How Can You Protect Yourself From Malicious Software?

More families are wading into the personal computer world using their computers for work and play. For many the home computer is not an exception or luxury but a vital part of family income, leisure, and everything in between. Malicious software lurking on the Internet has cost an enormous amount of time and an enormous amount of money. One of the quickest and easiest ways people can reduce the cost of keeping their computers free from viruses, spyware, and malware is by using free programs and free tools.

Some people would rather spend money to save time, if you can afford it. Calling the neighborhood service technician would be the handiest way to get your computers cleaned from malicious software. Common rates are $50 and up if you deliver your equipment to them. Costs would be more if you have a computer service technician make a service call to your home. Many people choose to "bite-the-bullet" and call for professional help, but for some people this is not a viable option. In any case, most people are always looking for a better way to fight malicious software.

Most people, by choice or by need, must spend time to save money when it comes to cleaning their computers from malicious software infiltration. The first step is to learn that there are a host of free malicious software protection solutions that are freely available for download from the Internet. There are many corporate versions of malware protection programs where corporations choose to offer a limited version to home users free of charge. Where can you obtain some of these free products?

Here is a brief list of a few of the more reputable free versions of malware protection software. AVG Antivirus Free Edition 9.0 (free.avg.com), AntiMalwarebytes (www.malwarebytes.org), and Comodo Internet Security (www.personalfirewall.comodo.com). If you have an antivirus, antispyware, or antimalware program already installed you will want to uninstall each of them via the Control Panel of your Windows Operating System before installing either of these three programs. I would recommend installing AVG and AntiMalware first, then installing the Comodo Internet Security firewall only.

In summary, home computer users can easily begin to take steps to protect their home computer network in an effort to save time, money, and future stress. Although a few people would still prefer to pay the professional computer technicians for this service, many can save by doing it themselves. Installing a free malware protection program from a reputable company is a first step in helping you defend your own home computer network using free software and tools.

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