To help, theNetAngel experts have put together 6 simple steps to protect your PC and ensure a safer, more secure Internet experience for you and your family.

Step 1 - Essentials: Windows® Updates, Antivirus & Firewall

Windows® Updates
When Microsoft release a security update for your Windows® Operating System, nasty code writers race to create new Viruses, Worms and Trojan Horses to take advantage of its security weakness. Therefore, until you have updated your system it is open to attack. So always keep your Operating System up-to-date.

Check for the latest updates and be sure they are installed now and in the future:
http://v4.Windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp

Antivirus Guard
All computers with an Internet connection need an Antivirus guard. It defends your system and stops the spread of viruses to other computers. PC Magazine has written a review (here) on Antivirus software. A FREE basic Antivirus guard can be obtained for non-commercial use from AVG. Make sure that your Antivirus guard is kept up-to-date once installed.

Use a Firewall
A Firewall is essential for broadband users, it is also highly recommended on a dial-up connection. Windows® XP has a built in Firewall you can use, for instructions on how to activate it click here. PC Magazine has written a review of the major personal Firewall products here. Zonealarm and Sygate are two Firewall suppliers, offering basic Firewalls FREE for non-commercial use.

Step 2 - Install Pop-Up Blocker

By installing a FREE Pop-up Blocker as part of a toolbar that sits on your Internet Explorer Browser you can prevent those irritating pop-up adverts. It is very simple to use; once installed, you choose whether to allow or block Pop-ups, and that’s it!

The top three Pop-up Blockers are from Google (see below), MSN and Yahoo. You'll ask yourself how you ever managed without one!

Step 3 - Remove Adware/Spyware

The latest threat is Adware and Spyware. It's installed on your PC without you knowing and often containing P2P File Sharing programs. It causes abnormal PC behaviour resulting in system shutdowns, homepage hijacking, installation of porn diallers, unwanted Pop-ups and even identity theft. Click here for the telltale signs.

Adware/ Spyware can also cause Internet security products like NetAngel to fail. We advise you to install Spyware protection software that will delete, detect and protect your system. Install an active Spyware prevention program like CounterSpy^TM to defend yourself from Spyware attacks. CounterSpy is a highly effective defence against Spyware and Adware, and was given 5 stars at download.com.

Step 4 - Clear Internet Cache

Internet Browsers store previously visited pages in a directory known as the cache, so when revisited they load more rapidly. But as the cache fills it can reduce your system's performance. It's a good idea to clear the cache before installing Internet security products like theNetAngel and it should be cleared on a regular basis to keep your system clean.

To clear your cache, open Internet Explorer, click on the Tools menu and then Internet Options. Click the General tab and find the Temporary Internet Files section. Click on Delete Files, this will delete all the files in your Internet cache. Click here for further information on managing your Internet cache.

Step 5 - Remove unsuitable Content On Your PC

Unsuitable images and media files may already, unknowingly, be on your PC. They could have been downloaded when using P2P File Sharing programs. It is advised that you check your system and remove them permanently.

Windows® XP
1) Click on “Start” and select “Search”.
2) Search for pictures, music or video.
3) Once the search is completed, look at the files and choose which ones to delete from your computer. Remember to empty your recycle bin to ensure they are removed for good!

Windows® 98, Me, 2000 or NT
1) Click on “Start” and select “Search” or “Find”.
2) To search for the most popular image and movie file types, enter these search terms seperately: *.jpg *.gif *.mpg *.avi
3) When you have found the files, look at them and choose which ones to delete. Remember to empty your recycle bin to ensure they are removed for good!

Step 6 - Install theNetAngel

Now your computer is clean!Tou can maintain it by installing Internet filtering software like theNetAngel. Good filtering software like theNetAngel can help prevent the download of programs such as P2P File Sharing and stop access to sites where Adware/Spyware can self-install. Check out the full range of theNetAngel's features and benefits.

Download theNetAngel for FREE to secure your PC and start protecting your family today!

Disclaimer: theNetAngel will not provide support for third party products referenced here and will not be held responsible should you experience problems with any third party software.