Viruses, Worms and Trojans - What is the Difference and How to Protect Yourself From Them

Anyone who uses a computer has undoubtedly heard the terms "computer virus", "worm", and "Trojan". Most use these terms interchangeably to describe a virus. What you may not realize though, is that computer worms and Trojan horses are not computer viruses at all.

While each of these three computer security threats shares some common characteristics, there are some distinct differences between viruses, worms, and Trojans that cause them to stand on their own as a category of malicious software. The main similarity is that all are bad, and can potentially cause you, your computer, or your network a great deal of harm.

Common Characteristics of Viruses, Worms, and Trojans

All computer viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are considered to be "malware", also commonly referred to as malicious software. Spyware and adware also fall into the category of malware, as is any other type of software that is designed to perform malicious and/o r unwanted activity.

Viruses, worms, and Trojans have been around for awhile, and are often packaged together (i.e. a virus that launches a worm when executed, a worm that plants a Trojan, etc...). Because of their longstanding use as a means of performing disruptive and destructive tasks, anti virus software developers include protection against Trojans and worms in their antivirus applications.

Anti virus software (if updated regularly) will help protect you from all three dangers.

Differences Between Computer Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses

A Computer Virus is attached to a program or file, and is designed to spread from one computer to another. It infects the computer it is installed on, and is usually spreads when the infected file (usually an .exe file) is shared with others via email, disk, USB drive, or CD. A virus has to have human action in order to launch and deliver its "payload".

The fil e that the virus is attached to cannot open itself; a user has to ope n it in order to execute the virus. Viruses have many symptoms, depending on the intent. Computer viruses can erase or corrupt files and applications, crash your system by making so many copies of files that the hard drive fills up, or make a computer inoperable by altering critical system files.

A Computer Worm is like a virus in that it is also attached to a file, and the file has to be opened before infection can take place. Unlike a virus, that is passed from computer to computer via user action; worms are designed to self-replicate and spread without any effort on the user's part. When you open a file that contains a worm, it starts spreading through networks and emails immediately. The main purpose of a worm attack is to bring down systems and networks by consuming great amounts of bandwidth and memory.

Worms are also used as a means for a remote attacker to tunnel into your system. Many worms will replicate themselves by sending "clones" to everyone in your email address book. These emails are sent out immediately upon opening the infected file.

A Trojan Horse is also included in a file, and like a virus, does not propagate itself. Trojans are tricky, in that they are often disguised as some type of useful or interesting software. When the software is installed (Trojans are normally embedded in .exe files), the Trojan is activated, and sometimes you don't even realize its there.

Trojans can do many things, and while some are designed to be dangerous, others are just annoying. A Trojan might destroy files, change your desktop icons, or plant a "backdoor" on your system that can be used by a hacker or cyber criminal at a later date. Trojans are usually passed from PC to PC by email or disk file transfer, because the sender doesn't know that the file carries a harmful Trojan.

Protection from Viruses, Worms, and Trojans

The good news is that Antivirus software will provide a great deal of protection a gainst known computer viruses as well as worms and Trojan horses. The bad news is that antivirus software won't necessarily provide total protection. You still need a good firewall to keep cyber criminals out, and you need anti spyware to protect against the other types of malware that antivirus software isn't so good at catching. For the absolute best protection, use a Computer Security Suite.

Be sure to get the most recent updates for your operating system and all applications installed on your PC. This is especially important for Windows users, as the majority of malware is designed to work on the world's most popular operating system. Updates will patch newly discovered "security holes" and will help prevent many viruses, worms and Trojans from completing their "mission".

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Feeling Unsafe With Total Security Rogue Software

Total Security is one of the nastiest pieces of rogue software that is floating around the Internet. The software attempts to mimic a real antivirus program, but instead really only tries to trick its users into buying more software that is useless. The software is installed either with a Trojan, or by tricking people into installing it themselves with websites that appear to have everyone's best interest at heart.

