Still working on internet safety decisions….

As you can tell, I’m still trying to decide what I really need on my computer to keep us all safe. I am working on the decision of which internet filtering software to purchase so we can set levels as to what each family member can do & see online. Now, I’m looking at combatting malware and viruses.

I have Microsoft Security Essentials installed which runs a basic scan once a week. I run a full scan about once a month. I recall only once in the past 6 months or so when it found any malware, trojans, viruses or anything like that. However, my aging computer has been running rather slowly, and I ran a Malwarebytes scan just to see….and it found 8 “threats” which it removed. They were linked to an ad about where “doggie poop” goes if you don’t pick it up when walking your dog. I’ve only seen this ad in the past week or so, sponsored by our local water and sewer district. I’m guessing one of my kids clicked on the ad out of curiousity, and it had some sort of malware attached.

I have also been using something when I do a search called WOT (Web of Trust) to suggest which sites are family-friendly and/or free of malware, but I don’t really like it because it often flags sites that promote biblical teachings, warning me to stay away from them all because several members labeled them as “hate speech” sites. I used to have McAfee Site Advisor….don’t recall why I got rid of it….but I’m wondering if I really need that kind of thing on my searches if the internet filtering and anti-virus software are doing their jobs.

I’m wondering what combination of safety measures is necessary, and I’m asking here because I think it’s fair to assume that most of you have pretty high standards for your family’s internet usage, and you are mostly watching the budget, so you can’t afford the cost of constantly having to fix a virus-ridden computer. Any thoughts you have on this would be appreciated.