| WARNING:
Sometimes installing software in certain conditions can have catastrophic
effects on PCs. Download, install, and use the software below at your own risk. Waycross Cable Company is not responsible and takes no liability for the links
to any software provided below.
Below is a list of links to what some consider,
essential software for your Internet connected PC. At least read the security
section as it is the most important and can help to achieve a near
trouble-free Internet connection.
Security Software and Tips
1.) Run Windows Update (Free) - Perform
Windows Update daily if
possible. Or even better, configure Windows Automatic Updates. Follow the
instructions below to configure Windows Update or Automatic Updates:
To run
Windows Update: Click
here, click Scan for updates,
click Review and install updates, click Install Now. Reboot PC.
Repeat until Critical Updates and Service Packs on the left says (0).
To configure Automatic Updates: Click Start, Right-click My Computer,
Click Properties.
Click the Automatic Updates tab and make your selection. Click Ok.
2.) Use Anti-Virus Software - Install a good
antivirus program. If you already have one, make sure your yearly subscription
and
virus definitions stay up-to-date.
Some recommended are:
Norton
Antivirus
McAfee
VirusScan
Panda Antivirus
AVG
Anti-Virus (Free)
3.) Detect
and remove Spyware and Adware - Do you have excessive pop-ups? Is your
computer running slow? Do you have Internet Explorer errors? Frequent lockups?
This could be related to Spyware and/or Adware. Here's a few recommended
programs below to help you out:
Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta (Free)
Spybot Search &
Destroy (Free)
Ad-aware (Free)
McAfee
antispyware
Recommended Stand Alone Pop-up stopper:
Google Toolbar
4.) Firewall -
For some, it may be a good idea to use a firewall to help prevent hackers from
retrieving your personal information. At a minimum use a software
firewall. A hardware firewall (router) is recommended, especially if you have
more than one PC.
Some recommended are:
Software Firewalls:
Internet Connection Firewall (Free, Included with Windows XP
& Vista Only)
Norton
Personal Firewall
McAfee Personal
Firewall
Hardware Firewalls:
Wireless:
Linksys WRT54G - Wireless-G Broadband Router
Netgear
WGR614 - Cable/DSL Wireless Router 54 Mbps/2.4 GHz
Wired:
Linksys BEFSR81 - EtherFast® Cable/DSL Router with 8-Port Switch
Netgear
RP614 - 4-Port Cable/DSL Router with 10/100 Mbps Switch
5.) Alternative Browsers - Some IT
Professionals suggest using an alternative browser to Internet
Explorer for battling Spyware and other security reasons.
Some recommended are:
FireFox - A feature-rich free browser with a built-in popup stopper, tabbed
browsing, built-in Google search, and other great features.
Mozilla - Web-browser, advanced e-mail and
newsgroup client, IRC chat client, and HTML editing
made simple -- all your Internet needs in one
application.
Utilities and Applications
1.) File
Compression Utility - This is usually needed to uncompress files after
downloading from the Internet. You can also compress files for archiving or
temporary storage. Some recommended are:
WinZip
WinRAR
2.)
Adobe Acrobat
Reader - Needed to view *.pdf files which are common on the Internet.
|