Computer Protection Software

Virus Scanner

Anti-virus software is designed to search through a computer for signatures that may be a malicious virus, when it finds a file that may or that contains a virus, the anti-virus software will then destroy the virus completely so it can't do any harm. It uses blacklists or dictionaries to match definitions to that of the files of the computer.

Firewall

A firewall's basic task is to regulate the flow of traffic between computer networks of different trust levels. Typical examples are the Internet which is a zone with no trust and an internal network which is a zone of higher trust. A zone with an intermediate trust level, situated between the Internet and a trusted internal network, is often referred to as a "perimeter network" or Demilitarized zone (DMZ). A firewall's function within a network is similar to firewalls with fire door in building construction. In former case, it is used to prevent network intrusion to the private network. In latter case, it is intended to contain and delay structural fire from spreading to adjacent structures. Without proper configuration, a firewall can often become worthless. Standard security practices dictate a "default-deny" firewall rule set, in which the only network connections which are allowed are the ones that have been explicitly allowed. Unfortunately, such a configuration requires detailed understanding of the network applications and endpoints required for the organization's day-to-day operation. Many businesses lack such understanding, and therefore implement a "default-allow" rule set, in which all traffic is allowed unless it has been specifically blocked. This configuration makes inadvertent network connections and system compromise much more likely.

Defragmenter

The defragmenter feature of a computer moves all the files aside so the computer can run faster and more smoother, its compresses all the files together, a good example is if you throw boxes into a room and then pile them up on top of each other it makes it easier to move around in the room.

Spyware Scanner

This works in a similar way to antivirus software it searches the files of the computer and matches definitions of its dictionary or blacklist, again, similarly, when it finds a match to its dictionary/blacklist, it destroys the spyware so it can't do any further harm.

Parental Controls

Parental Controls protect children from unsuitable material on the pc. They are options on the computer, typically included in digital television services, computer and video games, or computer software used to access the Internet, that allows a parent to monitor or limit what a child can see or do and/or time-limit these activities. These controls may allow for the blocking of television stations using V-Chip technology, the removal of gore from computer games, the blocking of various websites, such as those containing pornography, or the automatic censoring of swearing.