Security Tango - Virus, Spyware, Worm - How to Keep Your Computer Safe on the Internet

What is the Security Tango?

The Security Tango is my name for the dance you have to do every time you want to assure yourself that your computer is free of viruses, spyware, keystroke loggers, backdoors, trojans, and other forms of malware (click the Definitions button on the left to see what all those things mean). It's something you need to do regularly and often - daily is not too often! The simple act of getting on the Internet and downloading email or going to a Web page can expose your computer to malicious crackers who would love to take over your machine for their own use.

Let's Dance!

To dance the Security Tango, click the Let's Dance button on the left.

Two left feet? Don't worry - it's not as hard as you might think!

AltOS

That's right - this stuff is mostly for Windows-based computers. I'm sure that those of you running Linux or a Macintosh are laughing yourselves sick right now. But don't get too complacent - your time may come! After all, the only reason that these script kiddies attack Windows machines is that Windows runs on the vast majority of computers. As Linux and the Mac become more popular, you'll see more viruses for them. And it's not like there are no viruses for the AltOSs, after all! More importantly, if you don't at least run an antivirus program, you run the risk of passing a virus on to your Windows friends (assuming any of them actually talk to you). And that's just not being a good net citizen!

Does this site look odd?

Chances are, you're viewing it in Microsoft's Internet Explorer. While Explorer is a wonderful Web browser, there are a couple of little things that take it off the top of my recommendation list. First, it's a huge target for malware writers, and second, it's not really standards-compliant (which is why you're seeing some odd stuff). Normally, I spend a lot of time making sure that everybody's browsing experience is the same, but, in this case, particularly at this site, I'm certainly not going to pander to a browser that has such an open door policy when it comes to malware!

Oddly enough, I've discovered that there's an additional rendering screwup in Konqueror (and, therefore, likely in Safari as well). There, it appears that the menu titles (e.g. "Tango Links:") appear one line down from where they should. That doesn't even happen in Internet Explorer!

To see this site in all its pristine glory (and, not incidentally, give yourself a tad more protection), you might want to give Firefox a try.

The Ask Nick!™ The Ask Nick!™ Security Security Tango™ Tango™

Tango Links: Home Let's Dance! Nick's Blog Get the CD Definitions Security News Blame, Credits, etc. *Windows Links:* Antivirus: McAfee Security Symantec (Norton) Grisoft's AVG CA's eTrust Panda Software Firewall: ZoneAlarm McAfee Firewall Norton Firewall	What is the Security Tango? The Security Tango is my name for the dance you have to do every time you want to assure yourself that your computer is free of viruses, spyware, keystroke loggers, backdoors, trojans, and other forms of malware (click the Definitions button on the left to see what all those things mean). It's something you need to do regularly and often - daily is not too often! The simple act of getting on the Internet and downloading email or going to a Web page can expose your computer to malicious crackers who would love to take over your machine for their own use. Let's Dance! To dance the Security Tango, click the Let's Dance button on the left. Two left feet? Don't worry - it's not as hard as you might think! AltOS That's right - this stuff is mostly for Windows-based computers. I'm sure that those of you running Linux or a Macintosh are laughing yourselves sick right now. But don't get too complacent - your time may come! After all, the only reason that these script kiddies attack Windows machines is that Windows runs on the vast majority of computers. As Linux and the Mac become more popular, you'll see more viruses for them. And it's not like there are no viruses for the AltOSs, after all! More importantly, if you don't at least run an antivirus program, you run the risk of passing a virus on to your Windows friends (assuming any of them actually talk to you). And that's just not being a good net citizen! Does this site look odd? Chances are, you're viewing it in Microsoft's Internet Explorer. While Explorer is a wonderful Web browser, there are a couple of little things that take it off the top of my recommendation list. First, it's a huge target for malware writers, and second, it's not really standards-compliant (which is why you're seeing some odd stuff). Normally, I spend a *lot* of time making sure that everybody's browsing experience is the same, but, in this case, particularly at this site, I'm certainly not going to pander to a browser that has such an open door policy when it comes to malware! Oddly enough, I've discovered that there's an additional rendering screwup in Konqueror (and, therefore, likely in Safari as well). There, it appears that the menu titles (e.g. "Tango Links:") appear one line down from where they should. That doesn't even happen in Internet Explorer! To see this site in all its pristine glory (and, not incidentally, give yourself a tad more protection), you might want to give Firefox a try.
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