Use the Windows Update icon on your computer to download the latest security patches to your computer. If you can’t find the Windows Update icon, go to the Microsoft Windows Update website at windowsupdate.microsoft.com and click on Express Install or Custom Install to get your updates. You should check for updates at least once a week, or turn on Automatic Updates in Windows XP to have them delivered directly to your computer.
Add a firewall program to your computer. A firewall closes all the open “doors and windows” on your computer. Spyware and adware infiltrate your computer through “security holes” in the operating system or browser. A firewall blocks those holes, and only allows traffic in or out of the internet that you authorize. Once you’ve given your particular software permission to access the internet, other programs must ask before they enter or transmit information from your computer. Zone Alarm is a highly recommended firewall you can download at no charge.
Install an anti-virus program and keep it up to date. Without anti-virus software, you’re asking for trouble. A good, up-to-date anti-virus program scans your computer at regular intervals (we recommend once a week) to look for infections. Computer viruses are malicious programs designed to cause damage to your computer. An anti-virus program guards against these and often catches them before they infect your computer.
Programs like Norton Anti-Virus and McAfee VirusScan can be purchased at local stores or downloaded from the creators. AVG is a free anti-virus program that also scans your computer for viruses.
Use a program like Ad-aware SE or Spybot Search and Destroy. These programs look for adware and spyware on your computer and can delete them. You should scan for problems at least once a week, and any time your computer seems to slow down. Both programs are available at Download.com or from the Ad-aware SE or Spybot creators' websites.
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Install Windows XP SP2 or a Popup Blocker. Windows XP users can install Service Pack 2 (please read this article from Microsoft before installing SP2). Service Pack 2 contains enhancements to XP that include a popup blocker and a stronger firewall. Google and Yahoo both offer toolbars that have popup blockers included.
Download a browser with a popup blocker included. Mozilla’s Firefox browser has a popup blocker built right into the browser, and Netscape 7.2 also has popup protetion. These browsers are an alternative to Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Never open email attachments that you are not expecting. Email attachments can be a disaster waiting to happen. If you receive email from someone you don’t know, delete it right away. Do not open attachments you’re not expecting, even if they look like they came from a friend or relative. Many viruses “spoof” the return email address to look like a familiar email. When you open the attachment, the virus infects your computer.
Look for spyware in licensing agreements. Most people just click OK to accept the licensing agreement when they install software. If you read through the agreement, the software company may tell you that you will be installing adware as part of the agreement. If you don’t want the adware installed, don’t install the program. It’s that simple!
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