by Laura S.

Created on: November 16, 2008

It seems that everyone does Windows, at least when it comes to a computer operation system. A key to avoiding fraud online is to keep your Windows software up-to date with all the latest security updates. You'll be notified when new updates to your Windows operating system become available. Don't put off installing Windows security updates. In addition to the updates of your Windows software, you should have a firewall and antivirus and antispyware software installed on your computer. Firewalls prevent outside computers from gaining access to your computer, although they're far from foolproof. However, like the lawyer joke about what do you call a hundred lawyers at the bottom of the sea:"it is a good start." There are many firewalls you can choose from. You can find out about free firewalls at www.free-firewall.org.

Protect your computer with antiVirus software such as Norton AntiVirus or McAfee Virus Scan. Keep your subscription to whatever software you choose up-to-date. Your antivirus software is worthless unless it's constantly updated to prevent the latest attacks. Getting automatic updates is a good choice. Install antispyware software such as Lavasoft's Ad-Aware, which can be found at

www. adawareresource.com, or Spybot Search and Destroy 1.4, which can be found at www.safer-networking .org. Both of these are free, but once again be aware of proper spelling. There are phony versions of these programs that are spelled just slightly differently that are actually the very spyware that you're trying to avoid. Installing one of the phony software programs would only infect your computer rather than protect it. It sure is dangerous out there in cyberspace.

Some other choices include Zone Labs' Zone Alarm Internet Security Suite, which combines antispyware, and antispam protection. Some good antispyware that is not free, but reasonably priced and worth the money, include F-Secure's Anti-Spyware and Lavasoft's Ad-Aware SW Plus 1.06.

Scammers gain access to your computer to implant keystroke logging programs and to other malware. Downloading "free" computer games, screensavers, or music is a quick way to compromise your computer, affect your security, and increase your susceptibility to identity theft. Even downloading what you may think are free software programs to protect your computer from hackers may jeopardize you because you may be downloading the very malware you're trying to avoid. Always be sure of the source of anything that you download online.

The chances of your being attacked over the Internet and having your computer turned into a Zombie computer is a very real threat to anyone who goes online.

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