• AVG 8.5 Free Edition:  This program is considered one of the best FREE anti-virus programs on the market.  You can get it from most popular download sites including this one at CNET.com (or Download.com): AVG 8.5 Free Edition.
• Avast Home Edition 4.x:  Another FREE anti-virus application with a interface that looks like Winamp.  Seems slower than AVG but has great real-time protection.  Avast Home Edition.
• Malwarebytes: A great FREE virus and malware detector/cleaner.  Great as a SECOND virus scanner (I recommend you don't run it proactively if you are using another AV program such as AVG): Malwarebytes

• Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition:  This is an excellent free program but if you need on-line protection you must purchase the software.  Even so, it is a good free malware cleaner.  You can get it at: Ad-Aware AE.
• Spyware Doctor 6.0:  Although it's ratings have fallen somewhat in new versions, still a pretty good cleaner and blocker.  While this has a "trial" edition, you must purchase the program ($49.95) for full function.  It also comes with an anti-virus function at that price: Spyware Doctor 6.0.
• Webroot Spy Sweeper:  This is another top rated cleaner and blocker that will let you look at your "malware" but you have to pay $29.95 to "clean":  Webroot Spy Sweeper.
• CounterSpy 3.1:  A new kid on the block, this program is much "lighter" in terms of memory and cpu use than it's competitors.  At $19.95 it is a solid choice and it does come with real-time protection:  CounterSpy 3.1.

• ZoneAlarm Firewall:  Although it has undergone new ownership it is still the workhorse of the FREE firewall industry.  Fairly easy to use it is highly customizable, which is important for a firewall (they can be very annoying).  ZoneAlarm Firewall 7.0.
• Comodo Firewall Pro 3.x:  recently put on a resource diet in version 3, this firewall is feature packed, while a little less intuitive than ZoneAlarm.  And it is FREE:  Comodo Firewall Pro.

• CCleaner: short for "Crap Cleaner", CCleaner is an outstanding system optimisation tool. Fast and fairly easy to use, this FREE program is a great multi-purpose application I use regularly to clean the "gunk" out of computer as well as backup and clean my registry files.  CCleaner.
• Advanced Windows Care v3x:  This is a pretty good FREE "all-in-one" maintenance program, but use with care and be sure to create a restore point before proceeding (they will help you do that). AWCv3
• WinXP Manager 5.x:  lets you optimize and tweak your Windows XP (not for Vista), cleans your registry and more.  Godd for newbies.  WinXP Manager.
• Smart Defrag 1.11:  outstanding FREE defragmentation software, complete with scheduled and automatic modes.  Smart Defrag 1.11.

• K9 Web Protection 3.x:  FREE internet filter/monitor that is fairly easy to setup (you have to register to use) and operate.  Use pre-designed filters (many options) to block certain types of content, and check the logs to see what everyone is up to on the internet.  I also like the barking dog. K9 Web Protection.
• Family Cyber Alert 4.1x:  for $39.95 you get a very feature packed monitor program to keep track on everyone's internet actions.  Also included is site filtering and tons of statistics to help.  Family Cyber Alert.

• Tweakguides: this is a great site for a variety of tweaks not only for Windows but for many games and other applications.  This link takes you straight to the site page where upi can download FREE guides for tweaking (altering) Windows Vista and Windows XP.  Cautionary note: only use this information if you have a reliable backupsystem and have some clue as to what you are doing.  Beginners stay away.  Tweakguides.com.
• Petri IT Knowledgebase: another pretty good site if you want to make some changes to your Windows Vista configuration.  Petri IT.com.

• Keep software (especially malware and system software) updated
• Don't visit sites on the internet that you don't need to use
• Avoid porn
• Avoid P2P (sharing) sites
• Avoid Messenger programs
• Don't open email from people you don't know
• Don't open email from people you don't want to know
• Don't open attachments unless you know who sent them (and even then only with a good AV running)
• Never turn off your AV or Firewall.  If a program requires them off, don't use that software
• Run regular AV and Spyware scans (at least twice a week)
• Never answer YES to a pop-up from a program not already installed on your computer telling you that you have a virus or spyware and offers to clean it for you
• Don't let anyone else use your computer (well, maybe your family, but NOBODY else)

• Malware: "a portmanteau word from the words malicious and software, is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code." - Wikipedia
• Spyware: "Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent." - Wikipedia
• Adware: "Adware or advertising-supported software is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertisements to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. Some types of adware are also spyware and can be classified as privacy-invasive software." - Wikipedia
• Virus: "A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without permission or knowledge of the user. The term "virus" is also commonly used, albeit erroneously, to refer to many different types of malware and adware programs. The original virus may modify the copies, or the copies may modify themselves, as occurs in a metamorphic virus." - Wikipedia

• some malware, such as adware, causes your internet browser to be redirected to unknown sites, or causes "pop up" screens to other web sites advertising their goodies.
• spyware can do many things:  it can search your computer for vital or personal information (called "data miners") and then deliver that information to someone else on the internet.  It can also track how you use your computer or what sites you visit while on the internet.  Some spyware (known as "keyloggers") can steal your usernames and passwords on highly secure sites by recording your keystrokes and then passing them on to someone else.
• "bots" (short for robotics) are a form of malware that allow others to control the actions of your computer without your knowledge or consent.  Some "bot networks" can contain thousands of unknowing computers at the control of a single person or small group that then direct the bot computers to do things such as attack other web sites in such great numbers that the sites eventually "crash" or stop responding (this is called a DOS or denial-of-service attack).
• viruses infect and corrupt files, often system files, which make the computer run in an abnormal method, until eventually the computer's operating system or key programs can no longer function.  In the past, viruses would often delete or destroy key files and sometimes even compromise the computer's hard disk to the point the system would no longer function.
• "phish" is a type of software that replicates major features of a normal site (often banks or other sites where money can be transferred) and then attempts to get you to give them key logon information enabling them to access your account.

• If you need or want Quick Support options, you can now download Teamviewer Quick Support software
• Just save program to your desktop and when you need me, call me and I can take it from there.
• TeamViewer is the fast, simple and friendly solution for remote access over the Internet.  This application allows me to take control of your computer and run diagnostics or give help and support.
• Email me if you have any questions.