| Malware is now a common plague of | | | | can lead to infection because the |
| computers these days and has become more | | | | Malware can be hidden as code in the web |
| common than the conventional virus. The | | | | page itself. |
| purpose of this article is to explain to | | | | Peer to Peer File Sharing Software. |
| you the concept of Malware, the various | | | | Peer to Peer software used to download |
| types of Malware and what to do when | | | | illegal music, video and software is a |
| your PC gets infected by it. | | | | Malware creators dream. A lot of the |
| What is Malware Anyway? | | | | files available on Peer to Peer networks |
| Malware is a malicious piece of software | | | | have Malware hidden with them or are not |
| designed to damage your PC or spy on | | | | the files you were expecting at all. |
| your computer activities without you | | | | Popup Messages. |
| knowing about it. What follows is a list | | | | It is possible to use what is known as |
| of common types of Malware and their | | | | IP Popups to infect your computer. IP |
| descriptions. | | | | Popups can be sent strait to your |
| Adware. | | | | computers IP address bypassing popup |
| Adware is one of the less harmful forms | | | | blockers. These popups are usually |
| of Malware which will display a popup | | | | disguised as Windows error messages |
| advertisement on your computer when your | | | | asking you to 'Click Here' to remedy the |
| not expecting it. | | | | error. When you click the button you are |
| Virus. | | | | executing Malware. |
| A virus is designed to hide within other | | | | Instant Messaging Software. |
| executable software and to become active | | | | This may be a surprise to many of you as |
| when the host software is activated. It | | | | instant messaging software is becoming |
| will self replicate and place copies of | | | | very popular. Infection usually happens |
| itself into other software or documents. | | | | when sharing files with people so be |
| This can cause an increasing infestation | | | | careful who you share files with. |
| of you PC and cause all sorts of damage. | | | | Networks. |
| The Worm. | | | | Computers on a network can all get |
| A worm is a self replicating and self | | | | infected from one computer as data is |
| executing Virus specifically designed to | | | | passed from computer to computer. That |
| send replicas of itself to other | | | | is why all computers must be protected |
| computers over the internet. It will | | | | with a firewall and Antivirus software. |
| also use your computer and your internet | | | | Making Your Computer Immune to Malware. |
| connection to launch malicious attacks | | | | Use Internet Securities Software |
| against other computers. | | | | The most effective way to protect your |
| Ransom Ware. | | | | computer is with good quality Antivirus |
| Ransom Ware is used to extort money from | | | | and Antispyware from a reputable company |
| the computer owner by locking up | | | | like Norton or McAfee. It is not |
| important files on your computer and | | | | advisable to use free Antivirus software |
| displaying a message demanding a certain | | | | as these don't tend to be as effective |
| sum of money to get your files unlocked. | | | | and can also be Malware disguised as |
| Trojan Horses. | | | | antivirus software. Which ever one you |
| A Trojan Horse as the name suggests is | | | | use just make sure that you keep it |
| disguised as or sometimes hidden inside | | | | regularly updated and remember to renew |
| other legitimate software. They usually | | | | your yearly subscription. Remember, out |
| get on to your computer in some form of | | | | of date antivirus software is completely |
| free software downloaded from the | | | | useless. |
| internet. | | | | Always use a Firewall. |
| Spyware. | | | | Windows XP and Vista both have a |
| Spyware is designed to monitor and | | | | firewall built in and you should have |
| record all of your keyboard actions, | | | | them switched on. If you have a good |
| computer usage and internet activity | | | | internet securities program this will |
| including passwords and credit card | | | | have a Firewall included which should be |
| details and sends them to the maker of | | | | used in favour of the Microsoft version. |
| the Spyware usually via email. | | | | Use Windows Update. |
| Symptoms of an Infected Computer. | | | | Update regularly to ensure you have all |
| One of the first signs of infection is a | | | | the latest critical security updates. |
| marked reduction in speed and | | | | Microsoft are releasing patches all the |
| performance of your PC. Sometimes even | | | | time to close up security holes in their |
| appearing to pause or hang. Another is | | | | operating systems. |
| that windows will behave erratically and | | | | Curing your Infected Computer. |
| unstable. You may experience popup | | | | All Antivirus and Internet securities |
| windows when you don't expect. If you | | | | software will be equipped to remove |
| have a good antivirus program it should | | | | Malware easily. If you set them up to do |
| inform you of the presence of Malware | | | | so they will remove Malware |
| and offer to remove it for you. | | | | automatically and then inform you once |
| How Does my Computer Get Infected. | | | | the offender has been dealt with. |
| Email. | | | | A Word Of Advice. |
| If you receive any email from unknown or | | | | Visiting illegal or immoral websites |
| unexpected senders make sure that you | | | | will increase your likely hood of |
| scan it before opening it with your | | | | becoming infected considerably as these |
| antivirus software and if you have any | | | | sites tend to be set up and frequented |
| doubts don't open it. | | | | by people who have no scruples and will |
| Websites. | | | | think nothing of infecting your computer |
| Browsing some websites that are suspect | | | | along with many others. |