Could AVG Start Working on The Apple Mac Platform?

Does AVG, well known for its free security software product, look to provide Apple anti-virus?
By Asavin Wattanajantra

Security firm AVG is advertising for a senior developer who is an expert in Mac OS X systems, raising the possibility that it is looking to offer anti-virus for Apple technology.

In a description of the job requirements, the developer would be required to adjust basic system architecture for Mac OS X conditions and port AVG technologies to the Mac OS X environment.

AVG and Apple have not commented by the time of writing on what this job ad could mean, but it recently has become more common for Apple users to encounter the type of malware usually targeted at Windows users.

Apple quietly admits the need for anti-virus software on Macs, while in April security researchers discovered the first Mac botnet, which was created via a trojan infecting pirate downloads of iWork 09.

Only last month, security experts found two new worms targeting the Mac OS X, targeting users who downloaded a Trojan horse after clicking on a video promising hardcore porn.

Source Content : ITPRO

4 Programs For Your Computer [Smart and Free Programs]

One of the fun parts of owning a computer is, of course, access to the internet. The worldwide web is chock full of useful information, readily available at your fingertips! It is also home to potentially lethal viruses, many of which can wreak havoc on your system within moments. The following four programs can help you avoid trouble; best of all they are absolutely free.

Firefox : a web browser for the ages. Okay, a web browser that beats Internet Explorer by preventing pop ups and harmful scripts from being downloaded to your computer. Lots of nifty features too, including tabbed browsing, live bookmarks, and tons of add-on features.

Spybot Search and Destroy : gets rid of adware, spyware, and malware. Blocks the installation of spyware before it occurs; works in conjunction with anti-virus software, not as a replacement for one.

AVG Antvirus : offers basic antivirus protection including scanning email attachments for viruses and scanning of all hard drives, removable drives, and external drives on your computer. A paid version does some additional tasks and includes technical support.

Zone Alarm : if you don't have a firewall installed on your computer, you are opening yourself up to potential catastrophic security breaches. With Stealth Mode enabled you can search the internet in private, away from the intruding eyes of those who might want to steal your important information.

As with many freeware programs, 'pro' or professional versions of the software are sometimes available to give computer users a maximum amount of protection, for a price. Still, all four of these programs have something to offer and are worth exploring. Your computer safety and privacy is essential, insure it today by downloading the programs that are right for you.

Virus Scanner Myths

By Mike Warenda

There are many programs out there that tell you they are the best at removing Viruses and Malware. I have seen this too many times now where I show up at a home and they tell me well I have Norton or some other name brand product, so I should be safe from viruses and stuff. I look at the program and see it is not only outdated, but the last scan was sometimes years ago. I then break the news to them how they are probably infected with all kinds of goodies.

Too many people make the assumption that if the program is starting up it is working. Virus scanners are usually only a one year subscription and if you do not pay again in a year you no longer get updates. Therefore, any virus made after the last day you received updates can get right by your anti-virus software. You should check your anti-virus periodically to make sure everything is running smooth and you're receiving your updates.

If you are not receiving updates for the product check to see if the subscription date is past due. If so you will need to purchase another subscription or another product. If you can't get updates and your subscription has not run out yet, this means you are infected. Now you are probably wondering, well how did this happen if I had a virus scanning program? Well this is easy to explain.

There truly is no one great product when it comes to removing malicious programs. Every time they update your anti-virus software someone will be updating their malware programs. It is a never ending battle. The makers of these malware find weaknesses in the anti-virus software and pretty much disable it and your updating abilities of most programs. This leaves you helpless to their attacks.

There are many things you can do to prevent this from happening to you. Always scan every file you download before opening it. Don't open email or click on any links in emails from people or sites you do not know. You would be surprised to see what can be hidden in a link. Every now and again test your anti-virus software by going to sites that will scan your PC for free. There are many sites on the computer there to help people free; all you have to do is look for them.

Before you even get started with installing any programs you should first make sure your hardware is clean and free of dust. Dust buildup can make a computer run very slow and cause freeze issues alike. It is always good to start here because sometimes people think they are infected with viruses and it comes out to be just dust caked in the heat sink of the processor.