According to Microsoft, if you connect your unprotected computer to the Internet you have a chance of being infected in just 5 minutes! Virus and Internet Protection should be installed as soon as possible. Cleaning up from an infection is time consuming and potentially costly.
The good news is; if Shaw, Telus, or Rogers is your Internet provider then you can get that virus and Internet protection software free of charge!

Shaw, as part of the Shaw mail POP3 service, offers protection via their Shaw Secure(tm) package, which includes:

• Internet Firewall
• Virus and Spy protection
• Spam control
• Parental control

Download Shaw Secure virus protection to your local computer and run the install. If you need help you can view their User Guide. If you are using their Shaw Webmail then there is no need to download this product.

Telus’ email protection package is called eProtect(tm) and includes:

• Firewall
• Antivirus
• AdBlock, Anti-Spyware

You can download Telus eProtect and view their User Guide if you need assistance. eProtect is free with High Speed, High Speed Enhanced, High Speed Extreme and currently works with Windows XP and Vista. Support for Windows 7 is available but I’ve had issues with the install so far.

• Along with eProtect, Telus additionally offers eCare that can automatically fix Internet and email problems, manage your account, connect with tech support

Rogers email service includes a complimentary copy of Norton Antivirus and Norton Personal Firewall free to High speed Internet and Portable Internet customers. This software includes:

• Antivirus
• Firewall
• Parental Control
• Anti-Spyware
• Pop-up blocker

You can download Rogers’ Online Protection and view the Tutorial.

Q. What if I’m not with one of these three?

A. There are many virus and firewall products out there right now. If you’re not familiar with Antivirus/Antispam packages, try the full package from AVG (www.avg.com) or at minimum get their antivirus product at www.avgfree.com.

Getting protection from malicious software is imperative these days. If you can, save yourself a bit of money and use the free software provided by your Internet provider. If not, don’t just take a chance, get protection!

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