Short List of Recommendations:
If you have a computer that has an operating system that is not al least a version of Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Windows Vista it is time to upgrade. Purchase Microsoft Windows Vista Home. Microsoft Windows XP is no longer for sale.
Move the Computer to a high traffic area where you can monitor your child's Internet activity. Note that is you not have money, time or inclination to do steps 1 - 12 at least do this. It costs nothing.
Detailed List of Recommendations.
If your computer is running an operating system older than Microsoft Windows XP (i.e. MS Windows 95, MS Windows 98, or MS Windows Me or MS Windows 2000) consider upgrading. Microsoft no longer supports updates to these old software packages. If you do go out and purchase an upgrade your options will be MS Windows Vista Home Edition or another version of MS Windows Vista. MS Windows Vista Home Edition is probably the option you will want unless your a technology geek like me. A good place to order it would be CDW: Upgrade Package or Full Package. If you own a legal copy of: MS Windows 95, MS Windows 98, or MS Windows Me, MS Windows 2000 or MS Windows XP you would qualify for the Upgrade Package.
If you do purchase MS Vista, the next step would be to back up your data from your hard drive. The reason you would do this is that it is better to install a new operating system onto a clean hard drive. Once you back your data up proceed to step 3.
Now you would install the new operating system. Put the CD in your CD-ROM drive and boot the PC. During the installation process you will be asked if you want to format your drive, pick yes. Also it will ask how to format the drive, pick NTFS, it allows for greater security.
Once you have the new operating stem installed head to Windows Update at: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Download all the security updates reboot if necessary. Continue to repeat this step until all updates install successfully.
Next install an Anti-Virus (AV) software package. If you do not have a current AV software package go to http://www.free-av.com/ and download their free software. Make sure to run the update feature to get the latest virus definitions. Other free anti-virus packages can be downloaded at www.majorgeeks.com.
Now go to www.majorgeeks.com and download SpyBot Search & Destroy from the anti-spyware area, then install it. This will help protect from spyware. Again, make sure to run the update feature to get the latest spyware definitions.
Now go to www.majorgeeks.com and download SpyWareBlaster from the anti-spyware area, then install it. This works in conjunction with SpyBot S&D to block spyware from being installed. Again, make sure to run the update feature to get the latest spyware definitions.
Now go to www.majorgeeks.com and search for a Personal Firewall, then install it. This will protect your computer from attacks from the Internet.
Consider buying and installing an Internet Filtering Software Package.
Move the Computer to a high traffic area where you can monitor your child's Internet activity. Note that is you not have money, time or inclination to do steps 1 - 12 at least do this. It cost nothing.
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