Chapter 20. Protecting Your Computer from Viruses and Internet Attacks

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Dealing with computer viruses

• Protecting your system with antivirus software

• Dealing with Internet attacks

• Protecting your system with a firewall

When you connect your PC to the Internet, you open up your computer to a whole new world of potential dangers. That's because the Internet is how most computer viruses are transmitted today and how unscrupulous hackers and crackers can attack your system from half a world away.

The good news is that most Internet users are well intentioned. The bad news is the few miscreants out there can cause a lot of damage. Read on to learn about the real dangers you might find online and how to protect against them.