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Malware and How to Get Rid Of it

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



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