Among the malicious intentions of those who would compromise your computer are those to gain access to your personal data for identity theft, to use your computer to send spam or be used to attack other computers on the network, to use your computer to “hack” other computers or simply as the act of juvenile mischief to wreak havoc. What ever the intent, you owe it to yourself to understand the dangers and learn how to protect yourself, as it may save you countless headaches, and in some cases, a substantial amount of money.