subject: The Mistakes That Lead To Your Computer Getting Infected [print this page] In the early nineties, it was completey safe to use the internet as there was less of a threat from computer viruses. Today there are over 2000 new virus threats discovered per day. These cyber nasties are often known by a variety of names, such as, viruses, trojan's, spyware, worms, hijackers, rootkits, etc.
This malicious software can damage your PC productivity, track your Internet habits, steal your logins and passwords, and also even destroy your Windows operating system. Your computer can be left completely ruined. These Internet attacks are a form of Internet terrorism and unfortunately, all computers are a potential target and need to be protected.
How did my computer get infected? A common way is through emails. These email can be addressed from an unknown sender or someone you know and trust. How is that? Although your friends and family would not deliberately send you an infected email , their infected PC could use their email address list to send infected emails. If you're not expecting an attachment, sometimes it's wiser not to click on it. If there is an Internet link in the email, then check where the internet link will take you by hovering over the lower left corner of the computer screen. When in doubt, don't click on the link, as it might take you to a dangerous website.
The majority of the viruses and spyware, we eradicate, are contracted by downloading free music, movies, software and games, using what is called, a P2P or peer-to-peer program. There are 20+ free P2P programs that exist, such as, Limewire, Ares, uTorrent, BitTorrent, and eMule, to name just a few. When you use a P2P to download free "stuff", you may also be exposing your PC to the threat of viruses as well. Furthermore, a P2P program allows others access to your computer to upload what you have downloaded. If you use this type of software on your PC then we recommend you uninstall it while your computer is still healthly. Think about getting another computer and using that purely for downloading and using P2P software.
If you get pop up message boxes from an unknown company or product suggesting that your computer is at risk, requesting that you buy there recommended software do not click on it or buy from the link. Your PC security is being compromised.
