Don't learn the hard way like I did. Anti-Virus software is important. If you surf the internet, this software keeps your computer alive. To keep the anti-virus software working effectively it must be updated every couple of days and letting it become out-dated may harm your computer.

There was a time between jobs when I discontinued my internet service. This lasted for about four years. When I signed up again with an internet service provider, my anti-virus software was old. I tried to update the software online and the update would start then there would be some files which wouldn't load to be updated. I assumed, incorrectly as it turned out, that that would be enough to protect my computer. While surfing one day there was a strange message that came on the screen about some comedy site. There was what appeared to be a joke on the screen. It wasn't a joke. My computer had caught some bug and wouldn't work properly after that. The computer would boot up but not let me fully into Windows Explorer. I tried a round about way to get into my files to save as much of my computer's disk content as possible then to destroy whatever virus or worm had infected my computer, I had to reformat my hard drive, which meant everything stored was gone.

Everything had to be reloaded including Windows 98 and all the software that drove the applications. It took hours and even then, the computer was not the same. The software wouldn't recognize the cable modem. My computer was slow and old so it was time for a new faster one.

The replacement computer worked four and a half times faster. It also had a new, free anti-virus software program. It is called AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition. This software is great. It updates automatically every day or two and that way it is always watching out for new dangers on the web.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition scans the type of files you select as they enter your computer. If a virus is detected it lets you know then it heals the file where the virus was. You can manually scan your entire hard drive or selectively scan certain files. Virus scans can be automatically scheduled when you choose. AVG supports most of the most popular email programs and scans all your incoming and outgoing emails, which means that you don't bring in or send out anything infectious.

Basically you just install AVG and it works. You set it to do the tasks you want done, when you want them done and that's it. As long as you have a working internet connection for it to update virus files everything works fine.

If you turn your computer off be sure to check for updates yourself. This is easily done by double clicking the icon at the bottom of your screen. Then just click the check for updates button. AVG will indicate if there is an update, download it, and install it.

Since starting using AVG I have had no more virus problems, so take heed of this story and make sure you always use an updated anti-virus software.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Anti-Virus