Anti Virus Software
Sending and receiving email is now a common method of communication. It is only a matter of time before someone sends you a virus attached or embedded in an email either accidentally or in some cases deliberately. Other common ways of catching viruses include infected email in Newsgroups and the transfer or downloading of files or software from disc-drives and the Internet.

It's possible to catch a virus from a web page. Malicious ActiveX controls and Java™ programmes can contain dangerous code which can be very harmful to your PC.

Its essential you protect your PC from the threat of viruses, if not for your own sake, for your customers. Imagine sending all your customers an email that is infected by a virus, what a disastrous effect that will have on customer relations.

If your PC does not have virus software installed and you think you may already have a virus, InterWeb Design, based in Bristol, can visit your premises. We provide security services such as virus, worm and trojan removal, ad-ware removal, anti-virus and firewall installation, security scans and data back-up solutions. For further assistance use our security services.

Which Anti Virus software should you use?
The following applications have been developed by the market leaders in anti virus protection software. InterWeb Design do not recommend a particular product as each software application has specific system (PC/network) requirements. However, the following products should meet the needs of most Internet users. The following companies also supply Industrial Strength anti virus protection software.

Norton and McAfee offer all-in-one products containing both anti virus and firewall software. ZoneAlarm is an excellent firewall, particularly for developers, see below.

Firewall Software
Whenever you connect to the Internet your PC is vulnerable and open to attacks by hackers and other online threats. The risk of attack has become more of a threat due to new technologies such as ADSL and CABLE which are always connected to the Internet, you do not have to log-on. You should be aware that by leaving your computer on overnight or when you are not present you are opening the door to attacks from the Internet and hackers.

All Internet users should take precaution to protect their computers against direct hacking, theft of passwords and credit card numbers. Hackers can hack into your PC even when you are using it, without your knowledge, so it's important you protect your PC and confidential information.

Firewalls can be hardware, software or a combination of both. They're frequently used to prevent unauthorised people who are online from accessing personal computers or private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All messages entering or leaving the PC or network pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks any that don't meet the specified security criteria.

Which Firewall Software should you use?
The following applications have been developed by the market leaders in firewall applications. InterWeb Design do not recommend a particular product as each software application has specific system (PC/network) requirements. Also, depending on your business, network and the data you need to protect, the level of protection you will need will vary. However the following products should meet the needs of most Internet users. The following companies also supply Industrial Strength Firewalls.

Norton and McAfee offer all-in-one products containing both firewall and anti virus software. However, you may also be interested in a free product called Zone Alarm, which is particularly good. Zone Alarm provides limited anti virus tools, but the firewall is as good as any product on the market.

Zone Alarm offers a free 1.6MB download which closes and monitors ports, runs on individual PCs and monitors each application's use of your Internet connection. It also has a nice feature that make life on the Internet a lot more secure, a giant Stop button that halts any and all data transfer. So if you're suspicious that data is flowing in or out of your machine against your wishes, a click on the Stop button stops the transfer.

Zone Alarm Pro (not free) delivers comprehensive security features for all users, and powerful control features for advanced users - whether they are a business or home setting, using an individual PC or networked PC. Zone Alarm and Zone Alarm Pro are made by:

For further information on Firewall and Anti-Virus software, or how to remove Viruses from your computer, see our security services.