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- If you install Microsoft Windows yourself, make sure you are behind some sort of firewall (a simple router like the linksys BEFSR41 will do). If connected to the internet directly a vulnerable Windows PC will become infected within minutes (I’ve seen it happen within seconds). Even after your computer is installed and patched it should remain behind a firewall (preferably both a hardware firewall - any modern broadband router will do - and a software firewall. I’v used the Kerio Personal Firewall but I’ve heard people saying good things about the Tiny Firewall, both have free versions).
- Update Windows using “Windows Update”. Set automatic updates: Start -> My Computer -> Control Panel -> System -> Automatic Updates.
- Install AntiVirus Software. Norton Antivirus, Trend Micro, AntiVir, Bitdefender (version 8 is free), or any other you like. It is very important to have antivirus software. Make sure the antivirus auto-protect function is activated. Run it once at least once a month.
- Keep your antivirus software updated.
- Download and install Mozilla Firefox. Use it instead of Internet Explorer. Do not use Internet Explorer!
- Keep firefox updated. Firefox will notify you when updates are available with an arrow in the upper right corner, click it to download and install the updates.
- Download and install Spybot S&D. Run it. Go to Update, search for updates and download any available updates. Then click Search and Destroy -> check for problems. After it is finished go to “Immunize” and click “Immunize”. Repeat this process at least once a month and whenever you suspect you have spyware or adware installed. If Spybot seems unable to remove a adware/spyware program, reboot and enter windows in safe mode and run Spybot S&D. If this doesn’t work:
- Install additional anti-spyware software. Unfortunatelly, not all anti-spyware products detect & fix the same problems so it might be a good idea to have more than just one anti-spyware program. I recommend you use Spybot and if you experience spy/adware problems that aren’t going away, if you suspect you have spy/adware that isn’t being detect or if you are simply paranoid install Webroot Spy Sweeper.