Keeping anti-virus software on your computer is the MOST IMPORTANT way to help you keep your computer data safe! There are many anti-virus programs available for purchase including two of the most popular, McAfee Anti-virus and Norton Anti-virus. There are also several FREE versions of anti-virus software that can be installed on your computer.

You can find more information about some recommended free anti-virus scanners at the sites listed below:

• AVG - Anti-virus FREE Edition at http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/1/
• Avast4! - FREE Home Download at http://www.avast.com/eng/down_home.html
• Anti Vir  FREE Personal Edition at http://www.free-av.com/

There are also several very good FREE "ONLINE" anti-virus scanners. With online scanners, a small file will be downloaded on your computer so the scanner will be able to search your hard drive for a virus.

NOTE: Online scanners ARE NOT a subsitute for an installed full version of anti-virus software! These types of virus scanners are best used as a "backup" or "second" line of defense against infection.

You can find more information about some recommended online scanners at the sites listed below:

• Trendmicro Housecall at http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
  
• McAfee free online scan at http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp?WWW_URL=www.mcafee.com/myapps/mfs/default.asp
  
• Panda free online scan at http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm
  

You can download and use McAfee's Stinger program to scan your computer! Stinger is not a substitute for full anti-virus protection! It is a utility used to detect and remove specific viruses. Stinger is small enough to fit on a floppy disk and is frequently updated to include the most prevalant viruses. It does not recognize all viruses!

You can download a copy at http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/