All hands are back on deck after the Easter break!

I managed to limit my chocolate intake over the break (just a few cheeky nibbles here and there) but around the country it was reported Australians spent a whopping $166 million on chocolate and other confectionary this Easter – a dentist’s dream!

As a cool change follows the end of summer, this month we take a look at the nasty computer viruses passed around all year long and the steps you can take to keep your computer healthy. We’ve also received a Starlight update from a recent trip to Bunbury, south of Perth, as Captain Starlight continues to bring much-needed joy to sick children across Australia.

April’s Newsletter features all the results from the Australian Broadband Survey for 2009, information on how you can create your very own spiffy-looking website from scratch, plus a great movie giveaway.

Speaking of giveaways, congratulations to Thomas Baines of Albany, the proud new owner of an LG 50” Frameless Plasma TV as winner of Westnet’s Customer Satisfaction Survey – Thomas was “stoked” with his prize! Thanks to everyone who took part in the survey.

Just finally, a little bit of housekeeping. Westnet Members on the ball would have picked up on a recent change to the MyWestnet service, namely the removal of the MyEmail page from the online Member area. This change won’t affect your email experience in any way other than directing you straight to your inbox from now on.

That’s it for this month; dive right in and enjoy this month’s Westnet Newsletter!

As the hot weather begins to make way for a cool change of season, it won’t be long until we’re all rugging up to beat the winter chill and avoid the dreaded flu.

While we’re all extra careful not to pick up any bugs or illnesses during the winter months, it’s important to remember your computer is potentially open to viruses all year round.  Computer viruses are small but nasty software programs designed to spread from one computer to another, disrupting or interfering with its operation.

They can delete important information from your computer, cause repeated crashes or unknowingly spread to your friend’s or family’s computers through your email programs. In fact, the most common cause of the spread of computer viruses is through email attachments or instant messaging programs. They’re often cleverly disguised in emails featuring funny photos, ‘important’ messages or audio and video files we’re encouraged to open.

Dangerous programs can also spread to your computer through dodgy internet downloads, so it’s best to keep to safe and secure websites when browsing the net. Downloading from unknown sources is an open invitation for spyware to find its way onto computers. Spyware programs quietly gather personal information like bank or credit card details via our internet connection and send them to someone else – probably on the other side of the word – to misuse.

So how do we protect our computers against these ‘IT illnesses’?

Unfortunately, wrapping our computers in warm blankets and keeping it out of the cold won’t help.  But with a little bit of caution, common sense and preparedness, we can limit the chances of our computers becoming ‘infected’.

Firstly, it’s important to consider using reputable antivirus software. These programs come pre-installed in computers or are available for purchase, and essentially take on the role of gatekeeper of a computer. Antivirus software detects suspicious material coming into contact with computers and will help protect against viruses and other unwanted programs that may corrupt it.

Never open email attachments from unknown senders either – no matter how enticing the subject line may be. Harmful emails are designed to trick us into opening them, so the virus can make its way onto our computers. So when that email titled ‘Free Caribbean Cruise’ seems too good to be true, chances are it is!

Remember, no security measures are guaranteed, so it’s a good idea to save back ups of important files and programs like bank records, photos, contact lists and any other personal information you couldn’t bare to lose. Back them up on CD or hard disk so they’re off the hard drive and safely tucked away!

Since forming as an Australian children’s charity in 1988, Starlight has brightened the lives of seriously ill and hospitalised children, and their families, throughout Australia.

Westnet is thrilled to be the major Gold Sponsor of the Starlight Express Van – helping to bring fun and deliver the dreams for which the Captain Starlight Foundation is renowned to children all over Australia, including regional and remote areas.

Here’s an update we recently received from the Captain Starlight, detailing a trip south of Perth to bring a little joy to the some young Bunbury patients:

Recently Perth Captains blasted down in Bunbury!!

We had a great time with the kids there and after getting lost in the corridors (oops) we stumbled upon the most amazing artist Tyler. He is only 7 and was the best drawer EVER! He drew a still life picture of us and we couldn’t top it so he won a prize!!

We also caught up with Jack and his little sister and had so much fun with clay making his favourite character Lightning McQueen!

It was a huge day and we were blown away with all talent down there!! We’ve included a pic of Tyler’s drawing….IT’S AMAZING!!

Cheery-pip )

Captain Starlight

To kids like Tyler and Jack, Captain Starlight is a magic super hero who brings a massive ray of sunshine to their lives, helping them forget their pain – even if just for a moment.

You might not know that 40% of children with a chronic illness live in regional Australia, so it’s plain to see the Starlight Express Van has a lot of work to do.

At Westnet, we couldn’t be prouder to be a part of their inspirational efforts!

Westnet has consolidated its standing as leader in customer service excellence in the Australian Broadband Survey 2009.

The survey was conducted by broadband news forum Whirlpool over a four week period from 1^st January to 1^st February 2010, during which time over 23,500 participants shared their thoughts and opinions on the broadband issues that directly affect them.

Westnet was voted best Internet Service Provider (ISP) for Customer Service for the seventh year running, coming out on top in areas such as ’support call wait times’. Members also listed our reliability, customer service and performance as reasons they love Westnet, with over 90% of participants saying they would recommend Westnet to others.

We’d like to thank those who took the time to complete the survey. We know this kind of recognition isn’t the be-all and end-all, but it’s kind of nice to know Westnet members appreciate what we do.

Feel free to check out results in more detail!

Building your very own website has become so much easier thanks to Westnet Hosting. We’ve recently released a new website builder called WordPress, delivering the perfect administration tool for creating and managing your website.

Wordpress is super-easy to use, so you don’t have to be a computer whiz to put together a great site. Choose from a heap of different templates to design your website, change it at any time and start adding the content.

The beauty of WordPress is that changes made to your website become live within a matter of minutes. You don’t need the technical know-how to design a site from scratch, and you’ll still enjoy a clean, professional look.

In fact, the Westnet Newsletter is brought to you each month thanks to the wonders of Wordpress! We love its user-friendly format, attractive appearance and the ability to update the content when required – quickly and easily.

It’s simple to install and free to use when you take up a Hosting plan, meaning no costly web developer fees. For more information about WordPress and other web site builders, check out our website.

Westnet and Sony Pictures are pleased to present The Back-Up Plan – the comedy that explores dating, love, marriage and family “in reverse.”

After years of dating, Zoe (Jennifer Lopez) has decided waiting for the right one is taking too long. Determined to become a mother, she commits to a plan, makes a doctor’s appointment and decides to go it alone. That same day, Zoe meets Stan (Alex O’Loughlin) – a man with real possibilities.

The real pregnancy test comes when both of them realize they really don’t know each other outside of hormonal chaos and birth preparations. With the nine month clock ticking, both begin to experience cold feet. Anyone can fall in love, get married and have a baby but doing it backwards in hyper-drive could be proof that they were made for each other.

For your chance to win one of 25 in-season double passes to The Back-Up Plan, yet to be classified and in cinemas May 20th, simply click the ‘Enter’ button in the Westnet Newsletter in your inbox. Entries are limited to one per Westnet username. The competition closes at 12.01am (WST) on Saturday May 8th, 2010.