Once upon a time, if you wanted to keep your PC safe online, you needed to have an updated version of a favorite paid Antivirus program. Freeware Antivirus programs were not recommended because their detection and removal rates were subpar. Lucky for us consumers, today that is no longer the case.

Free Antivirus programs no longer offer mediocre protection. Detection rates and cleanup routines have improved considerably. Many free Antivirus programs rank as well as Top-notch paid programs. In today’s economy where every penny saved counts, there are quite a few excellent freeware Antivirus solutions to choose from.

On the heels of Adobe's last Flash update comes news of a new critical vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player 10.3.181.23/10.3.181.22 and previous versions. The current vulnerability is already being exploited and Adobe is urging users of Adobe Flash to update to version 10.3.181.26 without delay.

Adobe is once again warning of an important vulnerability. This time it involves all Flash Players (Windows, Mac, Linux, Solaris and Android).

If a user is tricked into visiting a malicious website (by a link in an email for example), the malicious website will then be able to act as the user at other websites or email providers.

Download and install the newest versions of Flash without delay because the vulnerability is already being used by malicious websites.

A few days ago Microsoft launched a New website: Safety and Security Center, aimed at helping users stay safe online and learn more about security. The website is easy to navigate and has a wealth of information.

On Monday, Microsoft issued an Out of Band Security Update for Windows 7, Vista, and Windows XP (SP3) to stop the spread of a vicious new worm taking advantage of a vulnerability in Windows LNK (shortcut) files. The vulnerability is already being used by malware. The update (KB2286198) will automatically install if you have Windows Update enabled. If you don't currently use Automatic Updates, you need to install the patch without delay.

If you have Windows XP or Vista and you're currently using Internet Explorer 6 or 7, you need to upgrade to 8 without delay.

There is a new vulnerability being exploited that only affects Internet Explorer 6 and 7. With support for those older versions coming to an end, it's important to upgrade to the latest version.

Adobe is again issuing updates to it's Flash and Reader programs to prevent malware from having the upper hand. While it may seem like a hassle to have to keep updating Flash and Reader, it is important to keep these programs updated because they are becoming the preferred target of Malware trying to make it's way into our computers.

The Adobe Reader update that we have been waiting almost a month for has finally arrived.

Adobe has has updated it's Reader Software to version 9.3. This version patches a JavaScript vulnerability that is considered critical and everyone that uses Adobe Reader software is strongly urged to update at once.

A new vulnerability has been found in Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat. In order to stay protected until a patch is issued, Adobe recommends that users disable JavaScript in these programs.

Disabling JavaScript is a fast, simple procedure. From within Adobe Reader, go to Edit, choose Preferences, then on the left-side of the window, click JavaScript. Uncheck Enable Acrobat JavaScript, then click OK.

Adobe is expected to issue a patch for this vulnerability during the second week of January. Until then, you can stay protected by disabling JavaScript.

Adobe has issued a new security update for Adobe Flash. The new version, 10.0.42.34, fixes a vulnerability that could allow an attacker to take control of an affected PC.

If you use other browsers besides Internet Explorer, download and install both updated Flash Players (One is for IE and the second is for all other browsers).