.: Protecting Your Computer There are some simple but important steps you can take to protect your computer.   These steps will help protect your computer against viruses, worms, hackers, and other nefarious people. They are not full protection but the risk will be greatly decreased. Here are the simple steps. They apply to Windows-based computers. If you're running another operating system (Mac OS-X, Linux, BSD etc) you shouldn't have to worry too much about this list (check your security updates though).   Firewall First disconnect your computer from the Internet. Then set up a firewall to protect against hackers. If you don't have a firewall, your computer will be 'found' by hackers in about 20 minutes.   If you have Windows XP, enable the Windows firewall. It's not very good, but it's better than nothing. (Look in the Windows Help screens to get started.)   Install a software firewall. You can use the free ZoneAlarm software, or a commercial product like Norton Internet Security.   For more safety get a router. It will be placed between your computer and your cable/DSL modem. (If you have dial-up access to the Internet, you don't need a hardware firewall.) Most will allow you to connect multiple computers, so they can all access the Internet.   If you plan on using a wireless connection, then get a wireless router.   A note about firewall setup. Change the default user name and password; the defaults are well known. If you get a wireless router, enable the 128-bit "WEP" encryption key for more protection.   Windows Update Now that you got the firewall going, you can reconnect to the Internet and get the Windows operating system current. The easiest way is through Automatic Updates. Set them up for automatic download and install.   Install all the 'critical updates'. The other updates can be installed, but the 'critical' ones are critical. Take the time to do it. If you have dial-up, start the download process when you go to bed -- use the phone line for the updates at night while you are sleeping. If you have broadband (high-speed) access, it will be faster. It may take several hours, depending on how far behind you are.   Anti-Virus Install an anti-virus program. Make sure it is kept current. AVG is an excellent anti-virus programme and it's free. Go to www.grisoft.com and follow the link to the free edition.   Once installed, configure it to check all files, all incoming/downloaded files, and email checking. And set the 'check for updates' schedule for a daily check.   Once everything is current, do a full scan of your computer. It will take a while. If any viruses are found, delete; repairing isn't always totally successful.   Spyware/Adware If you 'surf the net', then you will get spyware and adware. If you share files, or do instant messaging, then you will get spyware and adware faster.   Two excellent spyware/adware killers are Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy. Download both, install them, update them, and run them at least every week. Remember to update them regularly.   Merijn.org is the home of CWShredder and Hijackthis, handy if you have a spyware problem that the usual methods won't solve.   Other Updates The programs that you use need updates. Check for them once a month.   Many people use Microsoft Office. Office updates are not automatically installed through the Automatic Update process. Go to the www.microsoft.com/protect site, click on the link for "Office Family", then download and install the updates.   Do the same for the other programs you use. Just go to their web site to get the updates.   Safe Computing Tips Never install software that comes via an email or web page pop-up. It's probably dangerous. Never open up files attached to your email messages, even if it's from someone you know. It's probably a virus. If you think the attachment is OK, first save it to a separate folder, then run a virus check. Install a pop-up blocker on your browser. Better yet, install Mozilla Firefox (or Opera) and use it rather then IE. If you must use Internet Explorer make sure you run the XP-SP2 update. The Google Toolbar can help. Be very careful with file sharing programs. They are a great way to get a virus or worm. Instant messaging can be an attack vector. Avoid it Don't fall for 'phishing attacks'. These are the emails you get that tell you that your bank wants to verify your credit card number. Think about it. Doesn't your bank already have your credit card number? Why would you give your PIN number to the bank? Be careful with your passwords. If you get a 'login screen', try a wrong password first. A 'good' site will tell you you have a bad password. A 'bad' site will accept anything as a password. Most of the software mentioned here is available through the cover disks of the major computer magazines such as Australian Personal Computer, PC World etc.