Monday, October 5, 2009

Tech Talks on Internet Security Software

Over the years of searching the information superhighway, or the internet as most of you may know it as, I have found that no matter what you do, there will always be that one time where your computer will become infested with some sort of virus, malware or spyware. As with many of the people I speak to, I hear the same thing over and over again... "My computer is running so slow, I'm not sure whats wrong with it". Well, to beging with, I find out that "someone" has been on the computer and downloaded something from some website offering "free" stuff, then I find out through the rest of the conversation that they have this "security" program(s) installed on their computer and they are sure its not a virus because the software should have picked it up, right? Wrong.
Now, notice I put an (s) after the word program above. Why? you ask, here is a simple explanation. Having more than 1 security program on your computer is like mixing water and oil... it doesn't work well together. What you may be experiencing is your computer running very slow when booting up and/or when you are just trying to use your computer. (Example, when you turn your computer on and you have a couple different programs to fight viruses, spyware and malware installed, they all begin scanning the computer immediately for what they are "supposed" to be looking for. So right away you are dealing with having to wait a bit longer for the rest of your computers software to finish loading). Normally, your computer should boot up and be ready for use within 30 - 60 seconds.
So what can you do? Use only 1 good security program. This way you can ensure your computer will function properly and efficiently.
Here are some "DONT'S" to remember when you consider installing security software...
1. Don't use more than 1 computer security program
2. Don't use anti-spyware software
3. Don't use anti-malware
4. Don't download "free" security software from the internet
5. Don't give out your IP address to any software company.
These are mainly suggestions and should be highly considered when dealing with this type of software, or any other type of software for your computer.
If you do decide to install internet security on your computer, make sure that you purchase the software that will be compatible with your computer from a retail store. You will get the program new in the box with an installation disc, a license key and instruction manual for that product.
One last tip, surf the internet for the top security software on the market today. It may take you some time to do some comparison shopping but remember, it is your computer we are talking about and you want to make sure you get the software that will operate with you system.
**know what your computer system setting are before you run out to the store, it will help.