| There is a type of software out there that all | | | | passwords. They can look at all of your bank account, |
| computer owners and operators need to be aware of. | | | | credit card, and personal information you have on your |
| That software is known as malware, or "malicious | | | | computer. Trojan horse viruses can erase your files |
| software". Malware can completely destroy | | | | without your consent. More complex Trojan horse |
| computers or make them difficult to use. | | | | viruses can even appear to control your computer, by |
| Malware viruses and worms: | | | | making your CD-ROM drive open and close at random |
| One of the most dangerous type of malware is a | | | | times - when you did not attempt to make it open and |
| malware virus or worm. These two types of malware | | | | close yourself. It will appear as is there is a ghost in |
| spread quickly and sometimes undetected until it is too | | | | your machine! However, it is no ghost - it's a |
| late and a great deal of damage has already been | | | | dangerous virus that can even make you an |
| caused to your computer. A malware virus will drop its | | | | unfortunate victim of identity theft. |
| code into your computer's files to make the virus | | | | Protecting your computer from malware: |
| spread. It often takes you - the user - to advance the | | | | If you want to protect your computer from malware, it |
| spread of the virus. On the other hand, a malware | | | | is very important that you buy high-quality virus |
| worm will go into your computer's files and replace | | | | protection software as well as a firewall. These two |
| them. Instead of needing you to help spread the worm, | | | | things will guard your computer from any type of |
| the worm will spread itself no matter what you do. | | | | malware attacks. |
| Trojan horse viruses: | | | | Please also note that you must, must, must update |
| Malware also takes the form of a virus known as a | | | | your virus protection software when it expires. If you |
| Trojan horse. A Trojan horse virus can do some | | | | do not do so, then it will not work to the best of its |
| severe damage to your PC. For example, you could | | | | ability - and therefore your computer will not be |
| simply download a desktop wallpaper program to | | | | protected from dangerous malware. Usually when you |
| decorate your computer desktop background. No big | | | | buy anti-virus software, the package is sold with an |
| deal, right? Wrong! This program in particular has a | | | | additional year of free software updates. After this |
| Trojan horse virus embedded in it. You think you are | | | | time, it is completely up to you to purchase additional |
| getting desktop wallpaper, but in reality you are getting | | | | protection. For example, you can pay for another year |
| a program that goes into your system and leaves a | | | | or more of protection for a reasonable fee. Don't let |
| backdoor open to hackers who can do just about | | | | anything stop you from taking care of yourself and |
| anything to your computer and its information that they | | | | your computer! |
| want. Hackers can get all of your previously-protected | | | | |