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Safe surfing
A few basic steps though when using the web will keep your computer virus-free, says David Marek
Viruses are still common, so great care should be taken when opening email attachments. Never open one from someone you don't know and you should take great care when opening one from someone you do. They may have received the attachment from an untrusted source, and clicking on it may unleash a whole host of problems.
As well as viruses, 'spyware' is a term used nowadays for a new way of infecting a computer. Certain websites could contain harmful code which download small programmes collecting and sending on your personal data (hence the name spyware). Your computer could even be taken over as a 'zombie' and be used for spamming others. Your computer may show signs of getting a lot slower too, as the virus takes its grip inside and starts using up your computer's power for its evil.
If these scare you - they should! Online fraud is a multi-million pound industry, with organised gangs recruiting hackers and programmers for the sole purpose of extracting money from you by infecting your computer. It's not just viruses that are used. Emails are sent all over the world claiming to be from your bank and asking to update your password or claiming you have won £1 million in the Nigerian lottery. Be extremely vigilant. Banks do not send out emails asking you for personal details - this practice is called 'phishing' - and if an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.
The first rule for safe surfing is to install security software. There are many applications you can buy which offer complete peace of mind and protection when you're online. Two of the most common are Norton Internet Security and McAfee Internet Security. Both retail at around £40 and come with a year's worth of anti-virus definitions which self-update, meaning you are completely protected even if new viruses come out.
You don't even have to pay for this type of software. The popular AVG Anti-Virus has had a recent upgrade to version 8 and offers free virus and spyware protection as well as a web filter which puts a green tick next to websites so that you know they are safe. AVG can be downloaded from http://free.grisoft.com/.
Also, always make sure that you are running Windows automatic updates, so that as new threats are discovered, the fixes for these are applied to your computer. If you're running Windows, make sure you are using the latest version of Internet Explorer (7) (available from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/), as this is much more secure and safer to use than previous versions. Other browsers, such as Firefox, Safari or Opera, should be regularly updated too.
When using the internet for shopping or banking, or where any payments are being made, always check that the website address changes to 'https' rather than 'http,' as this means your credit card is being transmitted over a 'secure' line. Check too that the padlock symbol is displayed beside the web address - another good sign of security.
Follow these simple steps and you should have nothing to worry about. You wouldn't open your home to villains, so keep them out of your computer too!
- David Marek of Dam Computing is an independent IT consultant specialising in home and small business computer support as well as web design and development. Further info: www.damcomputing.co.uk
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