If you needed convincing, certainly the events of this past August should put you over the top on the issue of keeping your computer protected against those on the Internet who would wish you harm. While having an updated virus checker is a good idea, it's not the only thing that you need to do.

Keep Software Current
Anyone who's ever written software seldom gets it right first time around. If they did, ever software package would be version 1.0! Your computer's operating system is just software. Pretty sophisticated software, but just software all the same. Whether you're running a Macintosh or Windows operating system, you need to pay attention to security updates. Fortunately, both operating systems make it pretty easy to stay current. Configure Windows Update in your Control Panel and Macintosh software update in your System Preferences to check for updates regularly. Read about the updates and keep your system safe.

It's not only your operating system that needs to be kept current. Any software that you use should be updated regularly. This ensures that you have the latest functionality. Other software like Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office, or anything that integrates completely into the operating system can leave your computer vulnerable. Making sure that you have the latest isn't being fanatic; it's being reasonable!

Virus Checker
Everyone knows that you should have a virus checker on your system. It only makes sense with the nasty things that can be done to your computer by evil code. Until this summer, Ontario teachers had the ability to use the award winning Command Antivirus software. With the new licensing, there are no takehome rights. So, you need to find something current to do the job.

If you like Command Antivirus, you can purchase your own copy online at http://www.commandcom.com. If you'd like an alternative, there are plenty. Just some of the commercial entities are:

A commercial product that does have free home use is AVG and it comes from Grisoft.

http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_index.php

Read all this, and more at: http://antivirus.about.com/

Spyware Protection
In this day and age, just having virus protection isn't enough. There is a new breed of nasties known as "Spyware". These are code that exists on your computer and tracks where you go on the internet. The idea is to customize the advertising that is sent to your computer. The logic is to identify the types of products that you're more likely to want to buy. Many of the commercial sites above offer software to protect you from this.

In addition, there are two other products to do the same thing for you.

Firewalls
This summer featured some pretty entertaining advertising on television about what happens when you open your computer to the world. I laugh at the dog and the couch. To protect yourself, you need to have a Firewall enabled.

With Windows XP and the new Mac OS X, a firewall is part of the system. With Windows XP, right click on the connection you're using and select the advanced tab. A checkbox there lets you enable the built-in firewall.

With Mac OS X, from the System Preferences, you'll want to check out File Sharing. There is a Firewall tab there to do the trick.

What do you do if you don't have these operating system or you're looking for more control about what goes in and out of your computer? Consider a separate firewall product. Again, the commercial sites above typically offer a firewall alternative in addition to their antivirus products..

Probably the best known firewall for Windows is Zone Alarm from Zone Labs. They offer a free firewall for the download at http://www.zonelabs.com.

In addition, a commercial upgrade is available.

Visit any of the sites above to read more about viruses, firewalls, and spyware. There really are lots of things that need to be maintained on your computer to continue to enjoy and use it safely.

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