Links to software that you will need when browsing the internet and help keep your computer up to date.
Microsoft
Adobe
Java
Java allows you to play online games, chat with people around the world, calculate your mortgage interest, and view images in 3D, just to name a few. It’s also integral to the intranet applications and other e-business solutions that are the foundation of corporate computing.
Software Help
Below are links we have found that may help to protect you and your family when online and using your computers at home. Whilst we are listing these tools, we cannot guarantee their reliability and do not endorse them. We have not fully tested them and they are listed for guidance and advice only.
Family Safety Software
Family Safety software helps protect your children from some of the dangers of using the internet. Helping protect them from visiting sites that you feel are unsuitable, supervising chat rooms and social networking sites, helping keep them safe online. This software helps keep your children safe online, it does not replace supervision or knowledge of how to stay safe.
Cyber Sentinel

CyberSentinel supervises web surfing, chat rooms and social networks. It lets you know if your children stray away from what you decide is appropriate.
Microsoft provide lots of tools to keep you safe online. You can watch the video below for more information:
Anti-Virus Software.
Malware and especially viruses can damage your computer or personal mobile device and can be used to extract personal information such as passwords and bank details without you even knowing. It is good practice to install Anti-Virus Software on all computers. Viruses can be transferred via the internet, USB memory pens or emails. You may not even know you have a virus on your machine. Installing software can help to protect you!
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
Award winning protection to meet your basic security needs. It’s always been our philosophy at AVG that everyone has the right to basic computer security at no charge – and tens of millions of happy users agree. You even get access to a free support forum hosted by AVG. Download free AVG
Microsoft Security Essentials
Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. Microsoft Security Essentials is a free* download from Microsoft that is simple to install, easy to use, and always kept up to date so you can be assured your PC is protected by the latest technology. It’s easy to tell if your PC is secure — when you’re green, you’re good. It’s that simple. Download Microsoft Security Essentials free
Anti-Spyware Software.
Spyware is a general term used to describe software that performs certain behaviors, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent first, such as:
- Advertising
- Collecting personal information
- Changing the configuration of your computer.
Other kinds of spyware make changes to your computer that can be annoying and can cause your computer slow down or crash. These programs can change your Web browser’s home page or search page, or add additional components to your browser you don’t need or want. They also make it very difficult for you to change your settings back to the way you had them.
Spybot Search & Destroy
Spybot – Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware, a relatively new kind of threat not yet covered by common anti-virus applications. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you haven’t intentionally installed, if your browser crashes inexplicably, or if your home page has been “hijacked” (or changed without your knowledge), your computer is most probably infected with spyware. Even if you don’t see the symptoms, your computer may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging. Download free Spybot-S&D
E-Safety Information
Links to guidelines and tips to help stay safe online.
Internet Safety Wiki
Microsoft
Hector’s World Safety Button
Family Safety Contracts.
Before your children start to explore the Internet, it’s a good idea to make sure everyone understands what they should and shouldn’t be doing online.
One idea is to sit down together and draw up a family code of conduct for all to agree on.
Here’s two websites that will help you create your own Family Safety Contract.
Using family contracts – SafeKids.com
E-safety Websites
Websites that offer help and advice about keeping you and your family e-safe.
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre
Kid Smart
Think U Know
Vodafone
Childnet International
WMnet e-safety
BBC Webwise
Digizen