According to computer security firm Sophos there have been 7,944 new viruses detected in the first half of 2005, a number 59% larger than those found in the first six months of 2004.

The firm’s report also states that the average time for a computer connected to the Internet to become infected has decreased.

From the report:

In line with this substantial increase in virus writing, is the rapidly decreasing average time to infection. There is now a 50% chance of being infected by an internet worm in just 12 minutes of being online using an unprotected, unpatched Windows PC.

All the more reason to make sure that your Windows PC has the latest security updates from Microsoft and is set to receive and install future updates automatically.

It’s also recommended that you run anti-virus software (Nod32 currently holds the crown for best protection) as well as an anti-spyware program such as Webroot’s Spysweeper or Microsoft’s own beta anti-spyware.

If you’re currently on a DSL or cable high-speed connection, a network firewall will help protect you from most attempts to remotely connect, and infect, your computer. You should, at the least, be running a software firewall, such as ZoneAlarm or Kerio Personal Firewall, both of which have free editions.

You should also consider a hardware firewall, which will provide more protection and use less of your computer’s resources. Even a simple cable router such as Linksys Network Everywhere’s very inexpensive NR041 Cable/DSL Router will aid your computer’s security significantly.

The New York Times has an article detailing how spyware has started to make many users consider simply purchasing a new computer, rather than attempt to repair an older system.

The idea of computers becoming disposable isn’t really that surprising when you consider that the average cost for professional spyware removal service weighs in at $120. Compared to the $500 price tag many retailers are advertising cheap computers for, many consumers are simply opting to upgrade into a faster machine rather than try and have their existing hardware repaired.

If you’re currently in the market for a socket 939 motherboard, I’d like to suggest the K8N Neo4 Platinum. This nForce4 Ultra chipset based motherboard from MSI is a great example of a clean, well-built motherboard that’s available for a reasonable price.

The reviews from most hardware sites are very good for this motherboard, and it’s not hard to see why. MSI has put all of the nForce 2 Ultra chipset features in a clean, attractive board that has few layout problems. Even the packaging and documentation included with the product matches this level of quality, featuring a very thick user guide and tested hardware booklet, along with a large full-color poster pointing out each of the board’s ports and interfaces.

A solid performer at a reasonable price makes this an easy recommendation.

Battlefield 2 is currently enjoying a 91% average rating, and with good reason. However, the excellent in-game experience is really being hampered by the Gamespy powered server browser.

While I can understand the allure to the production management of using a pre-existing in-game server browser solution, rather than paying for the development in-house, it doesn’t stop me from being annoyed at the situation. Gamers have come to see “Powered by Gamespy” as a warning sign that the in-game server browser will be, at best, tolerable.

It’s not hard to see why third-party server browser software like All-Seeing Eye or Qtracker are still quite popular, despite the fact that nearly all modern online games ship with in-game browsers.

In the end, however, I feel sorry for Digital Illusions CE, as they’re the ones being blamed by less knowledgeable gamers for the travesty of the in-game browser, when the decision most likely came not from the developers, but from the producer, Electronic Arts.

Dr. Dobb’s Journal has an alarmingly accurate humor article online detailing the various levels of “cruft” the average computer goes through it’s operating system install lifespan.