electrons's Blog

Can you 'reliably' protect your PC from attackers and viruses for free?

We all know the importance of keeping our personal computers safe from attackers.  But can we do it for free?  Can you use FREE tools you can find online rather than paying for antivirus programs, spyware programs, etc?  In this two-part post, I’ll investigate the possibilities and come to a conclusion after testing many different free online tools. 

First, we need to understand the main things we need to protect ourselves from and the main threats out there right now:

RootKit:  A rootkit is a hidden program designed to allow someone to remotely control the computer without your knowledge.  In addition, rootkits work silently without you having any idea that someone else is browsing or controlling your system.  Through the years, rootkits have become very complex and difficult to detect.  AntiVirus software generally does not detect rootkits. 

Virus:  A virus is a small computer program that hides among legitimate programs.  The purpose of a virus is to cause dmage by corruting files and to wreak havoc before copying itself and waiting for itself to be distributed to another computer.  So not only do they cause damage, but they then copy themselves to infect other computers.  Like a human virus, a computer virus spreads through contact with infected floppy disks, CD's, USB drives and email attachments.  Most viruses are spread by opening email attachments that are infected.  A properly engineered virus can have a devastating effect.

Spyware:  Spyware is a program that invades your privacy.  It secretly monitors your behavior and habits while using your computer.  Spyware programs can collect various types of personal information, such as Internet surfing habits and sites that you visit.  Complex spyware can gather credit card numbers or personal information by logging your keystrokes and sending the keystroke logs back to the hacker.  Some spyware can redirect internet browsing to malicious sites where more harmful software can be secretly installed. Spyware can also change computer settings such as your home page or advertisement sites.

Malware:  Malware is short for "Malicious Software".  It is simply that.  Malware is usually a bundle of programs that are hostile and annoying.  According to the internet security company F-Secure, "As much malware [was] produced in 2007 as in the previous 20 years altogether."  Malware is spreading like fire and can contain viruses in their payloads.  

Adware:  Adware is software with advertising functions integrated into or bundled with another program. Adware is responsible for popping up advertisement banners and is generally annoying.  Though Adware is generally an annoyance rather than a threat, some Adware can contain Malware. 

In Part II, I’ll show you how to protect from all of these threats for FREE and the Pro’s and Con’s of free online tools.  Stay tuned…