Season’s greetings from First Step Internet Techsupport! During the holiday season we often see an increase in the number of new computers that need to be setup. We have two suggestions on how to keep your new computer healthy. One, setting up automatic updates, and two, registering or installing anti-virus software. 

First, check to make certain your computer is set to receive the latest updates. By default, Windows will be set to do this daily at 3 a.m. – if your computer is usually turned off at that time it is a good idea to set Windows to automatically download new updates and let you know when they are ready.  This setting can be found in the Control Panel > System Security > “Turn automatic updating on or off” – choose the appropriate setting in the dropdown box.

It is a great idea to make certain you activate an anti-virus before going online to play.  Remember, better safe than sorry.  Many new computers come with an anti-virus pre-installed, such as Norton or McAfee. However, for these programs to adequately protect your computer you do need to make certain it is activated. This usually requires buying the license from the company that made the anti-virus program. 

If you are interested in a free anti-virus program, then try our favorite anti-virus program, Microsoft Security Essentials.  It has all the benefits of purchased anti virus programs but it is free. This program updates regularly and has great detection abilities and removal techniques. 

You can download Microsoft Security essentials from Microsoft.com at  http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials

Apple users should also be protecting their computers. ProtectMac AntiVirus can be found on the apple.com site at http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/networking_security/protectmacantivirus.html 

Happy Holidays and safe computing from First Step Internet Techsupport!