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.

I use Microsoft Security Essentials due to it’s ease of use, high detection rates, scanning speed and light use of computer resources.

The installation is straight forward. After accepting the Software License, you will be given the option of participating in the Customer Experience Improvement Program:

Upon completing the installation, you will have the option of running a quick scan on your system. The first scan will take longer than subsequent scans. My first Scan took approximately 7 minutes. When the scan completes, you will receive a summary of your status and it’s findings:

Microsoft Security Essentials is feature-rich, yet not overwhelming with it’s options:

If your current Antivirus subscription is about to expire or if you’re using an Antivirus program that makes your PC run sluggishly, you now have other options.

Note: If you decide to try a new Antivirus, be sure to download it before uninstalling your “old” Antivirus, but do not attempt to install it until you fully uninstall your current Antivirus (a reboot may be needed).

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.

If you installed the newest version a week ago, the easiest way to upgrade is to go to your Windows Control Panel and click the Flash Player (32 bit) icon:

Then click on the Advanced Tab and click the Check Now button. You should upgrade to version 10.3.181.26 which is the newest Flash Player.

If you had not updated yet to the latest version, you can update by going to the Adobe Flash Player page or if you prefer to download without using the bundled Adobe Download Manager, you can update by downloading from the Manual Installer Page.

Read the details of the vulnerability and Adobe's recommendation at Security Bulletin for Adobe Flash Player.

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.

You can protect yourself by doing the following, but don't delay because the vulnerability is already being used by malicious websites.

• Check what version you have installed by visiting the Adobe About Flash Player Page.
• Download and install the latest version of Flash:

  Android users can get their Flash Player update via the Android Market.

  Flash for Firefox, Opera, Chrome and Safari.

  Flash for Internet Explorer.

You can read the security advisory by visiting the Adobe Security Bulletin Page.

A few days ago Microsoft launched a new website aimed at helping PC users stay safe online and learn more about security. I love that website is easy to navigate and the reader is presented with a wealth of information. From Safety and Security Center, you can download free Anti-virus software (if you don't already have one), read about the latest scams and how to avoid them, learn how to protect your privacy, how to keep your children protected on the net, check your password strength, learn how create a new secure password, and much more.

Microsoft Safety and Security Center is a great resource that I recommend you take the time to visit and be sure to bookmark.

To update Windows 7 or Vista manually, go to Start Menu, All Programs, click Windows Update, then click the link to Check for updates:

For Windows XP users, the update can be installed by visiting Windows Update or by manually downloading and installing the patch from Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-046.

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.

Internet Explorer 8 has many security improvements, including SmartScreen and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Filter.

Besides it's many security enhancements, Internet Explorer 8 is speedier than previous versions. Microsoft lists some of the improvements included in it's latest browser in Windows Internet Explorer 8: Get the facts.

Users of Windows 7 need not worry because Internet Explorer 8 is already installed in that operating system.

Download and install Internet Explorer 8 today.

• Version 10.0.45.2 of Adobe Flash fixes critical vulnerabilities. The updated version can be downloaded from the Adobe Flash Download Page (remember to uncheck the optional security software download before clicking the Agree & install now button):

  

  There is a version for Internet Explorer and another for all other browsers. You'll need to download both if you use another browser besides IE.

  To see which version of Flash your browser has installed, visit the Adobe Flash About Page where you'll be able to see which version your browser is using, as well as, the latest version available for download.

• Adobe Reader's updated version (9.3.1) is also a critical update because one of the vulnerabilities can allow an attacker to take control of the affected PC.

  The easiest way to update Adobe Reader is to run the Update from within the program by clicking on Help, Check for Updates:

  

Users of Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader are advised to update immediately.

You can read more about the Security Bulletins on the Adobe Security Bulletins and Advisories page.

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.

You have a few options to update to latest version of Adobe Reader.

The easiest way to update the software is to run the update from within Adobe Reader by going to Help, Check for Updates:

If you have difficulty updating the software or prefer to download and install the update manually, you can get it at Adobe. Remember to uncheck the box under “also install” or security software will be added to the installation (see screen-shot):

Download Adobe Reader 9.3 from Adobe website.

Additionally, you can download it from FileHippo (without any additional software):

Download Adobe Reader 9.3 from FileHippo.

Whatever method you use to update your software, be sure to do it soon. Not updating your Adobe Reader software will leave your PC vulnerable.

You can read more about this update by visiting Adobe's Security Advisory Page.

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.

If you'd like to learn more about the current vulnerability, read Adobe's Security Advisory for Adobe Reader and Acrobat.

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).

Download:

• Flash for Internet Explorer
• Flash for Firefox and other browsers

Once downloaded, double-click the setup file to upgrade the version you have currently installed.

To read more about the vulnerability, visit Adobe’s Security Bulletin page.