Information Services

To protect your computer at home, you can acquire free anti-virus software and free personal firewall software.

Anti-Virus Software

The product Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) (http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/) has proven to be highly effective in detecting and removing viruses and other malicious software. Type the URL above into your browser and, on the opening page, select Download Now. Then select the appropriate Language and Operating System. Save the executable (.exe) file to a suitable location. Locate the file and double-click to run it.

Remember that anti-virus software is fully-effective only if it is using the latest virus definitions. At any time you can select the Update option in MSE to download the latest definitions.

There are 2 other products, which some users have found useful, and may be used as alternatives to MSE, they are described on the pages Anti-Virus Software for Home.

It is also recommended that you update your version of Windows.  A number of computers become infected by viruses because of vulnerabilities in the operating system. When Microsoft become aware of vulnerabilities, they produce patches which correct the problem. 

To check for Windows Updates:

• Simply open up Internet Explorer and choose Tools/Windows Update.  This will enable you to check for updates.

Note: ITsafe is a government initiative intended to provide home users with easy-to-understand advice on protecting home computers and phones from malicious attack.  For more information visit the ITsafe website.