Comments on: Help keep your computer safe

By: Tony Bregenza

Tony Bregenza — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:27:35 +0000

Thanks………. for this valuable peace of information. It will help to those who want to secure their system by using best virus protection. You have given all information about Malware, spam and many more things which helpful.

By: Martin

Martin — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:18:03 +0000

Thank you. I appreciate the information.
Avast is a great anti virus and ect. program. I have had problems only avoided because of the security software.

By: Tommy

Tommy — Wed, 05 May 2010 19:27:02 +0000

You know, we really are not safe, at least the average user that logs on say to check bank funds, or even check email, and i will tell you why, but first, i have been called one to many times by my uncle, sister, friends and family to fix their PC because of popus, slowdowns and virus alerts. to my surprise, their PC’s are in such unstable health, it shocks me and actually makes me realize why so many people all over the world get hacked from their email accounts to their bank accounts and even say paypal and ebay accounts. These computers i check and fix do not have firewalls, some have virus apps but outdated and the most important thing i see is their browsers out dated, if they use firefox, the version is so old, its only a matter of time someone gets in via an open port. so the answer is, NO, we are not safe online. I run an online spyware and virus information website http://www.softe.org trying to educate people online safety and how to clean virus and spyware but most of the time it comes down to how much the end user understand how the world wide web really works.
I my self have all the ingredients for safe surfing, but still take precautions when surfing, e.g cleaning cookies after ever session, using a proxy server to surf, and of course keeping my browsers updated.
anyhow, i hope everyone reads this article to really understand te dangers of online surfing. and if anyone has any questions, im always free to help

By: golly!

golly! — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:49:57 +0000

From Yahoo! Security Center: http://security.yahoo.com/article_pc.html

Protect Your PC

“Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date

If you haven’t installed anti-virus software on your computer, do it now. Anti-virus software can detect many — but not all — forms of malicious software before they have a chance to affect your computer. When you purchase anti-virus software, look for one that includes anti-spyware. Most anti-virus software can automatically download updates for you. Check to make sure your software is downloading updates correctly.

Keep all your software up-to-date

You can prevent many problems by regularly checking for and installing updates for your programs, including your operating system, browser, messaging software, and other software. Many programs include a feature that automatically checks for updates. Be wary of clicking links in emails claiming to have updates for your software; it is safer to type the address of the web site into your browser’s Address bar to visit the site directly.

Check your security settings

Most operating systems (such as Windows XP) have a built-in firewall and other safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to your computer. Check your operating system to make sure it’s set up so that your computer is protected. Install any security updates or patches for your operating system promptly.

Be careful opening email attachments

Consider turning off the feature in your email programs that automatically opens attachments. If you receive an attachment you aren’t expecting, do not open it. Before you open any email attachment — even if it’s from someone you trust — scan it using anti-virus software. Yahoo! Mail automatically scans all email attachments for viruses.

* Read more about Yahoo! Mail security features here: http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/mail/yahoomail/abuse/index.html

Don’t install unfamiliar programs

Think carefully before installing or running new software, such as freeware or shareware programs available online. Only download software from a source you trust. Do not install software if you cannot verify that it’s from a trusted source. Make sure you know what the software will do and how it will affect your computer. Malicious software (like viruses and spyware) often masquerade as legitimate and even useful programs. For example, you might be tempted to download a program that claims to keep your computer clock synchronized with an official clock. But if that program contains adware or spyware, it could also display advertising pop-ups whenever you’re online or keep track of where you go on the Internet.

Be wary of pop-up and email warnings

Don’t believe every warning you read — especially pop-up warnings that you see while you’re surfing the Web. Unscrupulous companies use pop-up ads to display false warnings about your computer. Ignore them.

Do NOT click any button in the pop-up (such as a “Close” or “No” button) or the Close box that may appear in the upper-right corner of the pop-up. Closing a pop-up in that way might actually install a virus or other malicious software on your computer. To close a pop-up ad, press Ctrl-W (if you’re using a Windows computer) or Command-W (on a Mac computer). You may receive an email warning that claims to be from a computer “expert” warning you of a virus. These are usually hoaxes. Do not follow the steps described in any email unless you’re sure the threat is real.”

By: jake

jake — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:25:11 +0000

very nice and informal, especially for people who don’t know alot about the topic :] however i;m a virus phobe so i try to protect my machine as much as possible.lol. i still have to decide on which antivirus to go with this year though, as my antivirus expires in a few months… i have trend but it updates so freaquently it gets a little annoying. i’m thinking about going back to norton :]

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:00:09 +0000

The only virus I got this year was through Yahoo answers. Very weak security with Yahoo. Horrible.

By: Xbox Dude

Xbox Dude — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:05:43 +0000

I just use Ubuntu…. 100% free and more reliable than windows

By: Susanna

Susanna — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:16:58 +0000

Thanks for the reminder and the information. You had some great tips and information. GOOD JOB!

By: stanley sikorski

stanley sikorski — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:31:27 +0000

Found this info. very useful thank you Yahoo.Still at a passroads as too which virous protuction is the best in this age of tech? will keep looking & hoping i don’t pick up anything out of line.

By: optimus

optimus — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:24:04 +0000

Interesting, but not interesting at the same time. While Yahoo is recommending you “scan” for viruses, you still aren’t getting any real protection!

Why can’t Yahoo recommend a free antivirus program like Avast, or even AVG, instead of a piece of junk like Norton? And why can’t Yahoo warn people about any links that take you outside of Answers so people asking for help won’t download more spyware?

As an update, AVG Free does contain antivirus, anti-spyware, and “basic” anti-rootkit protection now, but it still lacks the full anti-rootkit that’s necessary, as well totally missing a boot-time scan and gaming mode. Avast picks up where AVG left off.