by Louise Frank

Created on: July 12, 2009

The internet has revolutionized the way the world communicates. However, there is a negative side. A lot of illegal and unethical programs called malware have been created to hijack computers without the permission or knowledge of the user. So what exactly is a malware and how can computer users prevent their computers from getting infected.?

What is a Malware?

Malware is short for malicious software or application programs. As the name implies, they are created with the intention of hijacking the computers to steal important data or spy on the user activity without the knowledge or authorization of the owner. The term is known to include all kinds of computer viruses, trojans, spyware, adware, root kits etc. A survey conducted in 2008 by Symantec has indicated the rise of malware to an extent that the number of malware produced is more than the number of legitimate programs; something that shows how important it is to secure computers as well as adopt safe browsing practices.

How can users avoid getting malware on their computers?

Contrary to what some people say, it is not very difficult to stay safe. The following tips go a long way in preventing a malware attack.

Keep the operating system on your computer up-to-date. Install an anti-virus program as well as a good firewall. There are many free and paid programs that are very good at preventing virus attacks. Most of them provide real-time online protection which means that they are always guarding your computer so that no unauthorized application enters your computer. Most of the viruses are executable files transmitted through emails. Therefore, do not open emails from unknown sources and take special care if there are any .exe attachments with them. Never visit questionable sites, especially porn sites. Many are notorious for having extremely dangerous malware.

How can users tell if there is malware on their computer?

There are several symptoms that indicate your computer might be infected. If you experience any of the following, the chances are that your computer might be infected and you must take immediate steps to trace and eliminate the malware.

The computer fails to start normally or when it does, it behaves abnormally. One of the most common symptoms is extreme slowness for unknown reasons. Applications or windows do not open. While browsing, an unusual number of advertisements or pop-ups come up. There are some smart malwares that ask for personal information on the pretext of fake promotions or rewards. The computer fails to follow or comply with your commands. How can consumers remove malware from their computers?

If your computer is infected, the best way to remove it is install a good antivirus program that includes anti-spyware too. There are a lot of options in the market and most of them go a great job in throwing malware out of computers. There's one thing though! Before you start scanning the computer, make sure that the virus definitions are updated so as to ensure deletion of even the most recent malware.

Learn more about this author, Louise Frank.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.