As more and more people get computers, more and more criminals are creating malicious software. Malware allows these cybercriminals to turn a profit by doing things that hinder computer functions, steal user’s information, and other things that are both annoying and potentially expensive.

These infections often hide away in otherwise beneficial software. A time zone converter, media player, and other like utilities are known to harbor threats, particularly when these are available at no cost. This isn’t to say that all of these programs carry parasites, but since there is a higher risk, users need to be more aware. (more»)

There are many popular types of applications that are useful tools or fun toys that computer users just adore. An image carousel is just one example of these great applications, but they can often be more than just a fun, helpful program for your PC.

As you select an image carousel, you need to be aware that many of these programs (and other fun, free apps) could well be loaded with malware. One type of malicious software is spyware, and spyware can often be tucked away in apps like these. While users are able to have the use of a great image carousel, they may be monitored by the program at the same time, with their personal information being funneled to a cyber-criminal who controls the infection. (more»)

Simply put, a data miner is an application that can monitor and even analyze activity on a computer. It monitors what computer users do, collecting information that often is used for marketing purposes. This doesn’t sound malicious, but a data miner can be a big problem. Many spyware programs use this technology, monitoring users without their knowledge and sending the information back to an organization. The information gathered may be used to send targeted ads, but it could be used to steal information.

A data miner, a type of spyware, can be further classified as a sort of malware, or malicious software. Malware is a class of software that installs itself onto a PC without a user’s knowledge or consent. Once on the computer, these infections can damage the system, impair performance, steal personal data, monitor usage, and more. (more»)

There are many types of malicious software that can infect a computer, cripple the system, and even steal personal data like financial information or login credentials. This malware can be found all over the internet; even seemingly safe sites and innocuous downloads can bring this threat onto a PC.

Some types of malware include viruses, spyware, adware, worms, and trojans. Each type of malware also has several varieties; one sort of trojan is called Octopus. (more»)

Using the Internet to Make You Better at Writing

It doesn’t matter what you plan on writing about. If you are writing for business, penning a letter, crafting a blog post, or writing about reading, you want to create well-crafted, intelligent prose.

While writing comes easily and naturally to some folks, this isn’t the case for a vast majority of individuals. If you are reading this post, the odds are good that you are one of those people who struggle with their writing. (more»)

It seems that there are programs online to help you do and be better at just about everything. Many of these programs are free. Unfortunately, many of these free programs are too good to be true because they come packed with a nasty little surprise: adware.

As you select programs and tools to help you excel at certain tasks, you need to be sure that you select programs that are safe and secure. Many free programs are dangled out there by scammers and cyber criminals so that you will end up infected with spyware and they will get access to your personal information.

One task that many hope to get better at is writing. There are plenty of tools online that they could utilize if they are a beginner, but many of these programs may not be safe. A safe program that those who are just starting out could try is Paragraph Punch. This software is used completely online, and it helps those who are beginning to develop their writing turn words and phrases into sentences and actual paragraphs for clear, concise communication. (more»)

While chatting on the internet, instant messages and video chat used to be exceedingly popular. While many people still engage in these activities either for business or pleasure, new innovations related to these technology has evolved.

As these forms of communication become more common, innovations related to them become more prevalent to meet the needs of users. One such invention is the Camgrab software. This program is designed to record video from Yahoo chats. (more»)

There are many applications available for downloading news and other files. Information sharing is a vital tool in today’s world, and there are many tools to help.

Binary Boy is just one such program. Around for several years, this application is billed as a newsgroup downloader, but it has many more functions than just that. Many folks who are into collecting photos, music files and other media find this application incredibly helpful. (more»)

Often internet users will take precautions to protect themselves from internet threats, only to find that they still become infected with malicious software.  And in many cases, it is the user himself who downloads an infected program without even realizing that is what he is doing.  This is often the case when users download specific types of software from the internet, such as free screensavers and wallpapers.  One software program that often comes packaged with such free software is the My Web Search Bar, and although many people do not realize it they can avoid picking up malicious software in this manner.  (more»)

When it comes to the type of software that a hacker attaches malicious software to, it is commonly software that they know will attract many internet users.  This is why hackers are able to spread malicious software so efficiently, because many users can simply not say no to the software that contains the malware.  And added to the vicious circle is the fact that, in many cases, the software being offered is freeware, which makes it even more attractive to internet users.  Some examples of the type of freeware that you may encounter are mp3 renamer software programs, mp3 stream recorder software, mp3 album finder software, and mp3 fiend software.  All of these types of programs have had reports of malicious software being installed on user’s computers associated with them, although not all programs of this type will be infected.  The trouble is determining which ones do and which ones do not, before actually downloading them.  Mp3 renamer freeware, in particular, has been known to be associated with malicious software.  This particular class of software allows users to rename their mp3 files so that their library has a more streamlined and comprehendible look to it.  And although this is not necessary software that anyone really needs, many individuals can appreciate the function that it performs, which is exactly why so many people download this type of software.  Choosing a similar mp3 renamer, that is not freeware, may be a better option because, let’s face it, nothing in life is ever really free and although you may not have to pay money for freeware, you definitely pay for it by dealing with the adware that often comes packaged with such programs. (more»)