Step 3: Software to keep your computer safe and secure.

Anti-virus Software

Anti-virus software protects your computer from viruses that can destroy your data, cause computer problems, or allow criminals to send email through your account. It scans your computer and email for viruses, and deletes them.

Since their always new viruses in circulation, your anti-virus software should update routinely. Most anti-virus software updates automatically when you are on the Internet.

You can download anti-virus software online or in stores. Common traits of good anti-virus software:

• recognize current viruses, as well as older ones
• effectively reverses the damage
• update automatically.

A sample list of anti-virus software can be found at the following location.

http://security.getnetwise.org/tools/results/any2.php

This list was gathered and provided by the GetNetWise website. We cannot guarantee the effectiveness of any of the products listed nor do we endorse any products. We are also unable to provide any technical assistance for these tools.

Firewalls

Firewalls help keep hackers out of your computer. Firewalls monitor access to your system and block communications from and to sources you don't permit.

Like anti-virus software, firewalls need to be configured properly and updated regularly. See the firewall instructions that came with you software.

Turning on your firewall

Windows XP and Macintosh OS X have built in firewalls. The following video links will show you how to enable your firewall.

• Window's XP: http://security.getnetwise.org/tools/firewallxp-instruct. This video shows you how to enable the firewall on a Microsoft XP operating system.
• Macintosh OS X: http://security.getnetwise.org/tools/firewall-osx-instruct. This video shows you how to enable the firewall on a Macintosh OS X operating system version 10.2 or later.

If your operating system does not offer a firewall, it would be wise to install one. Free firewall software is available on the Internet. You can find one by typing "free firewall" into any search engine.

For a list of sample firewall available for online purchase, click the following link.

http://security.getnetwise.org/tools/results/any1.php

This list was gathered and provided by the GetNetWise website. We cannot guarantee the effectiveness of any of the products listed nor do we endorse any products. We are also unable to provide any technical assistance for these tools.

Anti-Spyware Software

Anti-spyware software protects your computer from malicious spyware and prevents the unauthorized collection of your personal information while you surf the web. It scans your computer for spyware programs at regular intervals, and gives you the opportunity to remove any harmful software found on your computer. Some anti-virus software contains anti-spyware as well.