Very Important Information for All Internet Users

Keep your computer clean & healthy by following these steps...

Just like you service your car, you also need to take care of your computer to keep things running smoothly. Following are some steps you need to take to keep your computer clean from viruses, spy-ware and hijackers (these are all things that infect your computer and you may not even know you have a problem).

STEP #1 - DO WEEKLY - Remove Internet Files & Cookies
Delete Your Internet Files & Cookies:
1)    Double click on Internet Explorer
2)    Across the top, click on “Tools”                                                                                
3)    Click on “Internet Options”
4)    Click on “Delete Cookies” and then click on “OK”
5)    Click on “Delete Files” and then click on “OK”

STEP #2 - DO WEEKLY - Remove Adware & Spyware
Download This Program (once) & Run it  at Least Once a Week

Ad Aware from Lavasoft

On the site listed above, click "Download Now".  This is a program that you will download and then run. There are 2 parts to it. First: run get the latest updates, Second: do a full computer scan. This will detect adware and spyware that may be on your computer and that you are not aware of. If the scan finds any spyware, it will be listed for you. The spyware will need to be deleted by putting check marks in front of each item in the list & then deleting them.  “Spybot Search & Destroy” is also a great spyware checker.  Download it from: Spybot Search & Destroy.  Click "Download Now" to install, similar to Ad Aware.

STEP #3 - DO WEEKLY - Antivirus
Run Your Virus Protection Program & Keep It Current

Once you purchase a Virus Protection program, it is good for 12 months. After that time you need to purchase an update to your program which will be good for another 12 months. The program will warn you when it is time to upgrade.

Run your Virus Protection program that you have on your computer. You may be running “Norton AntiVirus” or you may be running “McAfee”. There are 2 parts to this program that you must do. First: run the live updates, Second: do a full computer scan. If you do not run the live updates, you are not going to be protected against any new viruses that are out there.

STEP #4 - DO WEEKLY - Update Operating System
Download & Install Critical Windows Patches

Microsoft has updates that are posted for all Internet users to run on their computers. As new viruses are created, Microsoft is creating patches for you to first download and then install on your computer. These are VERY IMPORTANT for you to do. You should bookmark this site, or add it to your “Favorites” list so you always have this site available to you. Download and install all available critical patches for your Windows operating system from the Microsoft web site.