If you are like me, you may not understand all the ins and outs of adware, malware, spyware and every “ware” in between. Here at Flexiss, I work with all computer geeks, er … computer-knowledgeable web designers. The bottom line is I find that what is common knowledge to them isn’t for me. I’m the administrative manager here, not the technological guru of all-knowing malware greatness.

So for all of us adware-challenged folks, I’ve simplified a technical article, 10 Ways to Avoid Viruses and Spyware. Continue reading below for the easier to understand version, or if you think you can tackle the more involved jargon, click on the above title to read the full article.

1. Not all antivirus applications are alike. Even in a slow economy, this is an area where free is not ultimately beneficial. Do not rely on the free-anti-malware for complete protection. The list of computer threats changes frequently, so invest in an antivirus program that provides frequent updates safeguarding against a wide range of threats.
2. Real-Time protection is key. A difference between free anti-spyware programs and a professional paid and licensed program is what is called “real-time” protection. It’s ongoing and active. Rather than detecting spyware once it’s already invaded your system, select an anti-virus program that works in real-time to prevent infections.
3. Anticipate upcoming expiration dates. With social media sites running rampant, the threats to computer users spread like wild fire. If your license expires and your application is not current, you are floating in raging ocean waters with no motor or paddle … not a place you want to be. So know when your anti-virus programs expire and be diligent of keeping them up to date.
4. A scan a day keeps the viruses away. A good quality anti-virus program allows you to schedule automatic daily scans. Take advantage of this feature! Schedule the scan for a time you know you will be on the computer each day. Then allow it to run in the background while you work.
5. Say “No” to Autorun. Some threats are set up to automatically attack external hard disks, thumb drives, or network drives. So disable the Windows autorun feature by following Microsoft’s recommendations under their help and support section.
6. Disable automatic display images in Outlook. Something as simple as an infected email message with graphic codes can cause a virus. To disable image previews in Outlook, go to “Tools,” “Options,” and click on the “Security” tab. Make sure to check the box for “Don’t Download Pictures Automatically in HTML messages.”
7. Beware of the attachments and links. You’ve heard it said continually to not open attachments from unknown individuals. There is another area to be careful with as well — clicking on links within an email. This simple click could infect your machine and destroy your data. Choose instead to navigate to the website manually.
8. Be a smart surfer. Take advantage of the browser plug-ins that professional anti-virus programs provide. There are many drive-by threats you will unknowingly encounter when you surf the internet. The plug-ins are designed to safeguard against these threats. Also, leave your automatic pop-up blockers enabled.
9. Use a hardware-based firewall. Very simply put … hardware-based firewalls are harder to break through than software-based firewalls. Plus, they don’t bog down your computer’s resources. However, be aware that a hardware-based firewall is not a replacement for the software based version as they each have their specific purposes.
10. DNS Protection. Virus infections can happen just by simply visiting a compromised web page. Some are DNS (Domain Name System) attacks that direct you to an unauthorized website. Check out the free DNS services through OpenDNS to learn more about how you can protect against those types of attacks.

I recently read an article, Retailers See Web Offsetting Spending Slump, that shows the shifting tide moving towards online resources.

There are many retailers these days who formerly discounted the web as a viable means of generating revenue. However, they are now turning around on that stance and putting their investment dollars into online resources. Lately, retailers like Louis Vuitton and Juicy Couture have ramped up their online operations and utilized technology such as Facebook apps, Twitter feeds, and community forums as part of their marketing efforts. This is largely due to the impact the recession has had upon traditional brick-and-mortar stores. The above article sites that such impact has not been felt as much by online retailers.

In the past, most companies viewed an online presence as a secondary objective and a small piece of the pie. However, that priority has shifted and brought e-commerce initiatives to the forefront of market strategies. Liz Claiborne is one major brand in particular who ramped up their online marketing campaign, especially for their Juicy Couture line of clothing and accessories. JC Penney is yet another major brand jumping onboard, using the web to be more accessible and also to bolster promotions for in-store sales.

“It’s just not based on convenience alone.

It’s also being able to see the whole assortment and browse,”

-Myron Ullman, JC Penney

I know that I personally do a fair amount of online shopping, but I’m usually motivated by finding the best deal, and I search in general for run-of-the-mill items such as books, electronics, and media in discount venues. So how does an upscale company’s online campaign differ with that of a huge e-commerce retailer like Amazon.com? Perhaps this lingering question is one of the reasons such companies have avoided devoting many resources to the internet market. The article explains the ways in which such a company’s approach to online might differ.

Many of these higher-dollar companies have chosen a higher level of customer service and proactive interaction with their buyers in order to assist them in making informed purchasing decisions. Nevertheless, the online market holds many of it’s own unique challenges.

Steve Fishman, Chief Executive of Big Lots! Expressed it this way:

“If you think you’re in a competitive business when you’re in the four-wall retail business,

you have no idea what a competitive business it is when you go online.“

The online market is much more of a level-playing field for large and small companies alike. Because it is so accessible, you’re effectively competing with companies on a global scale.

Selling online can be an intimidating venture, but as the online trend continues to grow, the answer is not to avoid the web entirely but to be aware of the current trends and effective practices.

To read the original article in it’s entirety, click here