Anti-virus and/or anti-malware software
Following is a list of the common internet threats.
- Computer virus are software programs that will try to infect your system
and then perform a specific action including trying to use your resources
(internet connection, email .etc...) to spread and contaminate other
computers. Usually computer viruses are written by geeks looking to make the
"news" with their virus. Most often the biggest risk is that they will
consume your resources eventually leading to a complete consumption of all
your resources.
- Spyware: This type of virus will try to collect private information
about you or about your activities and sent over the internet to "collecting
servers".
- Adware: This type of software will use your computer to show ads visibly
or sometime in the background.
- Malware or "malicious software" this is a newer term that includes:
computer viruses,
Trojan horses,
spyware and adware.
Dozens of products compete in this sector. Be sure to check out
Amazon.com Computer Security for some of the best prices on these products
(most orders above $25 get free shipping).
Here are some links to some of the most reputable vendors:
TrendMicro/PC-cillin

Computer Associates

Zone Labs

Some free security software: