They’re Out To Get You: Preventing Spyware, Viruses On Your Computer

by D.B. Grady


You're not paranoid. They're out to get you.

You probably have spyware on your computer. There's a good chance you've got a virus or two. Your personal files are likely insecure, and your hard drive might be shared for the entire world to see. In real world terms, you've not only left your car unlocked, you've left the windows down, the doors open, the engine running, and a sign on the dashboard reading FREE CAR.

If you are infected, you will probably need to visit a local computer repair shop. Malicious software is notoriously difficult to remove, and the wrong combination of deleted files can often result in a computer that doubles as a boat anchor, doorstop, or shooting range target. If your computer is in proper working order, however, there are a few practices you can implement that will keep you both protected and secure.

Windows Update (sometimes, in its more expansive mode, called Microsoft Update) is a utility built into Windows that keeps your computer up to date. As bugs and security vulnerabilities are discovered, and new features are added, Microsoft releases patches and service packs free for download. Windows Update automates the installation process, checking the files of your operating system against a central repository at Microsoft, and applying the newest versions.

This may be the most critical part of your computer housekeeping routine, as an out-of-date operating system is as secure as an ATM card with its password written on it. Windows Update can be found under the Start menu, in the Programs folder, or oftentimes in the system tray (bottom-right of the screen, next to the clock) as a yellow shield pleading with you to "click here to install updates."

Every Windows-based computer needs antivirus software. Popular programs include McAfee Total Protection ($34.98/year), Norton Antivirus ($39.99/year), and Trend Micro Antivirus ($39.95/year). Free alternatives include AVG Free and Avast Home Edition. Upon installation, allow the antivirus to download and apply the most current virus definitions, and run a full system scan.

Once your computer is protected, like Windows Update, make it a priority to update your antivirus software regularly. (Note that virus protection software can often be acquired for free though public libraries, colleges, government agencies, and the military. Check their websites for more information.)

Spyware is often the easiest malicious software to install and the hardest to delete. It often appears in friendly, apparently helpful website popup ads warning that, "Antivirus 2009 has detected 32 threats on your computer! Would you like to remove them?" Clicking either yes or no results in the same thing: an infected computer. Unless you are computer savvy, the safest course of action when faced with such prompts is to exit your web browser entirely.

Two of the most effective and anti-spyware utilities on the market are Spybot and Windows Defender. Both programs are free, and in both cases, the installation and maintenance procedures are similar to those of antivirus software. Upon setup, allow the programs to update, and run a full system scan. Update the spyware definitions regularly.

While an updated operating system, strong virus-protection, and a spyware monitor are crucial to safe computing, they will not do the job on their own. It is up to you to adopt smart practices to keep your computer secure. This means never opening email attachments from people you don't know. It means carefully reading the screen whenever an unexpected window is prompted. (Blindly clicking "Next" is a recipe for disaster.)

It also means avoiding the more unsavory areas of the Internet—most notably file-sharing sites such as Kazaa and Limewire. In addition to the legal ramifications of downloading copyrighted music and software, every illicit file runs the risk of bringing with it malicious software.

It's a dangerous web out there. If it seems like "they" are out to get you, it's because they are. Thankfully, safe computing doesn’t require an advanced degree. All it takes is a little discipline and a couple of free programs.

Software referenced in this article:
McAfee Total Protection: http://www.mcafee.com ($34.98/year)
Norton Antivirus: http://www.symantec.com/norton ($39.99/year)
Trend Micro Antivirus: http://us.trendmicro.com/us/home/home-user ($39.95/year)
AVG Free: http://free.avg.com (Free for personal use)
Avast Home Edition: http://www.avast.com (Free for personal use)
Spybot: http://www.safer-networking.org (Free)
Windows Defender: http://www.microsoft.com/defender (Free)

Backup Now or Pay Later

by D.B. Grady


Data recovery is a big business, and when your computer crashes, you learn just how big it is. The cost of restoring lost documents, music, and email can run into the thousands, and you can't even write the technician a check, because your Quicken data is gone, too.

For many computer users, backing up data falls on the same list as cleaning the garage and organizing the attic. In years past, this was understandable. Backups once required expensive software, arcane knowledge of directory structures and hours to spare for glacial file transfers. Today, however, there are online services and specialized hardware that automate the task with minimal user involvement. A few quick and inexpensive routines can save a fortune in data recovery when the worst happens.

Mozy is an online backup utility that stores your data on secure, remote servers (Off-site solutions are always the safest bet, protecting backups in the event of a house-fire, theft or other disaster.) From the Mozy client, select which files you want to copy and let the program do the rest. It encrypts and sends your data across the web for storage, and stays resident on your computer, monitoring files for changes. Subsequent updates are immediate and automatic, utilizing a feature called "differential backup," which updates only the portions of files that you change. As a result, your backup is always current. Mozy offers 2 gigabytes of free storage, which is enough to save documents and email. Unlimited storage, which can protect all of your data to include pictures, movies, and music, runs $4.95 a month. Mozy supports Windows and Macintosh operating systems. (Mozy: http://www.mozy.com)

If you prefer a local backup solution, or shy away from monthly fees, Maxtor offers the One Touch 4 Plus external hard drive. It connects to your computer USB port and supports two backup modes. The first copies your data with the push of a button, and can be used to share files between two computers. The second mode, called Safety Drill, creates a full bit-by-bit image of your system to include the operating system and protected files. This is the most thorough backup possible, but also the most time consuming, as it reboots your computer into special software to perform the task. The Maxtor One Touch 4 Plus comes in multiple sizes, the largest of which is 1 terabyte, or 1000 gigabytes, with a suggested retail price of $199.99. (Maxtor: http://www.maxtor.com)

Only Steve Jobs, co-founder and CEO of Apple, Inc., would think one button is one-button-too-many when it comes to data protection. Last year, Apple introduced Time Capsule, a no-touch backup solution for Macs. Rather than plug directly into a computer, Time Capsule replaces your wireless router. It offers dual band Wi-Fi support and an integrated hard drive that allows every Apple computer on your network to backup concurrently. Time Machine, a free utility bundled with the most recent Mac operating system, enables you not only to restore a file, but also to travel "back in time" and restore previous versions of the file. Documents, as edited a week ago, a month ago, or, space permitting, a year ago can be recovered with equal simplicity. Configuration of Time Capsule could not be easier, as your Mac automatically finds it on the network, and immediately gets to work creating and maintaining a full image of your system. The Apple Time Capsule comes in 500-gigabyte and 1-terabyte varieties, the latter of which runs $499.00, Macs only (http://www.apple.com/timecapsule).

Data recovery is expensive. Data backup is cheap. Before your documents disappear, before your photo album is gone and your precious memories become precious memories, get on a backup plan. And whether you choose an online service or a local hardware solution, because it's automated, you'll finally have time to clean the garage.

Have a technology related question or advice for other users? Email me at tech@timessw.com.