Computer Use: Free Tools, Hoaxes and Myths, and Viruses
These links are for you, the average computer user. You just want to surf the Internet and read and write email. But out there in cyberspace, among all the interesting sites and things to do, are viruses, worms, hoaxes, spyware, and spam. It can get in your in-box, and it can plant itself on your hard drive.
You don't need to be a computer expert to protect your computer. Learn what to watch out for, download and set up protection software, and scan your computer regularly for viruses and spyware. Your computer will be safer and you'll be more in control of your online experiences.
Overview articles
| Site/Page Name | Description | More Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapskate's Guide to a Safe PC | How to protect your computer from hackers, viruses, and spyware | Security tools (some free): firewalls, antivirus programs, spyware removal, spam filters, and the Mozilla browser and email application |
Free tools
| Site/Page Name | Description | More Details |
|---|---|---|
| Trend Micro HouseCall | Free online virus scanner | Also has a virus alert page |
| SpywareBlaster | Free program prevents the installation of "ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted pests" | Also "Block[s] spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox" and "Restrict[s] the actions of potentially dangerous sites in Internet Explorer." |
| Spybot – Search & Destroy | Free adware removal program | "The Immunize feature blocks a plethora of uninvited Web-borne flotsam before it reaches your computer. Other useful tools, including Secure Shredder, complement the program's basic functionality for completely destroying files. Hosts File blocks adware servers from your computer, and System Startup lets you review which apps load when you start your computer." |
| Lavasoft Ad-aware | Downloadable spyware removal tool | Top-rated by download.com; free for non-commercial use |
Hoaxes and myths
| Site/Page Name | Description | More Details |
|---|---|---|
| Hoaxbusters: the CIAC Hoax Pages | "These pages describe some of the warnings, offers, and pleas for help that are filling our mailboxes, clogging our mailservers, and that generally do not have any basis in fact." | "In addition to describing hoaxes and chain letters found on the Internet, we will discuss how to recognize hoaxes, what to do about them, and some of the history of hoaxes on the Internet." |
| Vmyths.com | "Learn about computer virus myths, hoaxes, urban legends, hysteria, and the implications if you believe in them." | Hoaxes A-Z, how to spot hoaxes, ways to reduce them, false authority syndrome, and newsletter |
| Symantec Security Response: Hoaxes | "Please refer to this page whenever you receive what appears to be a bogus message regarding a new virus, or promotion that sounds too good to be true." | Hoax names listed alphabetically with links to the hoax texts |
Viruses
| Site/Page Name | Description | More Details |
|---|---|---|
| Symantec Security Response: Latest Virus Threats | Latest virus threats, top virus threats, and reference area | Description, threat assessment, technical details, recommendations, and removal instructions for each virus threat |
| McAfee AVERT Virus Information Library | Viruses listed alphabetically, virus search, and top corporate user threats | Virus information, characteristics, symptoms, method of infection, removal instructions, variants, and aliases for each virus threat |