Sudbury Computer Repair Blog

There are several options available for web browsers today. How do you decide which one to use?

According to statcounter.com, Worldwide, Internet Explorer has about 56% of the browser market while Mozilla Firefox has 31% and Google Chrome has about 15%.

http://gs.statcounter.com/#browser-ww-monthly-200912-201012

While all Internet Browsers are susceptible to viruses, Internet Explorer seems to have more viruses attacking it. Many IT pros agree that this has nothing to do with which browser is more secure but the fact that Malware writers are targeting the biggest population. As the others gain marketshare, the number of viruses targeting them will increase; but for now, using one of the browsers with a smaller market share seems to help.

The biggest deterrent to Malware infections is always good user habits. Be careful what you click on and stay away from the "seedy" side of the Internet. There is a ton of valuable information online but there is almost as many dangerous places. Always be cautious and skeptical when surfing or reading mail.

That seems to have gotten everyone’s attention.

Distracting Beach Babes is the name of the latest Facebook app/virus. Anyone can write and submit a Facebook app. Facebook does not check apps before they're put up on the site. By the time Facebook realizes that an app is infected, it's too late and thousands of users are infected. Stick with the mainstream apps like Mafia Wars, Farmville, etc. if you must use any apps at all. Don't be the Guinea Pig testing out the cool new apps as that is where a lot of people find problems.

While we are on the subject of Facebook, be careful with links posted on peoples walls as many of those are posted by viruses and will lead you to infected websites. Most importantly, always make sure your antivirus and anti-spyware protection are up to date.