| Windows
Updates Need to be done at least weekly. |
Microsoft regularly
updates Windows to secure it against threats from hackers & spyware
etc. Be sure to do a Windows Update on a regular basis. Windows XP
allows for this to be automatic. Be sure you have auto-update turned
on. You can also update manually by going to http://update.microsoft.com/ |
|
| Anti-Virus Needs to be updated regularly. |
Every computer on the Internet
needs to have anti-virus installed. You can use any one you choose but
no matter which you choose, it needs to be updated regularly.
This update process is to "teach" the anti-virus program how to detect
new viruses that did not exist when you installed it. Most anti-virus
programs charge an annual subscription fee for updates. AVG has a free
edition which includes automatic updates. Suggested
Programs:
FREE AVG Antivirus (free) Click Here McAfee Anti-Virus ($34.99 year Click Here McAfee Internet Security Suite (includes virus, spyware, & firewall protection) ($49.99 year) Click Here |
|
| Anti-Adware/Spyware Needs to be updated regularly |
Adware &
Spyware are programs that get on your computer & create
popup ads and/or transmit your personal information without your
knowledge. They can hijack & take your computer over, send
you to sites you didn't ask for, slow your computer to a crawl &
worse.
Suggested Programs: WINDOWS DEFENDER FREE ANTI-SPYWARE This program scans & cleans the computer of adware and spyware then it monitors and protects you against further infection. It also updates & rescans on a schedule automatically. Click Here McAfee Internet Security Suite (includes virus, spyware, & firewall protection) ($49.99 year) Click Here SPYWARE
REMOVAL PROGRAMS
(if your computer is already spyware infected) Two very valuable free
tools for removal of spyware
are SPYBOT and ADAWARE. Use these if you have a stubborn problem the
Microsoft couldn't find or remove. These do not protect, they only
'clean up' existing issues.
ADAWARE - http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/ |
|
| Fire
Wall |
A firewall is needed to protect
against hackers & some worms. Windows XP has built in firewall
protection. Go to your control panel to activate the built in firewall.
If you prefer not to learn a lot of tech stuff about the computer, the Windows firewall is fine. If you are the type that wants a lot of control & not afraid of learning, you may want the extra control a third party (not microsoft) firewall gives you. Suggested
Programs:
Zone Alarm Free Firewall Click Here McAfee Internet Security Suite (includes virus, spyware, & firewall protection) ($49.99 year) Click Here |
|
| Pornography Filter |
Protect your
family against
pornography with services from True Vine Online. True Vine Dial Up Internet We provide the dialup connection, web filtering, filtered email, & free web space. Click Here ChristianBroadband.com Pornography blocking for those that already have a DSL or CABLE Hi-Speed Internet connection. Click Here |