staying safe online
  • Install anti-virus  & spyware software

  • On at least a weekly basis update anti-virus and spyware
    • products
  • Install a personal firewall and/or ensure your operating system's firewall is on

  • Use Windows and Apple updates to patch security holes

  • Do not open e-mail messages that look suspicious
  • Do not click on e-mail attachments you were not expecting

  • Take time to educate yourself and family about the risks -  setting parental controls
  • Monitor your computer and stay alert to threats

think you have a virus or spyware installed on your pc
  • Stinger is not a full anti-virus software suite, nor is it a substitute for full anti-virus protection. Instead it is a stand-alone utility used to detect and remove specific viruses and a useful tool to assist users when dealing with an infected system. Downloading and running this small program is recommended, as you may already have an infected system, especially if you do not have anti-virus software installed. stinger
  • So what are spyware and adware? And, more importantly, how can you remove them from your computer?
    Spyware is software that gathers information about how you use your computer and transmits the data to a central server.
    Removing spyware and adware - Before you protect your computer from spyware and adware you need to remove any that may already be on your machine. There are lots of programs which claim to remove spyware and adware, but the most effective are Spybot Search & Destroy and Windows Defender. These are free.
keep your computer protected
  • Many viruses are designed to exploit faults and loopholes in Microsoft products such as Internet Explorer and Outlook. Microsoft regularly creates patches and service packs to close these loopholes, shielding your computer from vulnerabilities, viruses, worms, and other threats as they are discovered. These updates can be obtained free of charge from the Microsoft 'Protect Your PC' site or direct from windows updates