Home computer networks are a part of any renovation. Being connected to the Internet means that the following computer malware can attack your computers and wreak havoc on your systems. Hackers can also steal a lot of sensitive information you have on line.

It definitely pays to factor in computer security when designer your home computer network. Here are some of the major computer bugs that attack computer systems:

1. Worm- an independent computer programs that reproduces by copying itself from one system to another across a network. Unlike computer viruses, worms do not require human involvement to propagate. The SQL Slammer Worm astounded the world in 2003 by infecting 75,000 computer systems in less than 10 minutes. It even affected ATM banking machines.
2. Virus- a program that “infects” computer files, usually executable programs, by inserting a copy of itself into the file. These copies are usually executed when the “infected” file is loaded into memory, allowing the virus to infect other files. Unlike the computer worm, a virus requires human involvement (usually unwitting) to propagate.
3. Trojan horse- a computer program that conceals harmful code. A Trojan horse usually masquerades as a useful program that a user would wish to execute.
4. Logic bomb- in programming, a form of sabotage in which a programmer inserts code that causes the program to perform a destructive action when some triggering event occurs, such as terminating the programmer’s employment.
5. Sniffer- synonymous with packet sniffer. A program that intercepts routed data and examines each packet in search of specified information, such as passwords transmitted in clear text, your social security and credit cards, etc.

Steps to Protect your Computer System
To guard against these problems you need to take the following steps:

• Turn your system off when you 're not using it,
• Always install security software updates and patches on time,
• Purchase and install firewall software,
• Purchase and install Anti-Virus software
• Purchase and install Anti-Spyware software
• We recommend
  

  when you browse the Internet. See this great CNET video which reviewed the free Firefox browser.