You are a master of the dollar – your every moment is dedicated to finding the best ways to spare your pennies and keep your savings secure. Technology, you are certain, is not meant to consume your profits (as it already consumes your attention). It is instead to be given freely, without the usual high costs and higher frustrations. And this, of course, has led you to seek out software that is without pricing, that is instead offered easily. You take it all, wanting to avoid the usual expense and instead create source codes that will do precisely what you need. But that, you soon discover, isn’t as simple as you thought it would be.

Because, although you chose freeware, you did not choose free and open software.

The difference between these ideas is often blurred. The names are almost identical and the meanings often overlap. But there are elements that distinguish them from each other and you must learn these to ensure that you make the proper choices.

Freeware: simply explained, freeware are programs that do not require your money. They can instead be downloaded without concern. They are not, however, always able to be changed. Their source codes can instead be heavily copyrighted. This allows them to be used but not modified or distributed.

Free and Open Software: unlike its freeware counterpart, this application can instead be altered. It is both free and unprotected; which ensures it can therefore be manipulated and then given to others. Its rules are vague and its limitations are almost non-existent.

This distinction is minimal, with many users commonly exchanging these terms, thinking them to be of the same purpose. They are not. While all free and open software can be considered freeware, all freeware cannot be considered both free and open. And this must be understood to guarantee that the selections you make are the ones you desire.

For optimum computer security there are a few steps you should take besides installing a good antivirus software. First, buy a computer with a good firewall or purchase firewall software that will protect your computer. While many computers come with a firewall already installed, most are not activated. Be sure that your firewall is properly activated before using your computer.

Second, be very wary of who you give your information to. There are scams called phishing scams in which a criminal will pose as a company such as a bank and ask for personal information like your social security number, account numbers and PIN’s. Most authentic banks will not send you emails asking for this information.

Third, don’t open unsolicited emails or attachments. They may contain viruses. Also, watch your Internet surfing activity. Many unscrupulous sites will attach spyware or viruses to your computer as you tour their site. Online gamers must be especially vigilant and should purchase special antivirus software made exclusively for online gamers.

Your antivirus software should come with a daily update system. You should run this update regularly as new viruses and bugs come online every day. Your antivirus software will update itself with the proper antidotes to those bugs. Don’t become another identity theft statistic by protecting yourself with antivirus software today.