But what can I do to  protect my computer.  There are lots you can do yourself.

The steps are simple to do and if we could get everyone to just do the simple stuff we could put a big dent into protecting all our computers.

1. Install all the systems security updates and patch.
2. Install and keep updated an Anti-Virus software program.
3. Scan you computer with an Anti MalWare program.

These 3 simple steps can go a long way to protecting your computers.
It doesn’t matter if your computer is used at home or at the office.

Start doing these steps today.

First: You want to start by updating your computer to the most current Security updates from Microsoft.   This is a great first step.  If you are using Windows XP, just click “Start” and then the “Control Panel” look to the left for the link called “Windows Update” and click on it.

Second: Scan your computer with Anti Virus program.

We have withdrawn the Trend Micro Link from this article.  We found that it was hard to get running.  Good company but there online scanner needs work.

So instead we are listing two online scanner we tested out and found them to be much easier to use.

1. Kaspersky Labs  Scan for Virus
2. Panda   Active Scan
3. Symantec Norton Security Scan

Here is a link to a free scan utility from Trend Micro. Trend Micro is one of the leading anti virus software provider for corporate networks.  Use the House Call program and scan our computer now.
http://housecall.trendmicro.com

Third:  Scan you computer for MalWare.  You may not even know you have it.  MalWare can be even worst then getting a computer virus.  It can slow down your computer and even send out spam email without you even knowing it.  The best program I have found and we use it all the time to help remove MalWare from computers brought into for repair, is MalWareBytes.  You can download it and install it for free.

MalWareBytes.Org

You should download, install and run it now.  It’s free, but you have to do the updating and scanning manually.  You can purchase the program for $24.95 a year and it will update the program and scan your computer automatically.   Don’t be put off, thinking you have to purchase this program.  Download it and use it for free.  We suggest you purchase it, but that is up to you.

You can complain all you want about all the bad stuff that can happen to your computer, virus, spam, malware and more.  But you have to be the first line of defense for your computer.

Computer Bob