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  Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office Updates
 
 

What are updates

Windows Updates

Windows Update - Updates are patches and enhancements to software that you have installed on your computer. One of the most important updates are for your Operating System (OS). These updates are there to help in protecting your computer from threats, some of these threats can be in the form of holes in the software that unscrupulous people could use to attack your computer. Windows Updates are one of the first things you should get into adding on a regular basis, or set it to update automatically.

Antivirus Updates

Antivirus Update - The next security update you should do on a regular basis is your update your antivirus software. This updates the definition files so it helps to find, delete and protect you from viruses and other threats. You should always make sure that you have antivirus software installed on your computer, and that it is up to date. One thing to remember is that the updates for antivirus software last for 12 months to 2 years depending on your antivirus product. In some cases new computers come with antivirus software installed and it is only valid for 3 months of updates.

What else needs to be updated?

Other things that need to be updated are anti-spyware software, privacy software and anti-spam software. These are the main things you should keep an eye on and make sure they are up to date.

Please remember Updates are important!
 
  Some important updates you should perform...
Windows Update
 

Windows OS: Windows updates can be easily updated from the start menu on the bottom left of your screen. Just click on start, then look for Windows Update and click on it.

Antivirus updates: Antivirus updates are software updates and "definition" files. These definition files contain the information needed to find, destroy and protect your computer from viruses.

Anti-spyware updates: These updates are similar as those for antivirus updates. The updates also contain software updates and downloads to search and remove various types of spyware on your system.
 
 

Note: Remember that Windows Update is only part of regular updates that you should perform to keep your computer updated and protected.
   

It's cheaper to be protected...

Some people may think it is better not to bother purchasing security software like antivirus software, firewall software or anti-spyware software but in truth it is cheaper to purchase these products than to call out an engineer to fix your computer, or even worse, to lose all your photos and documents due to some kind of attack.

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What are the main security packages i need?

You will need the following packages, they are listed in order of importance:

  • Antivirus software
  • Firewall software or hardware
  • Anti-spyware software
  • Privacy software
  • Parental control software
  • Anti-spam software

 

Protecting your computer from all the different types of threats can seem very duanting but it is fairly easy to understand and get used to, not only that, once installed the software will usually update and scan for threats automatically. You wouldn't leave your doors and windows to your property open so someone could walk right in and help themselves, and you should look at your computer in the same way, make sure it is secure and things are locked away and safe.

It is much cheaper to purchase security software than to call out an engineer to fix your computer which could cost you in the region of £50 ($80) an hour. How would you feel if you lost all your documents and photos, or if someone hacked into your computer and got hold of your bank details. Don't let this put you off using a computer, you can easily protect yourself with the security software solutions on this site.