Software & Antivirus

We talked about hardware we could add to our computers, now let's take a look at software.

If hardware is made of the physical devices that you can add to your computer, then what is software?

Software is made up of the programs and applications you can install on to your computer.

Here are some examples of software:
Microsoft Suite
Adobe Suite
Dragon speaking software
Computer games like the Sims

Can you think of more examples of software?







There are lots of different types of software and countless programs and applications you can install on to your computer.  Instead of focusing on all those different types of software we are just going to focus on one; antivirus software.

So what is antivirus software?

Antivirus software is software that detects, prevents against and eliminates malware.

Malware is made up of computer viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware, and any other computer threat.  All of these things are bad for your computer but some of them are worse than others.  If you ever want to protect and maintain your computer on your own it's good to know the difference between them.  It can be a little confusing though, so if you can't remember it's okay!
Let's take a look at some of the categories of malware.

- computer viruses act a lot like real life viruses.  The viruses attach themselves to existing files on a computer and corrupt them, then proceed to make copies of themselves to spread infection further. These viruses have the ability to spread from one system to another; making all computers they come across "sick."  Viruses can be spread through attached files in e-mails, infected files on CDs, DVDs, USB drives, or anything else that can carry files from one computer to another, and downloaded from the internet.  The best way to protect your computer from viruses is to be careful about who and where you're getting files from and to have a functioning antivirus program.
It is important to remember that computer viruses are malware, but not all malware are computer viruses.  People generally like to use the term "virus" to refer to everything that has infected their computer--but this is an inaccurate statement.

- a computer worm in many ways can be a lot scarier than a virus.  Worms don't need to attach themselves to files in order to make copies of itself.  Ever received an e-mail from a friend to a link that didn't work that they said they didn't send or have had someone post something on your facebook page that they said they didn't write?  These are examples of computer worms, they are spread through networks.  Someone clicks on a link in an e-mail or on a post that they think was sent to them on a friend--then nothing happens.  Or at least, it seems like nothing happens, in truth the worm has wiggled its way on your computer and will now send that same message to all of your friends.  The destruction worms can cause varies and it typically not extremely terrible--however it can be.  Most worms just take up space but others have the ability to "eat" or delete important files.
The best way to avoid getting worms is to be extremely cautious when clicking on links!  Worms are designed to fool you into believing that they are harmless.  You must be suspicious of every link and attachment someone sends--even if it's from your best friend.  Keep in mind how your friends write to you, what are their digital mannerisms?  If you receive an e-mail or a link with a generic and impersonal message that doesn't quite fit with the relationship you have with the sender just delete it and call and write them to see if it was something they really sent you.  Better safe than sorry.
Here are some wormy phrases you should be aware of:
- "OMG you have got to see this picture of you doing (whatever)!  I can't believe it (link)!" <--- plays on your insecurities or fears, makes you think that there are pictures of you on the internet you're not aware of.
- "Haha this is so cute/funny/crazy you have to see this (link)" <--- no indication of what "this" is, meant to peek your curiosity, plenty of variations of this
- "Make lots of money really fast!  It worked for me and since you're my friend I had to show you! (link)" <--- this is also commonly used to infect your computer with other types of malware.
BE AWARE!  TRUST NO LINK UNLESS YOU'RE CERTAIN!

- Phishing is done in a similar way to computer worms.  Links that seem secure are posted, instant messaged, or e-mailed--but typically by strangers (who usually want to give you free stuff or lots and lots of money for no reason at all!).  Phishing isn't really malware, but still something to be aware of because it is EXTREMELY EXTREMELY dangerous for you!  The purpose of phishing is to steal your personal information.  Fake websites that look exactly like real and trusted websites (i.e. Amazon.com) are created to collect your personal information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card information.
Since phishing doesn't infect your system with malware it's somewhat easy to avoid.  When you click on a link to go somewhere check the address bar.  Does the address in the address bar match up with the website you think you're on?  The best way to be sure you're logging on to a website is to type in the address yourself and not click on other links to go there.
Another way to avoid getting your information stolen is to just delete those e-mails that promise you gifts and money.  If someone were to offer you the same deal in real life, you would no doubt be suspicious--treat solicitors on the internet the same way you treat people in real life.

- Trojans or Trojan horses live up to their name.  They appear to be harmless, even desirable, disguising themselves as useful software for your computer or entertaining applications.  Ironically--the most successful trojans are ones that say they are antivirus software.  Trojans trick you into downloading them on to your system and may actually do the tasks you downloaded them for--but meanwhile they are corrupting your system.  They may download spyware and adware on to your computer, they may delete or corrupt your files, they may invade your privacy by watching your internet history, they may steal your passwords by copying down your keystrokes, they may be used by hackers to spy on your system.  Dangerous, dangerous, deceptive things indeed.
The best way to avoid them is to not download things from the internet unless they are coming from a trusted site--and even then you should always be cautious.  Also, spend the money on the name brand antivirus software!  The "free" stuff might actually end up costing you a lot in the end!  (Although AVG does offer a free version of their antivirus software here: http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage, and that is free antivirus software you can trust)

- Spyware can be unintentionally installed on your computer by visiting certain websites or downloading trojans OR it can be intentionally installed on shared computers by someone who is trying to track another user (say a jealous girlfriend who thinks their boyfriend is cheating on them for example).  But....we're just going to talk about the stuff that you download by accident...if you're interested in the other kind of spyware you can do the research on your own!  Spyware can do lots of things when it's on your computer.  It can collect your personal information, it can track your actions, it can log your keystrokes, it can slow down network connections and make your computer run slowly, and it can be really hard to detect and get rid of without good antivirus software.
Best way to avoid it is to, once again, avoid downloading things from the internet!  Also, avoid going to unsafe websites.

- Adware is somewhat like spyware in the way it gets on to your computer--but at the same time it's the complete opposite.  Adware lets you KNOW it's there.  It bombards your computer with pop-ups and advertisements in an attempt to get you to buy something you don't want.  Or even if you don't buy something--every time you click on one of those little pop-ups, someone, somewhere is making money. Adware alone is irritating and frustrating to get rid of, but--unless it's paired up with another type of malware such as spyware--it's the most harmless.




HOW TO PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER AGAINST INFECTION!
- Do NOT download things from the internet unless you are 100% certain its safe.
- Do NOT click on links you're unsure of.
- Do NOT trust e-mails from people you don't know.
- Do NOT trust "deals" giving you gifts or money.
- Do NOT download your antivirus software from shady websites.

- DO be cautious at all times.
- DO buy and install a trusted antivirus software such as Sophos, AVG, Norton, McAfee, etc.
- DO talk to tech support when buying a computer about ways you can protect your system.
- DO get your computer checked out as soon as it starts having issues--the problem will not go away and it'll get worse before it gets better.
- DO consider a Mac if you're really scared.  Currently they are unaffected by malware :)

These are some of the tips I thought up, maybe you have some more suggestions?








I know all of this seems really scary and overwhelming at first, but that doesn't mean you should quit on learning how to use a computer!  Malware has affected every computer users life at least once and honestly the consequences are typically not as bad as it could be.  Remember, if you have a good antivirus program and keep it up to date you won't have to worry so much. :)