Many people don't know. Worse, some assume they have security software installed on their computer and they don't.

Why is this Important?
You may be asking, 'Why is having security software on my computer important? My AOL/Time Warner/PeoplePC/ATT scans my emails both inbound and outbound. Aren't I protected?'  The answer is no.

Although ISPs do scan emails, this protection is only effective against viruses and worms - threats that are most likely to be propogated by e-mail. The most prolific threat - spyware isn't. Spyware is transmitted through fake websites (fake websites that appear as the result of a search on Google/Yahoo/Bing etc.), websites with a rotating ad banner that has been hijacked, or even running an application from Facebook/MySpace or another social website.

What Security Software Do I Have?
You can learnn what security software you have by looking at your Add/Remove programs in your control panel. Here's how:
In Windows XP:
1. Start > Control Panel
2. Double Click 'Add/Remove Program'
3. Look for your security software

In Vista/Windows 7:
1. Click the Start Button
2. Enter 'Add or remove programs' in the search field
3. Look for your security software

What do I need to look for?
Here is a list of popular security software:

• McAfee
  • Total Security
  • Internet Protection
  • Antivirus
    
• Symantec
  
  • AntiVirus
  • Internet Security
  • Norton 360
    
• AVG
  
  • AVG Internet Security
  • AVG AntiVirus (Free)
    
• Kaspersky
  • Internet Security
  • Antivirus
    
• TrendMicro
  • Internet Security
  • AntiVirus/AntiSpyware
    
• BitDefender 2010
  
• PCTools
  • Internet Security
    
• Spyware Doctor
  • AntiVirus
    
• Panda AntiVirus 2010

What if I don't have security software?
A few manufacturers offer a free version of their security software.  Here are a few that you can download for free:

AVG AntiVirus Free 9.0 Click here
PCTools AntiVirus Free Click here

Be sure you are protected!

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