Once Total Security installs itself on a computer it begins to take over the computer and make it appear that it can fix the many problems that it found on the computer. It will run a scan of the computer and find a multitude of infections on the computer none of which exist. If the fake scan is not enough to fool someone the program will also remind the user that their computer is infected with a variety of popups and list of infections and problems with the computer. Making it even less obvious that it is not a legitimate piece of software is the Total S ecurity Center portion of the program that attempts to be like Windows Security Center. This can lead to confusion in many people who are not as computer literate as it can trick them into believing that the software comes from or is associated with Microsoft. When the user decided that they have had enough and want to remove all the problems that were found Total Security will popup another message that says the only way to remove the problems are by purchasing the full version of the software. The software should not be purchased as it does not do anything, the program needs to be removed, and if purchased the charge needs to be disputed right away with the appropriate credit card company.

Since the infections that Total Security found do not exist it is safe to install this software as it does not perform any useful task. Removing the rogue software is difficult because it will stop most antivirus programs from running and removing the program. Internet Explorer is also vulnerable to attack as it can be hijacked and stop the user fro m visiting sites that can aid in the removal of the program. The first step that needs to be taken to remove the software is to go to the Task Manager and stop the processes that were started by Total Security. From there a reputable antispyware should be run to remove the software and any other files that it created with its install. If that does not fix everything there are step by step guides that can help anyone remove the rogue software.

By Mindy Matter for http://www.removeadware.com.au - Here you'll learn more about Total Security http://www.removeadware.com.au/articles/total-security/

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Review of Norton AntiVirus

Choosing an antivirus program, such as Norton AntiVirus, isn't a task that you should take lightly for your computer system. Trojans, viruses, and advanced spyware technologies developed by hackers and intruders are constantly trying to get onto and take over your system. In this sense, the internet can be a scary place as you never know what type of virus will be released next. Norton AntiVirus is an antivirus program that not only works with the latest Microsoft operating systems, including both 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and Vista, but also has many features that every computer should use for protection.

Blocks All Malware

At its core and with an advanced system, Norton AntiVirus is able to defend your system and block Trojan horses, viruses, and spyware, three key pieces of malware that practically all antivirus programs block. Norton also blocks worms, bots, and even rootkits, which are basically clever pieces of malware that con ceals from you the fact that your computer system has been compromised. Not all antivirus program protect against rootkits, which is why Norton is different and more advanced.

Scanning your System

One characteristic of Norton AntiVirus, which is an advantage for the end user, is the intelligence-driven scanning technology that the program uses. Instead of taking up your computer's time performing full scans at every operation, Norton uses this special technology to only scan files that may be at risk. While other programs may perform "quick scans" which only scan certain defined sections of your hard drive, Norton AntiVirus uses the information obtained from your system to determine what files must be checked and scanned for threats.

In addition, users have complete control over the Norton AntiVirus scanning activities. For best performance and taking the advice of computer repair professionals, it's always best to set up your virus scans d uring initial system start-ups, something which the Norton program al lows you to do.

Proactive Malware Protection

Two new concepts and features introduced by Symantec and included with Norton AntiVirus are its Download, File, and Threat Insight protections. These features give you inside information into recently-downloaded files and programs before you install, run, or open them. Norton tells you by popping up a small, unobtrusive message whether or not the program or application you've downloaded is safe. In addition, the program performs a threat assessment to help you determine whether you want to continue in your download's installation or running.

Norton AntiVirus also acts proactively in stopping viruses, bots, and other malware while you're surfing online. The program's real-time detection prevents harmful malware, viruses, and spyware from intruding, which is crucial for any operating system.

Finally, Norton AntiVirus has been known to detect viruses and other malware which other programs simpl y cannot detect because of their less-advanced systems. In this sense, Norton acts as a standalone virus detector which helps your system recover from even the most harmful of malware. Overall, deciding on an antivirus program can be a little tricky as you want to be sure that you are getting the right piece of software. For super-strength virus, spyware, and even rootkit protection, though, Norton AntiVirus seems to be one of the best on the market.

James Thompson writes for WebDefenders, specializing in best spyware removal software.

