PC Maintenance and Security Lab

Atomic Learning's PC Maintenance and Security Workshop provides a nice assortment of tutorials.  It was difficult to choose just three topics to blog about!

Tutorial #1:  Defining Malware

Prior to this tutorial, I was only vaguely familiar with the term "malware".  Malware is actually malicious software of any type that is meant to harm computers.  It includes viruses, trojan horses, and spyware.

Tutorial #2:  Optimizing Your Folders for Better Viewing of Files

Did you know that you can arrange your file icons by name, size, type, or even by the date it was last modified?  If you would like to apply your arrangement to every file you view, just look under tools -> folder -> options -> view and simply choose your preferred view.   (I will definitely be sharing this information with my mother, who could benefit from a more organized file view.)

Tutorial #3:  Comparing and Contrasting Hardware and Software Firewalls

This was another tutorial that I chose due to my inadequate knowledge on the subject.  I was surprised to learn that there are two kinds of firewalls: hardware and software.  It is recommended that anyone using broadband internet service and/or wireless internet have both hardware and software firewalls to protect their computer.  Hardware firewalls are generally built-in as part of your router, hide your computer from the internet (from general malicious scans), and block inbound traffic that you didn't initiate.  Software firewalls must be installed (many security suites include such software), and some block outbound traffic.