If you are connected to the Internet through cable or DSL, you should use a hardware firewall. There are many models to choose from; a lot depends on what you need to do, and if you want wireless access.

We have used LinkSys, NetGear, and SMC equipment over the years; there are many different models to choose from. If you'd like help choosing and installing a router, contact us.

This is the antivirus program we use. A free version is available for home use on a single computer; for commercial use, or for use on multiple computers, you need to buy the full version.

To see the full range of business and enterprise Antivirus products available, click here .

You can also renew your license; click on the link, and then click on "Renew your software license" down near the bottom of the page, in the center under "Popular links".

Note: if you click on the link here to purchase, Francestown.info earns a portion of the purchase price, which helps defray the costs of providing this web site.

This the the anti-spyware program we use. It removes spyware from your computer, and helps prevent further infections. Although it costs $20 per year, it is well worth it.

You can also renew your license; click on the link, and then click where it says "Subscription about to expire?", below the "Add to Cart" button.

Note: if you click on the link here to purchase, Francestown.info earns a portion of the purchase price, which helps defray the costs of providing this web site.

Even with a hardware firewall/router, you still need a personal firewall. If any spyware or viruses manage to get onto your computer, this program will prevent unauthorized access to the Internet.

Note: if you click on the link here to purchase, Francestown.info earns a portion of the purchase price, which helps defray the costs of providing this web site.

A great many viruses and spyware programs take advantage of security holes in the Internet Explorer web browser. You can avoid a lot of trouble by using Firefox. While not perfect, it is free, and it can help avoid many problems. It is simple to download and install, and it will import all of you existing bookmarks from Internet Explorer. This is the browser we use!

Many people use Outloook Express for email, since it comes with Windows. It suffers from many of the same security holes as Internet Explorer does. We use Thunderbird for our email. It is simple to download and install, and it will import all of you settings and email from Outlook Express. Plus, this program is free as well!