Face Book message from a frined. Wow, it looked so real! You are lucky to have a husband who knows how to fix things. And smart to have protection for your PC.
Hi Self Sagacity. What a relief it is to have virus protection and be able to follow security steps to clean up your computer. Norton is a favorite of many. If you know of anyone who doesn't have a good virus program, pass on my links. Remember to tell them, they need all of the free programs. They work together.
Hi Bernadine. You're right, anti-virus programs can't catch everything, so a person needs to be forever vigilant. But as you said, the virus that infected your computer came hidden in a Valentine's day greeting from a legitimate contact. They are so tricky. I'm glad you have computer guys you trust and that have been able to recover all your work. Maybe you can ask them sometime what they think about these free programs. They'll probably say, anything is better than nothing!
How many people do you know who have been attacked by computer viruses in the past year?
Do you think most of your friends and acquaintances are adequately protected against virus/spyware/malware attack?
1. I had a virus attack late last year. So not fun. And I've known a few friends who did too.
2. No I don't think many of the people I know have adequate or any protection at all and some just aren't internet savvy enough to know what not to click and where not to go.
aloha!
This is good to know, and I will have to check out the list to see if the programs are compatible with my software and computer!
Hi Jamerican Spice. It's only a matter of time before one gets hit by a computer virus. Unfortunately, many people get protection AFTER the attack. Sort of like buying a home security system after a robbery.
Hello DoanLegacy. Hope this helps you in one way or another. If nothing else, pass the information on to someone who you know is looking for protection and doesn't have the funds to buy it.
I have been using free anti-virus software, and it's great so far. Currently, I'm looking at other software that could optimize faster running for my computer. Right now, it's so slow and I don't have the patience to wait..If you know good ones, please pass it along.
Hi Icy BC. I agree these free programs slow down the computer. Free comes at a price. Some of the commentors above mentioned Norton 360. I plan to check into that.
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