Computer Technology Tip

Computer Security         Don Trauger - Kennett

Installing, running, and understanding an antivirus program is an essential part of using a computer. Today's Internet environment dictates home users must have an up to date antivirus program for protection against unwanted viruses and spyware. Almost all new computers come with a trial version of an antivirus program. Popular names like Norton and McAfee are often installed by the computer manufacturer. Should you purchase and use such an item? Well, Norton or McAfee hope you do. Are their alternatives? You bet!

My recommendation for an alternative is Avast. It's a free antivirus/antispyware program and it's available from www.download.com. Just type "Avast Free Antivirus" (no quotes) in their search field and click the search button to download it to your Desktop. You may think if it's free it can't be any good. Wrong!! It's one of the best. They make their money from corporate versions and upgrades to the free program. I've used this free program for over 5 years and they have just re-engineered it with new and improved technical changes. They have also added a new interface. If you have the older version download the new version 5.0, then uninstall the old one (identified by a blue ball with an "a" near the clock), and install the new one. I have found Avast to be more stable, less error prone and using less of the computer's resources than the others. CAUTION: Never run 2 antivirus programs on your computer at the same time. Uninstall the old one first then install the new one. However, you can run a single antivirus/antispyware program along with a separate antispyware program. You may ask - if Avast blocks intrusions of viruses and spyware why do I need a second program? Unfortunately there isn't an antivirus program out there that is 100% effective against all malware. The term malware is a newer term describing all unwanted intrusions into your computer. I recommend adding a second antispyware program called "Malwarebytes - Anti-Malware" (no quotes) from www.download.com. This is also free and works well along side Avast.

These 2 programs provide a layering effect. Avast will block almost all intrusions but if something gets through, Malwarebytes is the safety net. There is another free program that I use that can offer an additional check should you experience an infection. It's called "SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition" (no quotes) and again it's available from www.download.com. I only use it in cases where I want to be sure that no malware remains in the system.

During March thru May I covered computer maintenance. The June and July period will cover computer security. Please come to our PC club meeting to get updated on computer security and also get answers to any of your computer questions. It starts at 7:00 PM in the Ardmore room upstairs in Winfield Hall on the second Tuesday of each month.

To get answers to your questions about computers, please come to the PC Club meeting. The computer club meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in Winfield Hall.