Don't confuse Updates with Scans

Many of our Castellini on Computers listeners are well versed (we hope) in the dangers of an unprotected computer. We preach constantly about the importance of keeping updated anti-virus software, anti-spyware and even firewalls on your computer. However, those not savvy to the show yet, find themselves kneed deep in computer problems often times because of one small mistake; thinking that a weekly virus scan is equivalent to computer security.

Some computer users know enough to check their anti-virus programs for a scan date (which is often very current), but overlook the date of the "last update" in their program. ALL anti-virus software must be updated via the Internet at least weekly, and preferably more often. The updates teach the software what to hunt for the next time it scans. If the software does not know what new threats exist, the subsequent scans are almost worthless.

No matter what anti-virus software you use (we recommend AVG), make sure that it is updated, at the very least, weekly. Open your anti-virus software and look for the setting that indicates when the last update occurred. If it was longer than a week, click the update button and do a manual update. 

Lastly, if your anti-virus software expires, make sure you renew the subscription and then triple check that you installed the updates or upgrade correctly so you keep the protection running optimally.  

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