Security and Virus info
Security (Virus and Firewall)
Important warning for all people using the Internet for Email or just browsing:- It is highly likely that you will receive a virus if you are not running a virus scanning program which is updated regularly (by this I would now say weekly) : This is the single most important thing you must do. The other two things you really should do are run a fire wall (essential if you are on Broadband) and regularly update your operating system.
Antivirus and firewall. My favourite is Norton Internet Security 2003. It is easy to use and also includes Parental control which blocks those sites you prefer children not to access e.g. 'www.sex.com' and logs where they have been, it can stop those annoying Ads. Cost about £45 or £30 for the upgrade which is they same as the full price version and can be purchased by anyone who already owns any other symantec product.
As an alternative there is McAffee Internet Security which in my view comes a close second. I would not recommend any other products to the novice.
Operating system update
Free options for Home users (not commericial/business nor education, nor charity)
Antivirus AVG from www.grisoft.com
For personal PC firewall www.zonelabs.com
Windows XP has free built-in fire wall, use it
To check your firewall set up go to grc.com for info and free security check, Shields Up
Check on current viruses at www.symantec.com/avcenter
Spyware and Adware
Run following free for home use programs
Ad-aware run this to check for spying software http://www.lavasoft.de/
Spybot www.safer-networking.org
www.earthlik.net/spyaudit test your PC for snooping spyware.
Spybot useful for shredding files http://security.kolla.de/
Parental Control
Belkin router with built in Parental control
Home PC security news bi-monthly www.pcsecuritynews.com "Our newsletter is a to-the-point look at important PC security and privacy issues for the home user, without the technical jargon. It's written so that even novice computer users can learn security basics, as well as offering more in-depth information for power users."