Safe Web Surfing

A broadband internet connection can be hazardous to health of your computer.
Below are links to sites that will help keep your computer free of viruses and other hazards.

Operation System Updates
Computer operating systems should always be updated and have the lastest security patches installed. Use these links for updates.

Microsoft WINDOWS users should have automatic updates enabled. Scroll down to the bottom of this Microsoft Help and Support page for instructions.

WINDOWS updates can be manually downloaded from the Downloads and Updates page.

Apple MAC O.S. users can download updates from the Apple support page.

Setting Browser Security
For safer web surfing, users should not use the default security settings of their browser. Read this link from "Happy Trails Computer Club" for help in changing browser configurations for Internet Explorer and Firefox.

Anti-Virus Software
Anti-virus software must be updated continually. Please use the following links for updates and patches for these commonly used commercial anti-virus software subscriptions.

Norton Updates and Downloads

Mcafee Updates and Downloads

If you don't use commercial anti-virus software and think your computer has a virus, please go to one of the following sites for a free virus scan.

TrendMicro Free Virus Scan  

PandaSoft Free Virus Scan    

Avast has a free virus cleaner that removes many viruses and worms. Please read the important notes section before using this product.    avast! Virus Cleaner

Anti-Spyware Software
Spyware and adware slow down your computer and often hijack your browser settings. You should use several spyware programs. There are many other commercial and free programs available. Please be aware that some "free" anti-spyware programs are actually spyware.

The links below are free anti-spyware programs.

Microsoft Anti-Spyware Beta

Spybot Search and Destroy

AdAware