Below you will find links to security resources to keep your computer
safe, secure, and virus-free. For complete protection, we recommend
installing an AntiVirus program, an AntiSpyware program, and a Firewall
device or program. Please read the sections below for free (or low-cost)
Internet security resources.
AntiVirus
Even though we scan incoming email for viruses, this is just one way a
virus can come into your computer. To make sure you are totally protected,
you should install an antivirus program and update it regularly.
- AVG AntiVirus, From Grisoft
FREE - Complete Virus Protection
We use the commercial version of this software at the office, and we've been very happy with
it. It does a great job of blocking viruses before they infect your computer.
- Panda ActiveScan
FREE - Online Virus Scanner
Use Panda ActiveScan to find and remove viruses from your computer. This service does not offer permanent protection from viruses, it only removes them after your computer has become infected, but it's always good for a "Second Opinion".
Spyware & Adware Removal
If you see many pop-up ads while browsing the Internet, especially if
you see them while viewing legitimate sites (eg. yahoo.com, google.com,
microsoft.com, our site), you most likely have an Adware or Spyware
application installed on your computer. Many of these applications
come hidden along with free programs, such as those that make smiles
or special cursors, or those that let you download music for free.
Please read below and try these tools to remove those applications
from your computer.
- Microsoft Windows Defender
FREE - Removes Adware & Spyware, Provides Ongoing Protection
This new free program from Microsoft detects and removes adware
and spyware, it also puts-up walls of protection to stop these
programs from being installed again. So far, this is the best adware
removal tool we've ever seen.
- Lavasoft Ad-Aware
FREE - Removes Adware & Spyware
Ad-Aware is the de-facto standard in removing Adware and Spyware.
The free version does not provide ongoing protection, but it does
a very good job of removing adware.
Personal Firewall Software
Everyone on the Internet should have a firewall of some sort.
If you have a cable or DSL connection, -the best protection can be
obtained with a Firewall/Router, available from your local electronics
or office supply store. If you connect with dial-up, or if you'd
rather not buy an extra piece of equipment, read-on to find some
free firewall programs.
- Microsoft Windows Firewall
FREE - But you must have Windows XP
If you have Windows XP, you have this installed already. Just click
the link above to check your settings to make sure you have the
firewall active. If you have this set-up, don't install any other
firewall programs, doing so can create problems in the future.
- ZoneAlarm Firewall
FREE (for personal use)
ZoneAlarm is an award-winning firewall program designed to stop
your computer from being hacked. We recommend using the Windows
Firewall instead if you have Windows XP. This firewall works great
on all other versions of Windows.
Pop-Up Blockers
To stop annoying pop-up ads from being displayed, download one of these
free pop-up blockers, or upgrade your browser to one that supports
pop-up blocking. Please be aware that if you have an Adware program
installed on your computer, these programs won't be very effective.
It's best to remove the Adware with one of the "Spyware & Adware
Removal" tools first.
- Windows
XP Service Pack 2
FREE - You must have Windows XP
If you have Windows XP, we recommend upgrading to Service Pack
2 (SP2). It's a free upgrade that includes many enhancements to
Internet Explorer, including a pop-up blocker.
- Google Toolbar
FREE - Works with Windows & Internet Explorer
The Google Toolbar lets you search Google from anywhere on the
Internet. It also includes one of the best pop-up blockers we've
ever seen.
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