Helpful Windows Links
Most of you netizens have a computer that runs some version of the Windows operating system. Unfortunately, that puts you in a world of hurt! Almost all the 'malware' generated by our planet's nasty hackers is aimed at Windows users. Security holes are exploited by worms, hundreds of viruses can ride emails into your system, web sites implant adware and spyware, and endless popups clutter your screens. Each of these types of malware is a separate problem! In many cases, software that tackles one won't even recognize, much less handle, the others.
If you have the resources, you can avoid all this trouble by running Linux, or buying a Mac. (To be fair, if those two operating systems got very popular, hackers would attack them also.) For now, smart Windows users need to study up, and check out helpful links such as these.
Free downloadable products:
Microsoft's Security Update:
Avoid owning a 'zombie' computer! Get your security patches.
Windows Update
Anti-virus protection:
Free antivirus software.
Serious techie response.
Adware protection:Stop annoying adware.
Spyware protection:
Bust that spyware.
Popup Blocker & Custom Search:
No more distracting popups.
Alternative web browser:
A better, safer web browser.
Note! The items below cost money. We're not affiliated with any of the suppliers, but we do use a lot of 'em. In my opinion, they offer effective products at a fair price. (There are numerous others on the market, so please shop around.)
A multi-use product.
An external 'packet sniffer' device.
This German company offers a very thorough hard drive checker, and it has a free version.
Virus protection:
Software firewall:
Norton Internet Security