Experts estimate that 59 percent of computers worldwide are infected with malware.  In many cases the PC owner is not even aware of the infection.  An untreated PC virus can lead to poor performance or even data loss.

Is your PC running slow?

Are you concerned that your PC may be vulnerable to viruses?

Now it is a good time to do some PC spring cleaning.

Click here to contact TechAdvocate Solutions for a PC Spring Cleaning.

Beware of a fake email that claims to be from Facebook and asks you to open an attachment to receive a new
password.  This email is potentially harmful. Delete it from your inbox.  The attachment contains a password stealer that targets Windows computers and which can potentially access any username and password combination used on the computer, not just the login credentials for Facebook.

According to McAfee Labs this is the sixth most prevalent piece of malware targeting consumers.

Here’s how a phony email may look:

Here are few clues that this is a phishing scam.

• Facebook doesn’t send e-mails like this. It may send an e-mail with a link where the user can reset the password, but not an e-mail with an attachment.
• The e-mail has poor grammar and awkward phrases. For instance, Facebook is not capitalized in the salutation.

Phony protest Facebook groups have nefarious intentions – to infect your PC with nasty viruses and spyware.  Here’s a message from Facebook warning about these groups.

The rumor about charging $4.9…9 or £3.99 or £14.99 a month is totally made up. However, confusion is not what the scammers seek: members of the group are directed to external websites that are capable of installing malware. Some of the sources can even download 25 different infections automatically upon visit.

If you did join one of these groups then you should eliminate it from your Facebook account and run a full anti-virus scan ASAP.

If you do not have an anti-virus program then click on the following link for instructions on how to get the free version of the AVG anti-virus software.
http://www.techadvocate-solutions.com/techtips/2009/12/09/avg-anti-virus-9-update/

Your browser is your window to the Web.  But just like that window in your home that allows the light in, it also represents a potential security risk.  You could board up all your windows leaving you safe, but in the dark.  Or you could implement some basic browser security.

One way for that nasty cyber-stuff like viruses and malware to infect your PC is through your browser.  So your choice of browser is important to your Internet safety.

Wait!  You mean you have a choice when it comes to your web browser?  Yes you do.

If you are on Windows you probably use Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE).  For the Mac, you are most likely on Safari.  There are others, most notable Firefox.  Firefox is an open source browser that has grown in popularity because of its reputation for safety.  And while everyone has opinion when it comes to browser safety, Firefox is generally considered the safest.  And it’s fast, too.

You can download and install the Firefox the following link:
http://www.mozilla.com/
It is easy to install and available for PC, Mac, and Linux.

One more thing, Firefox has a really cool logo.

A relative newcomer to the browser family is Google’s Chrome.   This darling have become a quick favorite.  Like Firefox, it is an open source project which means there is a lot of support.  And it pays attention to safety on the same level as Firefox.

Google Chrome Standout Features:

-  Flexible Tabs
-  Incognito Mode for Private Browsing
-  Integrated Download Manager
-  Online Task Manager

Click here to download Google Chrome:
http://www.google.com/chrome

For a browser that sings a different tune try Opera.  This is favorite of the tech community because its many configuration options.  Of course, it pays close attention to safety.  And because of it portability it is a popular mobile browser.  There is a good chance you are using a version of Opera on your mobile device.

Another cool Opera feature is that you can use voice commands to navigate the web and even have Opera read the text to you.   Sure other browsers can do this with add-ins, but it is built into Opera.

You can get the Opera browser here:
http://www.opera.com/

Of course there’s Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE).  I have nothing against IE and it is still the most used browser in the world.  But it has a checkered past because of its vulnerability to cyber nasties like viruses and spyware.  However, IE 8 is big step in the right direction with a refortified approach to security.

Plus, IE 8 features extensive parental controls that can be customized to fit each individual in a family.  So if you have small children IE 8 is a good choice. If you use A Windows based PC then IE 8 is a decent choice.  Here’s the Microsoft website for IE:
http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/internet-explorer/

If you are on a Mac or like the Mac look-and-feel then Safari is the browser for you.  But it is not just for Apple; the top-notch browser is now available for PCs as well.  Safari focuses on being lightweight and rather than customizable. It has a sleek interface that isn’t bulky with a frame is only one pixel wide.

Some nice features include the development of Top Sites, spell checking for all fields, re-sizable text boxes, and snap-back.  However, it lacks some features like parental controls, anti-phishing, and a smart toolbar.

Here is the download site for Safari:
http://www.apple.com/safari/download/

I admit that I am a fan of Firefox mostly because of the its David and Goliath.  Firefox came on the browser scene when IE was the only game in town.  IE was buggy and had enough security holes to make it the Swiss cheese of browsers.  Even though IE  had a practical monopoly on the browser market, Firefox made a stand against the IE behemoth and reminded us that web browsing can be safe and fast.  We (the day-to-day web surfers) were real winner because Firefox lite the fires of competition heating up a browser war that resulting in better products and a safer Internet.

You can have multiple browsers installed on your system.  So look around and see what is best for you.  And still practice safe browsing.