Everyone, and I mean everyone should have anti-virus software installed if they use a computer that is networked in any way, shape, or form. (If you’re reading this you are on the largest network alone- the Internet!) If you don’t, you are not only putting yourself and your data at risk, but pretty much are putting the rest of us at risk as well (especially those you have the most contact with via email or other online communication).

Even if its been a long time since you installed it or updated it -perhaps you bought a computer in 2001 with Windows 2000 (or worse, you may still have Windows 98) on it and you had a ‘trial’ version of some anti-virus software that you’ve never upgraded or updated- you should probably consider one of the new generation anti-virus programs.

My current favorites are from Trend Micro and Computer Associates.

Trend Micro has a place on my recommended list because when some of the other big companies seemed to be just sitting on their laurels, Trend Micro was making great advancements and incorporating new technologies into their products. Plus I have a soft-spot for a company that gives you free tools and good prices. Trend Micro was the first anti-virus to offer a free online scan- with Housecall. Although scanning online will not protect you from viruses, it will let you find and destroy them if you’re already infected. Plus its nice to have a ’second opinion’ for peace of mind if you do have some sort of outbreak with another anti-virus product.
Anyway, your best bet is to install their PC-cillin Internet Security which gives you all-in-one antivirus, antispam, firewall for your PC and PDA. They are also offering $25 Competitive Upgrade Rebates until the end of 2006, if you need that nudge to upgrade that five year old version of McAfee you are fooling yourself into thinking is protecting you.

The second company I prefer is Computer Associates. They also have Internet Security Software that is effective, easy to use, and affordably priced. They also acquired Pest Patrol and have started incorporating anti-spyware into their products as well as offering FREE Scans. I currently run EZ Armor myself with PestPatrol on the side.

Since PayPal announced earlier this week that it has surpassed 100 million users worldwide, I thought this would be a good time to discuss the merits of Paypal from a business perspective.

Many online buyers feel Paypal is a safe, easy and convenient way to pay online because they do not need to share their financial information with every online merchant. But I’ve come across several merchants who seem leary of setting up Paypal as their credit card processor, perhaps because the Paypal name has been used by spammers and phishers to try to con people out of account information. This would be like uninstalling Microsoft Windows because so many hackers target viruses to Windows users (why? because so many people USE it).

Paypal is one of the most economical way for merchants to gain the ability to take credit cards over the internet. Paypal accounts have no start up costs and you are only charged when you make a credit card sale. Most merchant accounts charge ongoing statement fees and annual or monthly fees whether you make a sale or not.

Of course, there are times when another merchant service or full merchant account may better suit your business. I will try to cover more options and various scenarios as I can.

More information about Paypal can be found at https://www.paypal.com.