What Is Malware Protection?
Malware protection is built into many programs and is a standard security feature for Internet Explorer, Firefox and Windows Vista, among others. Free spyware and adware protection is available over the Internet, though most malware masks itself as protection software. Free programs include Ad-Aware, Spybot Search & Destroy and SpywareBlaster. Other programs, such as anti-virus programs, may require a purchase and monthly or yearly updates. AVG is an example of a free anti-virus program.
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Importance
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It is important to have a virus- and malware-free computer system for performance, security and safety reasons. Malware often uses computer processes and can corrupt systems, causing them to crash. Malware also compromises personal information such as accounts, passwords and credit card numbers. Users with malware protection are protected against inappropriate website redirecting.
Smart Browsing
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Most malware can be avoided with common sense. Avoiding free downloads from untrustworthy websites can prolong the stability of your computer. Minimizing the amount of toolbars, free screensavers and programs also keeps computer performance high. In addition, many pop-up ads take the form of computer errors or say the computer is infected and needs a certain program to fix it. These are usually illegitimate claims to try to get you to install unwanted malware.
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Windows Vista
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Microsoft has added new features to its Windows Vista operating system. Windows Defender is a program that automatically stops the installation of programs and alerts the user to an installation or change in settings. This means wanted and unwanted changes require user permission. Windows Firewall prevents access to your computer and blocks connections to harmful websites. There are different levels of protection in Windows Firewall.
Mozilla Firefox
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Mozilla Firefox 3 comes with phishing and malware protection. Malware can be anything from pop-up ads to directing the Web browser to another site. Phishing by definition is website and email forgery. A phishing website can take on the form of a banking site with the look and address of the real site, but when accounts and passwords are entered, the information is sent to someone else. Mozilla Firefox 3 protects Web browsing by checking websites against listed malware sites.
SpywareBlaster
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SpywareBlaster is a program that doesn't actually scan the system for spyware, but prevents it from being installed in the first place. SpywareBlaster has had good reviews by users and is not a malware program in disguise. It prevents ActiveX spyware, browser hijacking, dialers and adware programs. SpywareBlaster also blocks malware cookies in Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Netscape browsers. SpywareBlaster is a free program, though advanced versions of it are not.
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