I have another question about the safety of our business. If we are downloading programs off the internet, how do you keep your computer safe from harboring viruses and other malicious content? I have norton AntiVirus installed on my pc; but as I am downloading a couple of "FREE" wordpress themes from what seems to be a legit site, I am fearful of possibly downloading a virus or something? Does anyone else have this fear, or how do you protect your computer and your files?
Thanks for the input!

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Tina Thelen
Virtual Office Assistant

Hi Tina,

I use Norton's myself for several years now and have been quite satisfied with the subscription. It runs in the background and often catches and disables any creepers that might come through during the course of the workday.

I try to visit sites legitimate sites, however, there are times I will hit upon a questionable site which the Nortons will catch. Internet usage will always carry some sense of uncertainty.

You mentioned that you were downloading some free WP themes. Recently, I sat in on a webinar with a sales coach who listed 10 free WP themed sites of which 8 contained malicious code. I only use paid WP themed sites which have been in business for some time and have been tested by users but when I first started my business I didn't know any better and used a few free WP themes.

My suggestion is that you consider using a paid WP site such as Headway, Elegant Themes or Thesis for the virus uncertainty you mentioned. A small investment in a legit site could save you down the road if a virus should infect your entire computer system.

Janine

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Tina,

I really on my security suite for downloads and am very careful where I download from. Like Janine, I only use Premium themes as the cost justifies it.

Also, if you have children or others on your network who use file sharing programs, be careful of those too as they share more than you think. I would suggest that you only use reputable programs to file share.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

thank you for your input, it is VERY helpful!!! I will go to one of the premium sites and download a theme that is more trusted. However, in the meantime, would you consider the themese on wordpress.org to be "safe", since this is the site where the wordpress was set up? Thanks again!!

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Tina Thelen
Virtual Office Assistant

I personally am not a fan of Norton, I feel as if its bloat ware. I have used avast and have had nothing but positive experiences from it.

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Amanda Mock
My Virtual Little Helper

Well I am happy to say that I feel much better after talking with my host provider, GoDaddy. They informed me that they too have security software and backup protection installed on the godaddy site where my domain is hosting my wordpress page. The tech guy there was very helpful, and helped to ease my concerns. He was also very helpful in showing me a few other ways to maximize my security. I have always had great customer service with GoDaddy, and I'm very happy with them! Just wanted to shout that out!!! ; )

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Tina Thelen
Virtual Office Assistant