Internet Security

What could go wrong?

The internet allows you to download files and share files, but do you always know what you are downloading?  Some malicious people write software who's only aim is to destroy your pleasure of the net or your computer.  If you are not careful, it can be easily done, you download something wrong, and your PC all starts to go wrong.

What are the chances of that happening?

The chances of something serious are not very high, but you should always be ready.  My personal view is that those people who are this way minded, are only interested in damaging the computers of larger companies, as this is more of an achievement.  But viruses and trojans are commonly spread between users like you and me, via email, websites, file transfers and various other forms.

Spy Ware

This won't damage your PC in anyway, Spy ware runs on your computer and logs what you do, where you go, it looks for patterns in your behaviour and logs it.  It will then send this information to a server, where people with use this info to target specific audiences.  Spy Ware comes in many forms, sometimes embedded in a program, as separate files, and sometimes through webpages.  Gator for example tries to launch through the browser with a message like "We have agreed with xxxxx, to give you the opportunity to perform a 10 minute download of Gator".  Once installed, these programs can be difficult to remove and find, they run without your permission, taking resources, and using your connection, some even launch browser windows containing ads.
You are most likely to pick up spy ware with free software as part of the installation, Real Networks has a form of spy ware with it's real player, AOL tries constantly to install Real Player for example.  Titles such as Kazaa come with over 5 pieces of spy ware in the install.

Removal of Spy Ware: I recommend Ad Aware for the ease of use, and quality of removal, http://www.lavasoftusa.com/ .  It's free to use.

Viruses

Like other viruses, computer viruses spread.  They are usually written to perform some type of activity on your computer, such as delete files or play with your settings, they then open address books, or scan your pc for email addresses and it sends its self, from you, to recipients from your address book.  The recipient would likely think its safe because it came from you, open it, and this constant spreading usually means alot of people get alot of viruses.  They most commonly come through email, or bad downloads.  Usually originate from malicious users, hoping to get themselves known, or cause trouble.
Virus scanners stop you getting viruses, and in the event you do get one, they will try and remove them.
Anti Virus: A free online virus scanner, http://housecall.antivirus.com
                   A free virus scanner for those in the UK or US, http://grisoft.com, AVG standard.

Trojans

These programs open up your computer to other users over the net, it allows them to perform various tasks, such as take over your mouse, open programs, delete files and such.  They are dangerous, as they usually shut down virus scanners, trojan removers and firewalls themselves.
To protect yourself from trojans, use a firewall, and trojan remover:
Firewalls: Zone Alarm Personal, free to use, http://www.zonelabs.com
                Outpost, free to use, http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpost/
Trojan Remover: Free to try, www.simplysup.com
Security Check: Free, and I highly recommend it: http://grc.com/default.htm

You may also like to visit my IP Addresses? page.