Be secure on-line.

If you are in any doubt as to the dangers you and your equipment can face online, see the BBC World article here.

The most important security software when on-line, especially with broadband, is your firewall. Windows XP has an integral firewall, but if you are on-line with earlier versions on Windows you will need to install one. Torpoint Computers recommends BitDefender as a value-for-money Internet security package, it gives excellent protection and works with any operating system after (but not including) Windows 95. Please contact us if you wish to purchase a copy.

However if your budget will not stretch to premium protection, see my links on the left for free firewall software.

Anti Virus and Spyware programmes are also very important. An Internet security package such as BitDefender integrates this protection as well as a firewall and other important security utilities. If however your budget will not stretch to a security package my links on the left will take you to some free anti virus and spyware packages.

Remember though, all the free security software is for private, home, non-commercial use. Please read the terms and conditions of your chosen package to ensure you are in compliance.

If you are a business or an organisation you should purchase a licensed copy. Please feel free to contact us for advice, we are an approved re-seller of BitDefender and can offer a package tailored to your needs. If you are an NHS, Educational or Charity Organisation you may be entitled to up to 50% discount.

Keeping to the following steps and using a bit of common sense will ensure that your online experience is a safe one.

1. Regularly update your operating system using Windows Update or Automatic Updates.
2. Never log in to your bank / PayPal / eBay etc account from an e-mail. If you get a mail asking you to log into one of your secure accounts, delete it. It is almost certainly what is known as a 'Phishing' mail from a criminal.
   
3. Install Internet Security software. If you cannot afford a premium Internet security package such a BitDefender ensure you install one of the recommended free packages.
4. You should only run 1 firewall and 1 anti-virus product. If you install one of the free firewalls on XP, make sure the XP firewall is turned off. If you install a new anti-virus programme, make sure you un-install your old one. if not you may experience problems.
   
5. Regularly update your security software, if it requires manual intervention to run scans, make sure you run them.
6. Last, and by no means least. Don't visit websites of ill repute unless you are sure you have the best protection... and always wash (scan) afterwards!
   

If you think you may have a virus, click on the button below, this will launch BitDefender's on-line virus scanner. Follow the instructions to perform a scan on your computer. You must be using Internet Explorer 5 or above for it to work. The programme needs to download a small Aclive X component to your browser, you will have to allow this by clicking on the yellow bar that appears at the top of the page.

Torpoint Computers shares these links with customers and visitors as a free service. Although all sites are vetted for inappropriate material and linked with in good faith, Torpoint Computers does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.