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There are many sources on the internet and email that are a threat to your computer and your IDENITY! Taking precautions to ensure your saftey are important .
Computers may seem sophisticated and advanced, but Windows based PCs need quite a lot of care and feeding to keep them safely functioning and to avoid a host of threats.
Virus are the most obvious threat and installing and updating anti-virus programs , configuring them for maximum protection, are critical
Email, the most widely used Internet application, suffers from phishing scams (identity theft), SPAM (unsolicited commercial email) and is the most widely used avenue for the spread of viruses.
Worms are a type of computer virus that don't need email to spread, they can infect a computer connected to a network (such as the Internet) all by themselves and do it silently. Firewall programs are needed to defend from worms and other potential intrusions into your computer. For more on Firewalls,click here .
Newer types of malicious software (malware) often take advantage of mistakes made with the topics mentioned so far. It is very easy for a Windows PC to get infected with Spyware , Adware, Trojan Horse programs, etc. typically without your knowledge. Spyware programs run silently in the background and send reports on your computer activities to an agency that collects data and sells it. .
Any computer near a teenager is likely used for Instant Messaging. These programs have their own potential problems.
These are practical things we all can do to avoid letting hackers take control of our computers and our lives. Using e-mail and the web has become an essential part of our lives. Losing either is more than an inconvenience; it disrupts our contact with others, our studies, our business, and our safety.
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The Belarc Advisor builds a detailed profile of your installed software and hardware and displays the results in your Web browser. Click here to download a free copy for personal use. The Belarc Advisor is not permitted to be used for any commercial purposes. | 
