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  Quick Fixes

  Eliminate Spyware

  Anti-Virus Scan

  Set Up a Firewall

  Update your Computer

  Backup your Data

	Free Computer Clean-Up Fix your computer right now - free tips and advice on how to clean up your PC or notebook computer.  Read our easy-to-follow steps on how to clean up your computer and the best computer virus protection.  Once you are finished, make sure you protect your computer from harmful viruses and spyware - learn how to protect your PC.

Home > PC Clean Up > Quick Fixes > Spyware > Anti-Virus> Firewall > Update

Update your Windows operating system (Windows Update)
Get the latest updates available for your computer's operating system, software, and hardware. Windows Update scans your computer to see what updates are required and provides you with a list of updates tailored just for you.  Often, these updates include crucial security or stability patches that will fix known, chronic problems.  Recent Windows XP Service Packs have solved security issues, installed firewalls for your protection, and increased the stability of your system. 

Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) free download includes a robust new firewall and a modest pop-up blocker.  Both of these tools can help you defend your computer. 
 

"A typical unprotected PC will come under attack
within 20 minutes of being connected to the Internet."

Threats to your PC
In the Spring of 2009, the Conficker Worm spread across the internet infecting scores of unsuspecting PCs.  Computers that had the latest Windows Updates were immune to the Conficker Worm.  However, those that did not have the latest Virus Definitions and Windows Updates installed on their PCs were vulnerable and the Conficker Worm.  Worldwide panic erupted in April of 2009 as Conficker infected computers were expected to be overcome and incapacitated by the worm.

Run Regular Updates
If you followed our Computer Clean Up Steps, your computer is now clean, and up to date.  But, you will have to keep it up to date.  To do so means updating a number of files via downloads on the internet: 

Update your Windows Operating System - download the appropriate files, patches, and service packs from microsoft.  Downloading and installing such files will ensure that your computer is up to date.  Often these files will fix a problem, security flaw, or other weakness in your operating system.  You can set up Automatic Windows Updates by going to your Control Panel and clicking on "Automatic Updates".  You can also manually connect for an update by clicking on "Start", "All Programs", then click on "Windows Update".  Upgrading to the latest version of Internet Explorer, including all the latest security patches, will help ensure you have the most current protection available.  Internet Explorer (IE) version 7 includes new anti-phishing features that help protect you.

Update Windows Vista
When using Windows Vista, you will notice a small light-blue icon in your system tray (the left-most icon in the photo).  This signifies that you have updates available for your Windows Vista operating system.  Vista makes it pretty simple for you - simply click on that icon and the Windows Update screen will pop up letting you know how many updates are available for download and when your system was last checked for updates.  Click on the INSTALL UPDATES button to commence updates.  It's that simple.

Update your Drivers
Drivers are software files that keep your peripheral devices (such as printers, scanners, cameras...) running properly.  Often times, these devices ship with outdated drivers.  Or your drivers become corrupted.  Either way, the easiest way to fix a problem with your printer, scanner, camera, etc. is to simply UNINSTALL the device, then REINSTALL with current, updated drivers.  The best way to find the most up to date drivers is to log onto the company's website and download drivers directly from the manufacturer.  For example, if you have an HP printer, you should go to HP's website and search for "download drivers".

To update a driver, you'll need to retrieve it from the device maker's Web site. Most peripheral makers have a support or customer care area on their Web site that contains driver files. Drivers also come on floppy disk or CDs what come with the device, though it is advisable to get the latest driver from the device manufacturer's Web site. If you need help in finding a driver look at these sites: http://www.driverguide.com/ or http://www.windrivers.com or http://www.driverzone.com/ or http://www.drivershq.com/ or perhaps http://www.mrdriver.com/.

>>Continue to our next step: Backup your Data

Clean Up Steps:
1. Quick PC Fixes
2. Eliminate Spyware
3. Anti-Virus Scan
4. Set-Up a Firewall
5. Update your Computer
6. Backup your Data

Protect your PC:
1. Protect your Privacy
2. Secure your Wireless Network
3. Avoid Internet Phishing

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