There are many reasons why you should keep yourself protected from threats from the Internet. Your privacy may not be the only thing at risk. The data in your computer is also vulnerable. You have probably heard about stories of data being stolen, credit cards being used fraudulently, or simply a computer basically failing to boot. In most cases, these are caused by malware.

If you cannot afford to Purchase Antivirus Software Protection for your Computer then you need to find Free Virus Protection and Removal Software. If you choose to load no Antivirus Protection then it will be only a matter of time before your computer gets ‘Sick’, in other words gets a Virus or other form of MalWare.

For a List of Top Free Antivirus Packages as of 2011 We suggest the following:

Free Antivirus Protection

• AVG’s Free Anti-Virus
• Avast! Free AntiVirus6
• Avira Free AntiVirus
• Trend Micro Free AntiVirus

Malware is a general term that refers to all malicious software. There are several types of malware and each of them can do serious harm to your computer files. Needless to say, malware is a very serious security problem that needs to be given priority.

Types of Malware

As stated, there are different types of malware. Here is a basic run-through of some of them:

Virus

A computer virus is a malicious program that spreads itself by infecting files in a computer. This is fairly similar to what a biological virus can do to a human body. Some viruses may also carry a payload that is capable of deleting files or preventing the operating system from booting up. Viruses can lay dormant until a specified trigger or event happens. For instance, the CIH or Chernobyl virus will only corrupt the entire hard drive when the computer’s date is April 26. Viruses can enter computer systems through a storage device like a diskette, CDROM, or even a hard drive. (Want to know the most destructive viruses, read the Top ten most computer viruses of all time)

Worm

A worm is similar to a computer virus but it has the capability to spread and infect local files in the computer and other networks. Worms are usually spread through the Internet through email attachments or by visiting a customized website that has a known bug that allows a drive-by download. Just like viruses, worms can carry a payload that usually installs a backdoor into a compromised computer, attempting to bypass security software to run other malicious software.

Trojan / Trojan Horse

A trojan is basically a computer virus disguised as a harmless computer application. It can also be a real program bundled or re-compiled to contain a malicious code. When trojans or software bundled with trojans are run, they release their payload containing backdoors or other malware making sure they won’t be detected. Some trojans are even capable of disabling firewall and antivirus software to prevent detection. Trojans may download a program that will allow a user to take partial or full control of a computer. If it is successful in compromising a lot of computers, it can be already considered as a botnet.

Rootkit

A rootkit is a type of malware that attempts to hide its presence along with other malware from the user as well as from security software like antivirus and firewall software. Rootkits usually come as a payload from other malware like trojans and worms. They are capable of hiding files, registry entries, and hardware resources to mask their activities from the user. (Tips on how to detect a rootkit)

Spyware / Adware

This malware monitors a user’s behavior (it spies) and even seizes partial or full control of a computer. It can slow a computer down significantly, slow down Internet access, change browser settings, and collect personal information. Adware is a type of software that often contains spyware. It disguises itself as free software that is advertisement supported, but at the same time, installs spyware.

Security Software Options

Luckily, there are security software programs that will protect you from such malicious programs and other threats to your data and your privacy. Here are the types of security software you must have to fight these types of malware:

• Antivirus – Modern antivirus does not just protect against and detect viruses. The majority of these products are capable of detecting other malware such as trojans, worms, spyware, adware, and even rootkits. There are freeware antivirus software programs such as Avira, AVG, and Avast!. For commercial products, there are Eset NOD32, Norton Antivirus, and McAffee Antivirus.
• Anti-Spyware - Some antivirus programs lack the capability of being able to detect and prevent spyware infection. Sometimes it is not enough to detect and remove all these types of malware. Anti-spyware software is dedicated software that is more effective at removing spyware and adware. Popular titles are Spyware Doctor, Spybot Search and Destroy, Webroot SpySweeper, and CounterSpy.
• Anti-Rootkit / Rootkit Removers / Scanners – Rootkits are very hard to detect. In fact, even some well-known commercial antivirus programs fail to detect all rootkits. Rootkit scanners effectively and extensively scan the computer to search for well-hidden malware. RootkitRevealer, Panda Anti-rootkit, and McAffee Rootkit Detective are some popular examples of rootkit scanners.
• Firewall – This software restricts access of inbound and outbound Internet traffic. In other words, it prevents unauthorized programs and even malware from accessing your computer. Sygate personal firewall, ZoneAlarm Internet Security, and Comodo firewall are some examples of this security software.

Invest in the right Virus Removal software otherwise it is simply a matter of time before your system gets infected. Consider Antivirus Software the same thing as the Doctors give us to protect against various diseases.
There are Free Online Virus Removal Packages as well as Email Virus removal software available, however the best Anti-Virus Software Packages available commercially will give your System Complete Coverage. Constant updates with a system like this means that you are better protected from Viruses and Malware because these programs are constantly being unleashed on the Internet.