Protect your PC

As an Internet user you need to be aware of the very real dangers from Viruses, Trojans, Worms and other software nasties that can wreak havoc with your PC.

To help, CyberPatrol experts from SurfControl have put together 6 simple steps to protect your PC and ensure a safer, more secure Internet experience for you and your family.

1. Essentials: Windows® Updates, Antivirus & Firewall
   
   
2. Install Pop-up Blocker
   
   
3. Remove Adware/Spyware
   
   
4. Clear Internet Cache
   
   
5. Remove Inappropriate Content Already On Your PC
   
   
6. Link to Free Download Site
   
   

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Step 1 - Essentials: Windows® Updates, Antivirus & Firewall

Windows® Updates
When Microsoft release a security update for your Windows® Operating System, nasty code writers race to create new Viruses, Worms and Trojan Horses to exploit its security vulnerabilities. Consequently, until you have updated your system it is highly vulnerable to attack. So always keep your Operating System up-to-date.

Check for the latest updates and be sure they are installed now and in the future:
http://v4.Windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp

Antivirus Guard
All computers connected to the Internet need an Antivirus guard. It protects your system and prevents the spread of viruses to other computers. PC Magazine has reviewed Antivirus software - view the article here. You can also get a basic Antivirus guard FREE for non-commercial use from AVG. Ensure that once installed your Antivirus guard is kept up-to-date.

Use a Firewall
If you are on broadband a Firewall is essential, it is also highly recommended on a dial-up connection. Windows® XP has a built in Firewall you can use, click here for instruction on how to activate it. Read a recent PC Magazine review of the major personal Firewall products here. Two Firewall vendors, Zonealarm and Sygate offer basic Firewalls FREE for non-commercial use.

Step 2 - Install Pop-Up Blocker

Get rid of all those annoying pop-up ads by installing a FREE Pop-up Blocker as part of a toolbar that sits on your Internet Explorer Browser. Once installed, all you need do is choose whether to allow or block Pop-ups.

Three of the most popular ones are from Google (see below), MSN and Yahoo. You'll wonder how you ever lived without one!

Step 3 - Remove Adware/Spyware

The latest menace is Adware and Spyware. It's installed on your PC without your knowledge and often with P2P File Sharing programs. It causes unusual PC behavior and can result in unwanted Pop-ups, homepage hijacking, installation of porn diallers, system shutdowns and even identity theft. Click here for the tell-tale signs.

Adware/Spyware can also cause conflicts with Internet security products like CyberPatrol. We recommend you install Spyware protection software that will delete, detect and protect your system. Protect yourself from Spyware attacks by installing an active Spyware prevention program like CounterSpy^TM.  Awarded 5 stars at download.com, CounterSpy is a highly effective defence against Spyware and Adware.

Step 4 - Clear Internet Cache

Internet Browsers store pages you've visited in a directory known as the cache, so when visited again they load faster. But as the cache fills it can impair your system's performance. It's good practice to clear the cache before installing Internet security products like CyberPatrol. Then to keep your system clean it should be cleared on a regular basis.

To clear your cache, open Internet Explorer and click the Tools menu then Internet Options. Click the General tab and locate the Temporary Internet Files section. Click the Delete Files button, this will delete all the files in your Internet cache. Click here for further information on managing your Internet cache.

Step 5 - Remove Inappropriate Content On Your PC

Inappropriate images and entertainment files may already, unknowingly, be on your PC. These may have been downloaded when using P2P File Sharing programs. It is recommended you check your system and remove them permanently.

Click here to also learn how to check for P2P File Sharing Programs on your PC, how to remove them and how to stop them from being downloaded in future.

Windows® XP
1) Click Windows® Start, next select Search.
2) Then search for pictures, music or video.
3) Once the search is performed view the files and choose to delete them from your computer. Remember, empty your recycle bin to permanently remove the files from your PC!

Windows® 98, Me, 2000 or NT
1) Click Windows® Start, next select Search / Find.
2) To perform a search for the most popular image and movie file types, enter each of these search terms one at a time: *.jpg *.gif *.mpg *.avi
3) When you have found the files, view them and select those to delete. Remember, empty your recycle bin to ensure they are removed for good!

Step 6 - Install CyberPatrol

Now your PC is clean! To keep it this way, install Internet filtering software like CyberPatrol. Good filtering software like CyberPatrol can help prevent the download of programs such as P2P File Sharing and prevent access to sites where Adware/Spyware will self-install from. Check out the full range of CyberPatrol's features and benefits.

Try CyberPatrol FREE for 14-days to secure your PC and start protecting your family today!

Disclaimer: CyberPatrol will not provide support for third party products referenced here and will not be held responsible should you experience problems with any third party software.