Every networked computer that has Internet access is, to some degree, at risk. Even with wireless security enabled on your entire home network, it is still important to protect your individual PCs. Multiple layers of security running on your network will make it even more difficult for hackers. Both antivirus software and software firewalls can work in the background while you email and browse on your PC.
Antivirus Software
There are many different types of Internet threats, but the most common problem is viruses. In brief, viruses are programs that run on your computer without your permission. Depending on the virus, there may be no effect at all, or the virus could cause damage to your computer, which may even be severe enough to require the re-installation of its operating system. These days, most viruses spread via email. If you open an infected attachment, you activate the virus.
To protect a computer from viruses, use antivirus software. If the software detects a virus, it will take action to protect your computer. Viruses are constantly created, so it is important to update your software's virus definition file on a regular basis. Kept current, your software will usually be able to recognize and remove the viruses that come your way.
Firewall Technology
Other Internet problems are less common. For example, there are hackers who try to access computers without permission. Depending on their intentions, the damage can vary from mild pranks to theft of financial data. The odds of a hacker wasting his or her time on your personal network are slim, but it can happen.
To protect against unauthorized access, use firewall technology. The term firewall is a blanket term describing security measures that protect a network and are implemented in hardware or software. The hardware firewall in a firewall router protects an entire network. Software firewalls implemented on individual computers protect the computers themselves. If you have both a firewall router and firewalls installed on your computers, the different firewalls will work at the same time; they won't interfere with each other.