The IT Pros

The IT Pros recommend that you use Firefox for your web browser instead of Microsoft Internet Explorer. Firefox has less security issues than IE does and Firefox does a better job of protecting your system from becoming infected with spyware. Firefox also has some very nice security and ad-blocking extensions which, when installed and configured, allow for a better browsing experience.

Test your systems security with one or more of the following tests:

• Symantec's Security Check
• Gibson Research's Shields Up Test
• GFI's Email Vulnerability Tests
• Scan your PC for Trojan Horse Programs
• Check your Internet Browser's Security
• Test your firewall and popup blocker

There are several ways to begin to protect your computer. We think the best is a hardware firewall/router product which can be purchased online or in a local office supply store or computer store. SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) router products from D-Link or Linksys are good solutions for home and small office users. If you are unable to purchase a router or do not want one, firewall/port blocking software is available. Most software solutions cost as much as the hardware solutions, but there are some very limited feature free firewall packages available. The two free solutions we recommend are Zone Alarm from Zone Labs and Outpost from Agnitum. Symantec and ManAtee both have firewall products in their Internet security suites so you may already have a software firewall.

If your computer seems slower than it used to be, you may be infected with spyware. Spyware programs are often installed when you install software downloaded from the Internet. If you have kids visiting web sites with games and active content, it is likely that you have picked up spyware. We recommend several programs to try to remove spyware. No single program will find all, or even 90% of all, spyware. Because of this, you should use several products to keep your system spyware free. Some of the software is free but most of the best anti-spyware software costs $30-$50.

• Microsoft Anti-Spyware Beta - This works only on Windows XP and is free for now.
• AdAware by Lavasoft is a reasonable product. There are free and Pro editions.
• SpySweeper by WebRoot is a $30 product which works well.
• Counter Spy is rated highly by PC World and costs $20 per computer.

If you regularly browse the web, you may have seen advertisements which claim to scan your PC for spyware which, after the scan, recommend that you buy a software package to clean up the adware/spyware. Many of these products are actually spyware themselves. If you are considering a product that is not on our recommended list, please check that it is not on this list of products which are called "rogue anti-spyware."

IT Pros hopes that by making use of some of this information that you will be able to protect your PC and data. However, if you run into difficulty or have questions about security, please contact us.