Keeping Your Applications Updated A personal firewall and antivirus software are great ways to secure your computer. But make sure you don't stop there. In addition to adding layers of defense, you should also ensure that your operating system and other applications don't undermine your protection. Due to bugs and unforeseen uses, many programs inadvertantly provide hackers "back doors" right onto your computer. Or if not back doors, then ways that make it much easier to open back doors. You should always download and run the latest patches for your programs. Especially dangerous security vulnerabilities are usually fixed very quickly by software companies, hopefully before many hackers take advantage of them. You should always run the latest patches--especially in your operating system. The longer a security bug is known, the more tools are created by hackers to exploit it. Where to Get Updates and Patches All reputable software vendors maintain areas at their web sites that are dedicated to making available the latest patches. Many build automatic updating mechanisms into the products themselves. If you don't use any automatic method, make sure you check for updates frequently. Product updates are available from all serious companies, including these sponsors of Personal Firewall Day: McAfee Security Microsoft Sygate Zone Labs