• Protecting yourself from viruses:
  As you are reading this page you are obviously 'online'. Every computer you use 'online' should always have some form of 'ANTI VIRUS' software to protect your data from damaging Viruses. The ANTI VIRUS software is only as good as its last update though.
  
  If you installed the software some time ago but haven't updated the database, then many new types of virus will not be detected. It is advisable to check for updates at least once a week or better still, enable the software to automaticlly update when new updates are available. The ensures your software is always up to date and protecting you from as many current threats as possible.
   
• ANTI VIRUS software is usually pretty cheap but also comes in free versions:
  
  AVGFree is regarded as one of the best FREE anti virus packages
  
  Some noteworthy 'paid for' anti virus software are:
  
  NOD32
  Norton
  McAfee
  AVG
   
  
• Protecting yourself from spyware and adware:
  Spyware and Adware (also refered to as scumware & malware) are different from viruses and infect your computer. Spyware symptoms can be 'popping up' unwanted annoying adverts whilst you browse and usually tracks your surfing habits. Spyware is when software is installed 'silently' without your permission. It is usually installed onto your computer from some forms of free software, most peer 2 peer (P2P) programs and other file sharing programs, some 3rd party toolbar add-ons amongst other things. Many anti virus sotware packages have built in spyware protection but other programs can be downloaded separately to deal with specific problems.
  
  Ad-aware
  SpyChecker
   
  
• Better web browsing:
  All Windows PC's come with 'Internet Explorer' as standard so the majority of surfers use this for web browsing. As its market share is huge. There have been many vulnerabilities with Internet Explorer however. There are many excellent free alternatives though - a particular favourite of ours (and many others) is Firefox. Using Firefox, you can avoid some exploits and vulnerabilities that Internet Explorer has had and may have in the future. Installing Firefox will not remove Internet Explorer nor make it not work and we certainly recommend giving it a go!
  
  Visit the Firefox website