Did you get a new computer for Christmas?

If you have a new computer and want to protect it from the dangers of the internet, I have three programs for you to install that will keep your computer running smoother, longer.

First, you should install the free program, Spybot, Search & Destroy from

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

Or

http://www.download.com/3000-8022-10122137.html

Make sure the Spybot program you install is the right one, if it does not have “Search & Destroy” in the name, or it asks you to pay for the program, then you have the wrong program. Many people write to tell me that they tried to install Spybot but it asked them to pay for it before it would work. This means you installed the wrong program.

Once you have downloaded and installed Spybot, Search & Destroy, you will need to check for updates to the program and download those updates. Then, go to the Immunize section of the program and click on the Immunize button to block many spyware programs from getting into your computer.

Be sure to go back and open Spybot each week to check for updates. If you do find updates, download them, and then re- immunize to protect your system from the new problems.

Once you have installed Spybot, go to Google at www.google.com to install their toolbar. This will block most pop-up pages on the internet.

Once you get to the Google home page, click on the link that says “More >>” and scroll down the page of Google services down to the Google Tools section. There, you will see a link to the Google toolbar. Click on the link, then click the big button that says “Download Google Toolbar” to start your download.

Once you have downloaded and installed that program, you will be protected from most pop-ups.

There are programs that will block more pop-up pages, but often users become frustrated because they also block pages that you want to get to.

AVG Antivirus Version 7

I cannot say enough good things about this product! I have been using AVG for three years now, and not had a single virus infection. In fact, I use AVG all the time to remove viruses from computers that were running more popular antivirus programs like Norton and McAfee.

Version 7 of AVG is automatically set to download updates daily and run a daily scan. This is essential to protect your computer from viruses.

AVG Free is available free-of-charge to home users for the life of the product. Rapid virus database updates are available for the lifetime of the product, thereby providing the high-level of detection capability that millions of users around the world trust to protect their computers. AVG Free is easy-to-use and will not slow your system down (low system resource requirements).

Highlights include:

Automatic update functionality The AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run The AVG E-mail Scanner, which protects your e-mail The AVG On-Demand Scanner, which allows the user to perform scheduled and manual tests Free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files

Elizabeth