It’s no surprise that the holidays are one of the busiest times of the year for online shopping. But did you know it’s also one of the busiest times for uploading pictures to photo sharing and social media sites? On average, more than 250...

Depending on which operating system your computer is running, you can use either Windows Defender or Microsoft Security Essentials to get rid of malicious software and viruses. If your computer is running Windows 8, you can use the built-in Windows...

Microsoft releases security updates on the second Tuesday of every month. Skip the details and check for the latest updates. This bulletin announces the release of security updates for Windows, Internet Explorer, and other programs. Learn...

Today, the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) posted details about the November security updates . If you have automatic updating turned on, most of these updates will download and install on their own. Sometimes you may need to provide input...

Here are 7 topics you can discuss with kids to help all of you navigate the Internet and use technology more safely. Think before clicking Be smart about mobile phones Create family guidelines for video game play Download apps wisely ...

This week we released volume 15 of the Security Intelligence Report (SIR) , which covers our research on computer security, including software vulnerabilities, exploits, and malicious and potentially unwanted software . One of the key findings to surface...

Each fall when kids go “back to school,” parents and caregivers prepare their kids for homework, school programs, sports, even “trick-or-treating.” It’s also important that families have the same preparedness when using technology...

If it seems like the kids who are fiddling with Internet-connected devices look younger and younger lately, it’s because they are. A few months ago, we asked you, When should kids go online? You answered our survey questions, and the results...

The best way to update your computer is to turn on automatic updating in Control Panel. You might already have automatic updating turned on To find out if automatic updating is turned on: Windows 8 Swipe in from the right edge of the screen...

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, then you’ve probably already taken steps to help protect your PC. You have antivirus software that you trust and you keep it updated automatically. You’ve activated your firewall. You regularly...

Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials (antivirus software from Microsoft) can detect and remove most malware. If you’re running antivirus software and you’re still having trouble removing malware, follow these steps: Make...

Here are three ways to speed up a sluggish computer. 1. Scan your computer for viruses If your computer is slow or restarts often, it could be infected with a virus or other malicious software . If you have Windows 8, you can use the built-in...

Patrick writes: A person called and said my computer would no longer be supported by Microsoft. Is this true? What Patrick describes sounds like a typical phone scam, designed to take advantage of the news that support for Windows XP will end in...

Microsoft releases security updates on the second Tuesday of every month. Skip the details and go to Microsoft Update to download the latest updates. This bulletin announces the release of security updates for Windows, Internet Explorer, and other...

Today, the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) posted details about the October security updates . If you have automatic updating turned on, most of these updates will download and install on their own. Sometimes you may need to provide input...

If your kids play games using Xbox 360 or Kinect for Xbox 360, or go on Xbox Live, you might wonder what kind of access they have to other gamers online and whether you can limit that access. Read on to find out how. 1. Adjust your privacy settings...

What is Remote Assistance? Windows Remote Assistance makes it easy for you to get computer help from someone you trust, such as a friend or technical support person whom you have contacted. The helper can use Remote Assistance to connect to your computer...

Is your computer running slowly? Are programs starting unexpectedly? Is the activity light on your broadband or external modem constantly lit? Does it sound like your computer's hard disk is continually working? If you answered “yes” to...

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month —a great time to check in with your family about their online safety habits. Are everyone’s devices and apps up to date with the latest security? When was the last time you reviewed your children’s...

We’ve confirmed that cybercriminals are currently targeting a limited number of Internet Explorer customers through trusted websites. If you’re not running a modern version of Internet Explorer, we recommend upgrading immediately to ensure...

When we are young, we are taught to brush our teeth in order to develop healthy and preventative habits. Hopefully by the time we reach adulthood, the act of brushing every morning has become second nature. Yet, when we go online, we don’t always...

Microsoft releases security updates on the second Tuesday of every month. Skip the details and go to Microsoft Update to download the latest updates. This bulletin announces the release of security updates for Windows, Internet Explorer, and other...

Today, the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) posted details about the September security updates . If you have automatic updating turned on, most of these updates will download and install on their own. Sometimes you may need to provide input...

The newest version of Windows is Windows 8, but we know that many of you still use Windows Vista. The best way to ensure that Windows Vista is as secure as it can be is to use the Windows Security Center, which is built into Windows Vista. The...

The cloud is a network of computers on the Internet—a “cloud” of computers—on which data, including yours, can be stored. When you check your email or the news, or pay bills or play a game online, you’re often accessing the...