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CRM Hosted Software - How it Can Help Better Your Business Public Relations

CRM hosted software applications have gained an immense popularity in today's times. Most business entrepreneurs already know how important it is to have CRM software for their business. Commercial enterprises of all sizes can increase their customer prospects by leaps and bounds with such software, regardless of their size. But, despite knowing the benefits, the high price of the software keeps most businesses away from it. If that is the case, CRM hosted software can be used instead.

CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. It is a topic covered under business studies. The CRM hosted software helps businesses to survey their customers and get feedback on various aspects of them, mainly on the ways they spend. The software is Internet-based. It does not need to be downloaded and installed before it is used.

Due to this, the hosting becomes a service that can be used when it is demanded. Such software applications are referred to as a Software as a Serv ice (SaaS). One has to become a member so that they can benefit from the service. Even so, this becomes a cheaper option because the subscription fees are much lesser compared to the costs of having the CRM installed on the computer.

Benefits of CRM Hosted Software over Conventional Hosting

Being Internet-based, the application has some benefits over other systems. Some of the most obvious ones are:-
1. It is cost-effective because constant upgrades to the system are not required.
2. Running costs are low; a broadband connection is all that would be required to use the system.
3. The operative speed of the application is higher than others.
4. There is no learning curve; users can start almost as soon as they have accessed the application.
5. By reducing their costs, they stand to make more net profits.
6. Being more recent, the CRM hosted software tools are more secure. They are equipped with the latest antivirus and antispyware tools and have some of the most secure firewalls to protect business information.

Such are the benefits that have made more than eighty percent users of CRM change their loyalties to hosted CRM.

There is also the undeniable benefit of constant updates being available in almost real time to the user which is a marked improvement over the way conventional CRM users receive their updates. Due to this they can continuously keep tracking the progress of any request as regards to the process and the delivery of the product. This way, they can be more efficient in dispatching orders and build a better relation with their customers.

Some of the popular vendors for CRM hosted software include Clear C2, Entellium, Infusionsoft, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, Sage Software and SAP. A few of these are traditional CRM software vendors who have begun providing web-based solutions following current trends in that direction.

These are important tools for online entrepreneurs and Software as a Service is the best way to provide them. These CRM hosted software applications can enhance business relationships with the end user and can even provide them what they are looking for without them having to ask for it.

For solid information on CRM hosted software [http://www.customerservicesoftwarehelp.com/crmhostedsoftware.html] please visit Customer Service Software Help.com. It also has fundamental facts on many other kinds of customer service software [http://customerservicesoftwarehelp.com] including help desk.

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How to Remove Sysinternals Antivirus - Removal Instructions

Sysinternals Antivirus is identified to be one of those sneaky and malicious antivirus software's the creep into your computer without you even noticing it. Usually they would be acquired on some site that you might have visited or an item that might have been downloaded.

The Sysinternals Antivirus is usually embedded in a trojan and once the trojan is activated it does a search and scans your computer. As soon as it has completed it's scanning process. It releases a prompt stating that you computer has been infected by a virus, trojan or worm and will ask you to download the full version of the antivirus.

Its purpose is to scare computer users so that you get to download the full version of the program. This can be a scary experience for someone who is new to computers and not in all Tech savvy. But just in case you do fall prey to such scams.

There is a manual process of removing the Sysinternals antivirus from your system. The manual approach maybe a b it too technical in nature since it involves jargons and computer languages that a novice would not understand. You will also need to visit some of the folder located within your system. So if you are not familiar, don't bother and opt for automatic removal tools instead.

If you choose this manual approach, make sure to be a bit of an expert with computer systems. Removal of this bogus antivirus may vary with the version of your computer system and may need to be treated separately.

Here is a list of steps that can guide you in stopping the bogus antivirus program:

1. Make sure to back up important files and registry just in case you need to install and reinstall software.
2. Print this document so that it can serve as a reference for you while you go through the process of removing the antivirus.
3. Click the Start menu, select Run.
4. Type taskmgr.exe into the the Run command box, and click "OK." You can also launch the Task Manager by pressing keys CTRL + Shift + ESC.
5. Click Processes tab, and find Sysinternals Antivirus processes.
6. Once you've found the Sysinternals Antivirus processes, right-click them and select "End Process" to kill Sysinternals Antivirus.
7. Now you need to edit the registry and delete the infected values. You also need to remove the infected DLL files and browser objects.

