Protect Your Computer: Keep It Updated
Windows Update/Microsoft Update
Occassionally, Microsoft finds security vulnerabilities in its Windows operating systems or rewrites pieces of code to make them run more efficiently. When this happens, it releases a program called a patch which will apply the update to a computer.
Microsoft provides the Windows Update Website to help facilitate the application of updates. Basically, the Windows Update site scans your computer to determine which updates you need to install*** and then displays a list of all possible updates.
***IMPORTANT: If you are running Windows 2000 or Windows XP, you need to log in to an account with Administrative privileges to use apply patches from the Windows Update site.
Spyware Removal Software
TrendMicro Housecall Antivirus Online Scanner
- HouseCall
The first time you run this, you will be prompted to install and run a file from TrendMicro. Click "Yes."
This site performs an online scan of your computer for viruses. It does remove or clean the viruses that it finds, if possible.
Symantec Virus/Worm Removal Tools
- Symantec List of Latest Virus Threats
- Symantec Virus REMOVAL TOOLS Website
- Symantec
Online Virus Scanner and Security Analyzer
This tool does NOT remove a virus if one is found. It can be helpful if your anti-virus software is not functioning properly, and you believe a virus is the cause of the problem.