Business Week dissects the spyware menace.

How do you protect your computer in the future?
Protection is an ongoing process since spyware makers are constantly creating new threats. First, install a personal firewall and an anti-virus program. ZoneAlarm from Zone Labs is a free basic firewall. Symantec and McAfee sell popular personal firewall and anti-virus software. Until the anti-virus programs become more thorough in blocking spyware, which should be within the next year, it’s imperative to use a separate anti-spyware program.

Next, set the computer’s operating system for daily security updates. Also set the Web browser to a medium- or high-security level. For Windows, go to Microsoft’s Web site for instructions. Windows XP users should install Service Pack 2, which makes it close to impossible for software to be downloaded without your being alerted. Consider switching to a Macintosh computer or a browser less popular than Internet Explorer, such as Mozilla Firefox (mozilla.org) or Opera (opera.com). They are less likely to be attacked.

“They are less likely to be attacked” because they are built without those darn glaring security holes. If you are still using Internet Explorer on Windows, go download and use Firefox. If you are in the market for a new computer, get an iMac.

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 25th, 2004 at 4:49 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.