A computer virus are usually small software programs, which has been designed to spread from one computer to another and to interfere with computer operation.

Viruses often corrupt or delete important data on your computer (like system files), and often, once in your system, will attempt to use your e-mail program to spread itself to other computers, or in extreme cases, attempt to erase all the precious data you have stored on your hard disk.

Computer viruses are usually spread by attachments in e-mail messages which have been received, they also can be spread through instant messaging messages, we think it is essential, that you never open e-mail attachments, unless you are sure who has sent them to you or it’s something you were expecting from a colleague.

Viruses are often disguised as attachments, sometimes pretending to be funny images or greeting cards, sometimes saying they are audio and video files.

Computer viruses also spread through downloading things on the Internet, people are draw in by the lure claiming to offer free software, or access to the latest films music etc, such as found on peer to peer sharing sites (illegal software & video/music download sites, making up a big part of that equation) Also viruses & malware can be hidden in illicit software or other files or programs you might download.

Without any protection from, Anti-virus/spyware software, you inevitably, have put yourself at greater risk of virus, malware or spyware infection.

Spyware & Adware are often best defined as software that displays advertisements (called adware) or software that tracks personal or sensitive information.

Spyware & adware can also make changes to your computer that can cause your computers performance to slow down or become unstable (crash).

Often these programs change your Web browser’s home page or default search engine choice, or add components to your browser you don’t want or need.

Most annoyingly, they deliberately make it very difficult for you to change your settings back to the way you had them, they reverse any changes you attempt (without using anti-spyware software) and continue to embed themselves in your computer system, so you must attack them at the root (the actual malicious infection itself).

For the average PC users, there is a bewildering array of choices, ranging from free anti-virus or anti-spyware software that deals with one or the other, from paid for, or monthly subscription packages, that offer a complete solution to deal with all threats, virus, spyware, adware etc. (often sold as premium protection packages or internet security packages)

So how are you supposed to know the difference between each package? What will work for you, the average home user?

The basic principles of anti-virus / spyware software are largely much the same, there is a software package which you install onto your Pc or Laptop, then there are updates, which are usually downloaded by the software package, to keep the software aware of the latest viruses or spyware infections, that are out there.

Also, they put into place a procedure for detecting & dealing with any virus/ spyware infections (a bit like you getting the latest flu-shot to keep you protected from any flu infection you come across)

Once the virus or spyware is detected by whatever antivirus or spyware software package you have installed on your Pc or Laptop, it then seeks to isolate the virus in a safe holding place (often called a virus vault or something similar) to keep your PC protected, or in the case of spyware to simply remove unwanted adware / spyware file.

There’s an old saying “You get what you pay for” which isn’t always a good measure of things, but in this case, in part, there’s some truth to it.

The paid for all-in-one packages, offer a high level of protection from the major internet related threats and they deliver their many protective solutions, in an easy to use package, that is squarely aimed at the family / home IT environment.

Free Anti-Virus Spyware Software

There are many reputable virus and spyware software companies who offer a free version of their products for home users, the free products are largely good, offering basic levels of protection for no charge at all, with that said there are limitations with all free software, as I stated above they are an incomplete solution at best, dealing with one part of the bigger picture of securing your Pc or laptop.

But if you are willing to put the time in and install one free anti-virus package and a free anti-spyware package, then you will have secured a reasonable, but basic level of protection, for absolutely nothing at all (except your time, which in my mind, is an important consideration)

There also, with some free products, is a certain amount of pressure to try to get you to upgrade to the paid full product, (it’s in their interest and they gave you a free product) which can become a source of annoyance, as well as confusing to people when it comes to negotiating your way around the choice to upgrade to the paid product.

I guess the answer to that question lays in, what happens when you don’t engage adequate levels of protection and then are forced to pay for someone like me, to come in and help you recover from the damage caused by viruses, spyware or other forms of internet data or identity attack or theft.

Ultimately, I would have to conclude, that preventative medicine is much more cost effective, than being forced to deal with disaster recovery, So, my advice will always be to put in place the very best protection you can.

With that in mind, here are a few packages both Paid for & Free that will help you get your home IT equipment onto a solid footing,

(There are, of course, countless other virus / spyware packages, I have recommended a few that I consider have proved their value and reputation over many years of dealing with home & business clients.)

Bullguard Premium Protection & Internet Security

Bullguard Internet Security or Premium Protection package, is a complete, simple-to-use security suite that protects 3 PC’s or Laptops against viruses, malware, identity theft, financial fraud, online data leaks and helps you keep your children safe on social networks for 12 months.

BullGuard Internet Security 2016 has been awarded ‘best buy’ and ‘best-in-test’ by the leading independent consumer testing organisations in the UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium and Germany.

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AVG Internet Security 2016

Advanced internet security package that will help keep you home devices & network protected.

AVG's products have stood the test of time & are relied upon by countless home & business users the world over.

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