The Help You're Looking For
Internet Threats
Child Safety Online
ID Theft Safety
Home Computer Basics
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Free and Recommended Programs
It doesn't take a truckload of money to protect your computer - in fact, it can be completely free.
There are plenty of free programs that I highly recommend to all of my users, and even use myself.
Note...I get no kickbacks or compensation for mentioning these products. I offer them, simply, as professional advice because I use them and I know they work.
Virus Protection
AVG Free
It may be a free virus protection program, but AVG has won accolades on many websites and in many computing magazines as being able to hold its own against it's more well-known competitors, Norton and McAfee.
I highly recommend it and, in fact, use it on all of my systems and install it on systems I build for others.
Anti-Spyware
Ad-Aware Personal and Spybot S&D
Often imitated - and duly charged for - but never replicated. I use both of these programs religiously. Keep them updated and run them about once a week (you'll be surprised how much spyware and adware can get into a system with even minimal web-surfing!).
Many spyware and adware removal programs exist and cost a pretty penny - but none have proven to be as effective as these two (which are both free).