1. Install anti-virus software on your computer and make sure you allow software updates to occur regularly.

McAfee products have enhanced updating features which ensure that software updates won't disrupt your usual computer functions.

2. Make sure you invest in firewall software, especially if you are using broadband Internet.

Most McAfee Products offer a two-way fire wall, ensuring superior protection.

3. Make sure you update the software regularly and invest in anti-spyware software.

Several McAfee products include anti-spyware as part of the normal package, so you don't have to purchase additional software. Look at McAfee Internet Security, McAfee Virus Scan Plus, and McAfee Total Protection to learn more.

4. Read all End User License Agreements (EULAs) with caution. If you see terms that you don't understand or you think are untrustworthy, don't install the software on your computer.

McAfee Total Protection offers Advanced Web Security which stops your computer from interacting with dangerous sites, before the damage is done.

5. Although no web browser is immune from spyware applications, it appears that the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser is the most commonly targeted browser by spyware applications. Try using alternative Web browsers, such as Firefox from Mozilla or Safari from Apple.

If you like Microsoft Internet Explorer, then McAfee SiteAdvisor Live can help you stay safe while you surf. This product is cheap and offers on-site warnings and search engine safety ratings.

6. The term 'free' software is usually accompanied by a sketchy source - these sites are often offered as free because they are offered in exchange for accepting adware.

Software from McAfee like McAfee SiteAdvisor Live can help stop you from falling victim to Free Content Traps like the one described here. McAfee Site Advisor Plus will warn you if a site that you are visiting is a potential threat.

7. Ask yourself: why am I downloading this onto my computer? Will my computer survive without a screensaver or smileys (emoticons)?

Often it is younger generations that download dangerous viruses hidden in products like screensavers or smileys. McAfee's parental control features offer enhanced security with content filtering that keeps your children and your computer safer while they surf.

8. Never open any e-mail attachment unless you can verify that a person you know sent the e-mail to you intentionally.

Even if someone sends an email intentionally, a virus can be attached without their consent. That is why McAfee's enhanced attachment scans are a vital component for every computer's anti-virus protection plan.

9. You are more likely to contract spyware through websites containing pornography, online gambling, get-rich-quick, and other high risk websites. Try to avoid visiting any of these sites in order to prevent spyware from being hacked onto your computer.

It's true, high risk sites are the one most often targeted by hackers. If part of your regular internet routine involves visiting these sites, then it is very important that you protect yourself and your computer with a complete anti-virus software system, like McAfee Total Protection.

10. Set up a regular user account and log on as 'Administrator' only to upgrade the system or install patches. If you are a business user, do not use your administrator profile for day-to-day work. etc.

As an added bonus, many products in the McAfee line-up include Advanced Network Management. This feature allows you monitor your entire network, ensuring that all connected computers, and their users, are safe.


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