Just a word of caution, if you are not an expert please do not attempt to this on your own. You might end up having more problems. You can always do the automatic method of removing the antivirus program. It's a true guaranteed fix without the headache and the hassle. Plus it's faster and saves a lot of time for you.

Learning the ways to Remove Sysinternals Antivirus is very important. It would make you feel much more secure each time you go online and use the Internet. Surfing internet without a real time Spyware Protection is like inviting the threats yourself! Don't be a victim of such threats and get real time spyware scanner as soon as possible.

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Value of Antivirus Programs

Computers can be seen in almost all homes. They can be of help in so many ways. That is why if you own a personal computer, you know how significant it is to obtain an antivirus programs and spyware protection on your computer. This will help you in avoiding situations wherein you lose all of your important data. When you are at work, its significance is multiplied. You have to pay more attention to this than the ones you use at homes. This is because harmful threats like viruses and worms can spread effortlessly between computers. They can also invade other computers on the same set of connections without malware programs.

These harmful threats must be taken seriously. These are severe matters because they often end up in the loss of vital and necessary information. That is why it is really advised by computer experts that you install an antivirus program on your computer. It is also advised that you add up a spyware program to complete the package. But the most imp ortant thing is to update your antivirus program frequently. As much as possible, update it every week. These are just few important points on how to fully protect your computer from any suspected harm. Customers all over the world must be informed by this not only for their protection but for their business as well.

If you have no idea on this kind of undertaking, then you have to acquire more knowledge about this. A little bit of research can greatly help. There will always be a file or folder lost when you disregard this matter. Truly, it will be a disturbing situation in your part. So all you have to do is to motivate yourself more. Always bear in mind the consequences you will face when you have lost your company's monetary information or business deal history. Aside from this, there will be a great possibility that you will lose your customer's information too. All of this important data has a great probability to be vanished or compromised, once you have taken f or granted the value of antivirus programs.

It is imperative to download a free antivirus in your computer. This will guard all of your documents. All you have to do is to find the best free firewall.

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How to Remove Antivirus-1? Rogue Antivirus-1 Removal Procedure Made Easy

Antivirus 1 is an advanced program which falls into the category of anti-spyware application. This fake program is generated through the fake online scanner which has become very common. This application is same as the antivirus 2010. These both are the fake online anti-virus applications which have the aim to scare people and make huge amount of money from them. Basically it is meant to cheat people on their trust and money. This application is so tricky that the user easily gets trapped in it and tends to spend lot of money without any profitable results.

Antivirus 1 is mainly generated online through the medium of Trojans. This application does not ask for the user permission to get download. It gets download by default at the time of surfing internet used by the user. Once this fake application gets installed, it starts to perform the fake scan program and the machine gets loaded with popping up windows which says system error has occurred and gives other system threats. Then the scammers suggest the user to install antivirus- 1 application as a trustworthy medium for the removal of the system infection. These applications are not reliable at all as they don't even perform one good procedure in favour of the rectifying the system infection.

It is seen that there are two ways to remove antivirus-1. A user who wishes to get rid of antivirus- 1 program can remove it manually and automatically.

Auto removal of antivirus-1:

The best way to remove the anti virus- 1 is to download a best quality anti spyware program which gives the true results and scans the machine completely resulting in the removal of all the infections from the system. It is always advisable to remove the anti virus- 1 automatically as compared to manually. The automatic removal of the virus is the fastest way to get the best results in much less time.

Antivirus- 1 can be removed manually also depending on the user wishes. The user needs to foll ow a procedure to get the removal of the infection manually. There is no surety of the complete rectification of the infection from the system. In fact it is seen that the manual removal of the virus sometimes leaves the user in the mess without solving the problem. Also the user should possess an accurate and proper knowledge of the software programs.

Hence, it is advised to get rid of the anti virus- 1 infection as early as detected by the user.

To remove Antivirus-1 from your computer, get one of these antispyware programs to get rid of those annoying malwares.

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