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Your computer might already have antivirus software. If you don't have antivirus software installed, Windows Security Center should alert you in the notification area at the bottom of your screen.

You can also find out if you already have antivirus software installed by clicking the Start button and pointing to All Programs. Then look for an antivirus program, such as Windows Live OneCare.

Many major computer manufacturers include at least a trial version of a popular antivirus software package, such as McAfee or Symantec. But just because the software is installed, doesn't mean it's turned on or being updated regularly.

If your antivirus software is not up-to-date, Windows Security Center should alert you in the notification area at the bottom of your screen. To help ensure that your software is up-to-date, open your antivirus program from the Start menu or the taskbar notification area and look for update status. If you still aren't sure if your antivirus software is up-to-date, contact your antivirus software provider.

If you don't see antivirus software or if Windows Security Center tells you that your antivirus software is not up-to-date, you should download or purchase new antivirus software or update yours.

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