So what can you do to keep your computer up and running? Here are a few Quick Tips to help keep your system safe, secure, and running smoothly well into the next year.

Online Security Scans
Think you've got the bug? No? Think you were safe enough? Regardless of how safe you think you might have been.. it's never a bad idea to run a virus scan of your computer.  Trend Micro offers a free and easy to use online scanner.  If you don't already have one, you do need to get a virus security program. The big names are McAfee, BitDefender, and Norton.  We do not suggest Norton for home users, due to the complexity of their product. AVG is an OK program for being free, but remember you get what you pay for.  We recommend McAfee.

Firewall
It doesn't matter if you use dial-up or high speed to connect to the internet, you need a firewall. There are two types, software and hardware. They both do the same thing: keep the bad guys out.  LassenPC recommends ZoneAlarm (free software) for dial-up users, and Linksys routers (hardware-sorry, not free) for broadband users.  

Spyware
Often installed without the users knowledge, spyware is software that sends information about your Web surfing habits to its Web site. Here are three different spyware removers: Spybot, Ad aware SE, and Microsoft Defender. Each have their own merits; however if you only use one, you probably won't catch all the spyware on your computer. So try all three!

Updates
Enough cannot be said about how important it is to update your computer.  Updates keep your system (hopefully) up to date with the latest software, so that hackers and other malicious people out there stay out there.  Windows users, check here: Microsoft. Mac users: Apple.  Don't forget to keep your security software programs up to date as well!

If you have any questions on how to install the aforementioned programs, call us toll free at 888-649-2880; we'll walk you through it for free.