The computer, how did we ever get along without it? It's an amazing piece of equipment. Our lives are supposedly so much better because we have a computer in it. The computer is great, but the computer has been around for awhile. In the beginning very few people had home computers; probably because most people couldn't afford them. The early computer appeared to be more business oriented. Like a lot of things introduced in the business world; companies were probably hoping that computers would replace people, that way they could reduce their labor force and increase profit. Things don't always go as planned; and companies quickly learned that if they wanted to stay in business, they needed people who were capable of using computers.

The explosion in home computers really didn't take off until after Microsoft introduced an operating system called Windows. What Windows did was make it easier for the average person to interact with a computer. Of course, as computers became easier to use, more people wanted one and the demand eventually brought the price down. What really turned up the average person's desire for a computer, was the internet. In actuality, what we know as the internet, was around long before it became popular, but since most people didn't own computers, the internet didn't seem to exist.

So, the inventions of Windows made computers easier to use and the internet allowed people access to a world of information. If there's something you want to know, chances are very good, you can find it on the internet. You would think at this point, things would be perfect, but they're not. There are things about computers and the internet that people are still learning. One of the harder lessons most people have learned, is that just as the internet allows you access to the world, it can also allow the world access to your computer.

Unfortunately, the internet world is no different than the real world, both have bad people. It's amazing how bad people all seem to have a certain degree of knowledge about something. In the internet world, these people seem to have a great deal of knowledge about the internet and computers; but they use their knowledge to harm. These people create computer programs that contain viruses which can disrupt and even shut down your computer. These viruses can come to you in many forms, through your email, software, or even in a song you downloaded.

Viruses have created an industry all by themselves. Many companies have sprung up, practically over night, with their only purpose being to sell you anti-virus software, so you can protect your computer. There are so many different anti-virus programs, but they all basically do the same thing, which is to alert your computer to any suspicious activity and stop any viruses from attaching themselves to your computer. Though there is a big market for anti-viruses, you can find many free versions on the internet. Even companies that sell anti-virus programs, will let you try a free version, hoping that it will entice you to buy the more expensive version later.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Anti-Virus