How can I protect my computer from identity thieves?
When it comes to protecting your PC or Mac, you have to get involved in real basic computer security. For example, your operating system. If you're operating in a Windows 95 or 98 or even Windows 2000 environment, Microsoft no longer even supports those updates. So, you have to upgrade to at least a Windows XP or even a Vista. Once you're in XP, you have to upgrade to Service Pack 2, because there was Service Pack 1A and then Service Pack 2, and there are even components of Service Pack 3. So, make sure that your operating system is updated as much as possible. In addition to making sure that your operating system is updated, it is absolutely essential that you have virus protection software. Major corporations that offer updates to virus protection that allow you to automatically download and update your virus definitions are essential. Have your virus definitions set so that either when you boot up, before you shut down, or in the middle of the night, those virus definitions download, update, and install, so that you're protected from the latest virus outbreaks that occur over the Internet. To protect yourself from spyware, it's important that you run spyware removal programs. There are a number of free and low-fee programs available over the Internet you can download and install that keep your PC free from spyware. Spyware are software programs, usually malicious programs, installed on your computer that allow a hacker to record your keystrokes; what you type in: addresses for websites, usernames, and passwords. It allows a hacker to remotely access and log all your different keystrokes, thereby gaining access to all your accounts. Spyware removal software eliminates that problem.
