Review of "PC Pest Control", by Preston Galla

Preston Galla's book "PC Pest Control - Protect Your Computers From Malicious Internet Invaders" is probably one of the best books I've read on the issue of PC and Web surfing security. This book is a great introduction to the dangers of unguarded computer systems for anyone who is not sure about why PC preventative measures are even needed - it will really open their eyes.

If you have a computer and you use it to go online, you will eventually encounter some sort of threat to your system's security; whether that is a virus, a phishing scam, or adware that crashes your browser. Online security has become a huge problem, but there are definitely ways to protect yourself - and Preston Galla, the author of "PC Pest Control", has done a stellar job of making online PC security accessable to the average PC user.

Galla covers such topics as:

• Where You're Vulnerable (this is a "yikes!" chapter)
• Adware, Spyware, and Home Page Hijackers
• Protecting Your Identity and Kids Online
• Throw Internet Explorer Out The Window (yep, you read that right - this is a Windows-based PC pest control book, and Internet Explorer is infamous for its ability to inundate your computer system with unwanted junk)

The author gives practical steps that anyone can follow to make their system safe from online invaders; for example, the above mentioned "Throw Internet Explorer Out The Window" chapter doesn't just leave you browser-less; Galla suggests a few solid ways you can lock down IE to make it more secure, but suggests that in the end you're going to want to find a more secure browser, such as Firefox.

PC Pest Control would be a great book to give to friends and family who still do not grasp why it's good to have a firewall, virus protection, or basic online safety procedures. It'll save you some valuable explanation time.