PC-Security - €60 (incl VAT) per session

• Do you wish to buy items over the Internet?
• Do you want to manage your finances online?
• Do you wish to keep your data secure?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above then your PC's security should concern you.

We will check your PC for viruses, spyware and any other software that may be a danger to your PC's security.Why/how am I in danger?

PC's that are based on a Windows operating system are the most targeted on the internet today. It is very likely that the PC you are using is based on the Windows operating system.

Windows based PC's are the most targeted simply because the majority of people use this type of operating system. You should be aware that Windows contains a number of bugs and flaws which can be manipulated to gain access to your PC.

These bugs and flaws must be fixed, otherwise your PC will be under threat whilst you are connected to the Internet.There are a number of things that can be done to protect you from these types of threats. Firstly your PC should be fully updated to fix any potential flaws. Secondly, software should be installed on your PC that will protect it from outside interference.

The software required is made up of three main components; an Anti-Virus, an Anti-Spyware and a Firewall component.

Information on what these are and how they function can be found by clicking on the links below.

Viruses Spyware Firewalls

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Anti-Virus

• What is an Anti-Virus?
• What is a computer virus?
• How can I get a virus?
• How can I protect myself?

Anti-Virus software is a type of software that protects your PC from viruses. A computer virus is a small piece of software that has the ability to self replicate. This software is unwelcome as the damage caused is often irreversible.

Wherever electronic information exists there is a possibility that a virus can be found lurking. The most common means of infection include:-

• the downloading/installation of pirated software, games and music
• the opening of emails from strangers
• the opening of unexpected attachments from known senders (e.g. friends, colleagues) without asking them if the attachment is safe
• the browsing of questionable websites

The first means of protection against a computer virus is to not get infected! Avoid undertaking the actions listed above. The use of up to date Anti-Virus software with up to date virus definitions is a must.

Virus definitions simply comprise a list that contains information regarding known viruses. If your definitions are out of date, then the list you have of existing viruses will be old. This means that your Anti-Virus product will NOT be able to detect new viruses.

More detailed information on computer viruses can be found by following the link below.

Viruses

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• What is Spyware?
• What is Anti-Spyware?
• What sort of information is collected?
• What is done with the information collected?

Spyware is software created with the aim of collecting information on how you use your computer. Some variants of Spyware are clever enough to hijack certain functions of your computer. They are a parasite that will eventually bring your computer to a crawl. Anti-Spyware is the term used to describe software that protects your computer from Spyware.

Most Spyware collects information regarding your surfing habits, i.e. a log of the websites you have visited on the Internet is recorded. Some Spyware can collect information on the music you play and the software you use!

The information collected is either given or sold to companies/individuals who wish to sell you certain items. Have you ever wondered why after visiting a particular type of website, you start receiving emails from strangers regarding the type of content you had been browsing earlier?

This is a clear sign that some form of Spyware resides on your computer. Particularly nasty Spyware variants called keyloggers can monitor everything that is typed into your PC and this includes passwords and other login information. It is therefore VERY important that Spyware is not present on your PC.

More detailed information on Spyware can be found by following the link below

Spyware

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• What is a firewall?
• How can this protect me PC?
• Is it necessary to have a firewall?

A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that has been designed to allow you to control how information comes into your PC and how information leaves your PC. It can be thought of in the following terms:

The windows and doors of a house can either be open or closed. The house owner decides which to open and which to close. A firewall offers you the same control over the 'doors and windows' of your PC.

Many types of viruses will attempt to download and upload information from a PC that has been infected. The implementation of a firewall will ensure that you are informed of such an activity and will have the opportunity to block this type of communication.

The use of a firewall is a personal preference. What it boils down to is the level of security you wish to implement on your PC. If you are security conscious then a firewall is a tool that should be present on your PC.

More detailed information on firewalls and how they work can be found below.

Firewalls