Triona's Tech Tips

The computer zombie problem (see here and here) is only getting worse. According to a recent study by Trend Micro, computers often remain infected for up to two years, with median infections lasting 300 days. Many people don’t realize they are infected, and never get rid of the problem until they replace their computers.

What’s wrong with having a zombie computer? Viruses and other infections can slow down your computer, and cause freezes and other unpredictable behavior. There’s also the risk of data and identity theft. And if that doesn’t concern you, consider this: most virus infections, spam and other threats come from the zombie computers of innocent victims.

The good news is, there are easy ways you can keep your computer protected. Through November 1st, 2009, new subscribers to the free email version of Tech Tips will receive a special tip sheet on Four Easy Ways To Protect Your Computer. Just click here to sign up. And keep an eye on the Tech Tips blog, where you’ll find the latest computer news plus links to free resources that can help keep you secure.

I’d like to encourage you to spend fifteen minutes today checking and updating your computer’s protections. Your computer will work better, and you’ll be doing the world a public service by helping to eliminate Internet threats.

In November I’ll give you an in-depth look at the new version of Windows in The Lowdown On Windows 7. If you have any computer questions, let me know.