A system free of viruses and spyware can keep your computer running smoothly. Should your computer become infected, you may notice a slowdown during routine tasks such as word processing, checking e-mail or surfing the Web.

If you are a cable subscriber or a DSL subscriber, your provider may already offer a suite of protection tools. Contact your provider to find out more.

Here are two programs that may be helpful in keeping your computer healthy.

AVG Anti-Virus Free
link: http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/

Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition
link: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php

Note: While recommending their use, The Honolulu Advertiser does not guarantee that those programs will protect your computer. The Advertiser cannot accept responsibility for damaged or lost data.