The three main threats to your computer security are Adware, Spyware and Malware. They all are similar because they are unwanted programs or applications that are performing tasks that you have not authorised. They use up your valuable system resources and do not offer any benefit to you.

The differences between the three

Adware is the most legitimate of these nuisances and more often than not will be in the form of freeware, software you don’t have to pay for. It is advertising material which is packaged into software and is installed automatically on your system when a particular piece of software is installed. For example you install a piece of software to scan an image and you also get a photo album program containing lots of advertising. This as a security risk is minimal as it is intended to simply be an advert(s).

People today are using computers for a wide array of different activities, and unfortunately this has lead to hackers and scam artists becoming increasingly intelligent with systems. Fortunately, there are a number of computer security programs and downloads that can protect your computer. Here are some terms you will want to familiarize yourself with.

The first term to know is firewall, which works to secure your computer. What it does is restrict information that comes to your computer from other computers, thus providing you with much more control over viruses, programs and worms that other people may send. If you have a high speed connection, have a firewall is an absolute must.

It may seem like a trivial task to many, but your computer security protection is not. You should consider it carefully and take your time to learn the most important steps.

9 Steps to take to safeguard your computer security protection

Use an Antivirus program

Install an anti-spyware program

Regularly install Windows Updates

Watch out for e-mail attachments from unknown sources

Use a -preferably hardware- firewall

Backup your system on a regular basis

Implement strong passwords

Be vary careful of which programs you download and install

Use File Encryption if privacy is an issue