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home computer careUseful Links.
Just a quick couple of notes on downloading software:
- Only download software which has been recommended by someone you trust - even if it looks harmless.
- Don't say yes to any question you don't understand.
- When installing software using the installation wizard, always read what is on the page before clicking Next - there are often choices that are pre-ticked which you don't necessarily need, for example toolbars, mailing lists.
- There have been a number of viruses lately which have used social networks to propogate. One bit of advice to come from this experience is that if ANY website you don't absolutely trust advises that you need a new version of something (for example Adobe Flash Player) then go to the website of the actual company (in this example Adobe) to get it instead of clicking the download button on the questionable website.
I personally use and recommend Kaspersky Antivirus. You can try it free for 30 days by copying this URL and paste it into your browser address bar:
http://www.kaspersky.com.au/download.aspx?downloadid=6&pageid=36
Download the setup file to your desktop, double-click it and follow the instructions. It is very reasonably priced should you decide to keep it.
There is a recent addition to the FREE Antivirus programs available which is produced by Microsoft itself. After about six months at the time of writing this all reports are very positive and it has become the most downloaded free antivirus available. It is called Microsoft Security Essentials and you can download it here. Just click the download button and follow the prompts.
For another free, easy to use, unobtrusive and effective antivirus try AVG - just download the free version and the wizard will guide you through the setup: AVG free If you have any trouble setting it up seek help here. YOU MUST UNINSTALL ANY OTHER ANTIVIRUS PROGRAM BEFORE INSTALLING THIS (or any others - don't have any more than one AV program on your computer, they interfere with each other. Its OK to have multiple anti-spyware programs.)
Speaking of anti-spyware, I can recommend these:
A malware removal tool which I have been put on to recently and has proven itself to remove the latest MSN borne teenager virus and is quick and easy to use is Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware. Make sure you read this excellent tutorial here.
SuperAntiSpyware is a spyware scanner and remover. Install it by clicking the Download Free Version blue button, follow the wizard, make sure you scan regularly!
And for an antispyware that actively checks for malware in real time (it notifies you every time something tries to change your computer so once you teach it what programs are OK, it stays out of the way till something unusual happens.) This is it here: Spybot S&D and I heartily recommend reading the tutorial before you download.
If you have children and live in the inner west of Sydney, here is an excellent dance school I can recommend: The Inner West School of Dance (my wife runs it)