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How to Protect Your Computer from Malware |
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| How to Protect Your Computer from Malware |
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Malware is a frustrating trade hazard for any computer on the internet, and it can be even more frustrating to have to root out and remove it from your system. And since preventing a malware infestation before it ever starts is the smartest way to stay sane while you surf, this guide is designed to show you How to Protect Your Computer from Malware.
Introduction: What is Malware?
Malware is any malicious piece of software that resides on a piece of electronic equipment. Anything that is running on your computer that you did not put on, or that you were tricked into installing, can be considered malware. Malware is a group term for anything malicious that can run on your computer, such as viruses, spyware, adware, trojan horses, and rootkits.
- Virus: Anything that copies and duplicates itself on a hard drive.
- Spyware: A program that spies on you and potentially sends information from your hard drive to remote locations.
- Adware: Software that shows advertisements.
- Trojan Horse: A malicious program that acts as something else to gain access to your computer.
- Rootkit: Hides services at the kernel level to avoid detection.
In broader terms, malware is anything that connects to the Internet without your knowledge and approval or that displays something unintentional.
Using anti-malware software to help protect your computer
To help protect your computer against malware, make sure you are using up-to-date antivirus and antispyware software
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