Computer Security is never a problem that goes away. You need to constantly maintain it, just like you do for a vehicle. With thousands of viruses being created every day, you can never let your guard down. Most people use their computers for purchases, banking, work, email, etc. and you have to make sure you protect your information. The following is a list of recommendations in order to keep your information and computer safer:

  1. Perform Windows Updates often. Microsoft comes out with security updates quite often to combat new viruses and software threats.
  2. Make sure you update your virus software daily!!! If your software is expired, renew it, or uninstall and install some great FREE virus software. I recommend Microsoft Security Essentials.
  3. Make sure your windows firewall is always on!! Many people get software firewall's that supplement windows firewall. You can also find some very good FREE software firewalls as well. The ultimate solution is to have a router with a built in firewall to work along with a software firewall.
  4. You can test your windows security (firewall) on a free website www.grc.com and select Shield's UP. This site will let you know if your computer is safe or if there is openings for viruses to enter your system.
  5. Never open emails from people you do not know! Be very careful of emails that have a link attached to them that want you to install something to view. For example: Many people received an email saying that they got a greeting card from a friend. People would click on the link, and it wanted to install a viewer, People would click on this to install the viewer. What they just did was isntalled a Virus that now just took control of their computer and will use it to send spam to hundreds of people. This is called "BOTNET" which is a huge problem today.
  6. Even if you get an email from someone you know and it has a file attached to it that you were not expecting, call them to verify first. Sometimes virues overtake a person's email and send out the same virus to everyone on their contact list.
  7. If you are on a wireless network, Always make sure you have WEP/WPA/WPA2 security enabled. You don't want your wireless network to be open to anyone. Keep this in mind, if you have an open wireless connection, anyone can log on to your system, and get into your computers, or worse, do illegal activities that trace back to YOUR HOUSE!
  8. Clean up your computer often using anti-spyware. There are many free programs offered on the internet. SuperAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes are the best available, but to have the ultimate protection, buy their PRO versions! We can sell you the Pro Versions! See our E-Shop!