These days, virtually every household has a computer system.  PC manufacturers have taken great pains to ensure their products are easy to use, even for someone who has little to no experience with computers.  Unfortunately, most out-of-the-box systems, although configured for Internet access, are not properly secured.  Before the Internet, security was less of an issue as your system was isolated from other computers.  Now, if you don’t take the proper precautions before taking your computer online, it can quickly become a huge hassle.  Computer security measures help keep hackers out of your system, protect your data, and minimize the risk of Virus and Spyware infection.  Computers that have not been secured properly with the use of firewalls, system configuration settings, and security patches are easily accessible by anyone connected to the Internet. Simply put, when you connect to the Internet you open the door to your computer; you have no locks or alarms to protect your data from intruders who would steal or destroy your personal information.