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Computer Protection Back to General Information Index Have you got up-to-date anti-virus software on your computer? Do you have a Firewall running? As usage of the Internet expands the number of computer viruses, hackers and so forth out there continue to increase. We would strongly recommend that everyone ensures they have up-to-date anti-virus software running - usually this will now be supplied as standard with any new computer, and whilst there are many options the two most commonly used are McAfee and Norton (Symantec). Anti-virus software scans all incoming emails and so forth, searching for viruses and either deleting them, or warning you about them. In addition you should also run a "Firewall" (usually these can be purchased as part of a package with anti-virus software, or as a standalone with operating systems such as Windows XP). Firewalls "hide" your computer from the outside world and only allow internet traffic that you've specified as valid. These packages will often offer an "anti-spam" package - a computer package which filters out the "junk email" which pervades the Internet and often clogs up your mailbox. You should always keep anti-virus software up to date and a weekly "system scan" is also recommended. One further plague of the Internet are what is known as "Spyware" - websites and so forth that place Trojans, Dialers and so forth on your computer. At their most innocuous they simply gather information about what you do, rather more tediously they produce lots of pop-up adverts and at worst, they dial automatically various premium rate lines overseas (if you get these, you need to complain to your phone provider). There are software packages you can purchase to search for and delete these (often packaged with anti-virus and firewall packages as above). There is also a (free to download) stand-alone package I can recommend - Lavasoft Ad-Aware Personal. Disclaimer: This information is intended purely for guidance. Please note that the Amateur Football Combination does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or truthfulness of any statements or representations made by the manufacturers of these products. All such statements or representations are the responsibility of the manufacturer or distributor of the products and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Amateur Football Combination. You should always consult your computer provider, or other professional advisor, before installing any software. |
