COMPUTER VIRUSES

Having a good Antivirus software product installed on your PC is one of the most important and responsible things a computer user can do to ensure their computer and their family are protected from the dangers of the Internet.

There's no about it, the Internet can be a very dangerous place, filled with cyber-crooks who want to break into your computer and steal your personal information, bank account numbers, portfolios and even your identity.

The Internet is now in a golden age of criminal invention, but how bad are things?

Where once there were a few relatively uncomplicated viruses, now there are torrents of fast-evolving, multifaceted viruses. Where once there was just small-time credit-card fraud, now there is international credit-card racketeering. Computer-network password theft has turned into sophisticated ID fraud that robs patrons of banks and online auction sites.

Saving money by purchasing cheap antivirus software will prove to be costly in the long-run. This is because the cheaper software provides inadequate protection for your PC from all of today’s online threats.

Most antivirus products on the market today focus on 'virus protection' alone; after-all that's what it claims on the package! The problem is many users believe their computer is completely protected from Internet threats when they are not even close to being protected. Antivirus protection and Internet Security are two very different areas of concern. Antivirus software is actually a part of Internet Security.

All antivirus programs around $30 are inadequate to protect your whole computer from harm. Installing one of these programs in itself is not bad, it just means you will need additional software to protect against the threats that the installed product is not designed to recognize.

Other Misconceptions. Other misconceptions include the 'free' download of Norton antivirus that comes with ComCast™ or RoadRunner™ - these are LITE versions of the comprehensive versions - they will not protect you as well as the full store bought versions of the same software! This is a fact!

Some Real Good Free Advice? Always opt for the "Internet Security Suites” such as Norton 360™, Kaspersky™ Internet Security, or McAfee™ Internet Protection Suite for your computer. Each of these programs include a bi-directional firewall, spam controls, email attachment scanners, IM filters, automatic updating of the software definitions, hacker detection and browser protection. There is little need for any additional software with one of these Internet Protection Suites installed.

the Better Business Bureau of West Florida.

DISCLAIMER: Collier Computer Systems, is not a paid spokesperson (or representative) for any Kaspersky Labs product, nor does Collier Computer receive any specially priced deals, discounted software and/or preferential treatment by Kaspersky Labs for endorsement on our website or other printed literature. Our opinion of Kaspersky products is based solely upon the solid and proven software reputation and their ability to identify, stop, and remove harmful software from home users' PCs.