We have tested many different anti-virus solutions and have found Sophos Anti-Virus to be the most efficient and effective. TEKA™ is a member of the Sophos Partners Program, offering Sophos solutions including installation and home networking support for peace of mind. Sophos licensing starts at 5 computers at $249/yr with automatic updates and 24/7 tech support.

To the right you will see a current list of the latest virii reported and also the most prevalent hoaxes, courtesy of Sophos.

You can download a free trial version of Sophos Anti-Virus by clicking the Sophos logo to the right. You will be redirected to the Sophos website, you will need to enter some personal info, which is kept confidential.

Spyware and Adware have become a significant threat to Windows computer users. I have had clients tell me that they have purchased new computers because their computers became so slow or inoperable due to spyware. Of course, without proper prevention, these problems are guaranteed to recur. There are two programs that complement each other in the spyware/adware removal realm.

The first is AdAware, from LavaSoft (lavasoft.com), the free version works fine, but requires you to manually update the program regularly. The Plus version does this automatically and also includes a powerful pop-up blocker for about $30.

The second program, SpyBot Search and Destroy 1.3, is also free for non-commercial use. Often their server is busy so an alternative download link may be found at CNet Download.com. This program has several additional features that can further protect your system, including spyware immunization, bad host blocking, and an ActiveX blocker capability that works with the freeware SpywareBlaster from JavaCool Software to prevent spyware from ever getting into your computer. ActiveX is the new Microsoft technology to run programs directly in Internet Explorer without your knowledge or consent, making it a significant security risk. SpywareBlaster works with Internet Explorer, Mozilla, and Netscape.

Many experts now recommend against blindly using Internet Explorer for all web browsing because of its tight integration within Windows, undocumented source code, and numerous security vulnerabilities. Instead most recommend Mozilla, a free open source browser built from the ground up to be fast, safe, and secure from the mozilla.org non-profit group. Mozilla.org also distributes Thunderbird, a free open source alternative to the often exploited Outlook or Outlook Express email program, dubbed the spammer's friend.