These days, being on the Internet comes with some risks. Nearly everyone is aware of viruses and threats that can damage your PC, but most of the precautions that can be taken must first start with the user. Virus software is only one of the tools that must be used on any PC. It doesn't matter if a PC is running WINDOWS, LINUX, or another operating system; even Macintosh computers are vulnerable to hackers and viruses. So as an informed PC user, you must protect yourself.

If you are not using Anti-Virus software, you are asking for problems. Most Virus software will protect and help prevent problems from happening, but Anti-virus software is not the only solution. Run an Anti-Virus program, and make sure it is updated regularly. If you are not sure if your Anti-Virus program is updated, check the installation manual that came with your software, or check the "Help" button within the program. Some Anti-Virus programs will update automatically every time you connect to the internet, but the updates may not take effect until the computer is restarted. Keep in mind that just because you have updated your Anti-Virus software, it does not mean you will not get a virus.

SOME ANTI-VIRUS PROGRAMS AVAILABLE:

Norton Anti-Virus: http://www.symantec.com

Win Anti-Virus: http://www.winantivirus.com

McAfee Anti-Virus: http://www.mcafee.com

If you are running an Anti-Virus program, there are some additional steps that can be taken to help protect your PC even more. Software manufacturers release updated versions of their software if security "holes" are found. It may be necessary to update you software, including your operating system in order for the most up-to-date information to be effective. Make sure you update any "critical files" necessary, and once again, you may have to restart your computer in order for them to take effect.  Check with all of your software manufacturers online to see if any updates are necessary.

SOME OPERATING SYSTEM UPDATES AVAILABLE:

Windows Update: http://www.windowsupdate.com

Linux Updates: http://linux.com

Apple / Macintosh Updates: http://apple.com

There are additional ways to help protect your PC from unwanted attacks. Some additional concerns are spy ware (information that is collected about your PC from websites you visit) and Pop-ups that occur when you visit a website. These can be prevented using some newer innovations in technology.

FREE SOFTWARE TO PREVENT SPYWARE AND POP-UPS:

Lavasofts' Ad-Aware: http://www.lavasoftus.com

Safer-networkings' SpyBot: http://safer-networking.org

Don't forget that it is necessary to use passwords for all of your programs. Using a password can help protect your computer from hackers and attackers that may want to use your computer for their own purposes. Always use a password if you can! Make sure it is not something common (like your name or mothers' name) - try to come up with something innovative using letters and numbers - and change your password as often as you can. This way, if someone does get your password, you may have already changed it.