Simple steps to protect you against Malware
Nothing is perfect in this world, even when it comes to protecting your PC from the effects of malicious software which can infect your system. However, there are several simple steps which you can take to reduce the chance of infection.
1. Install a good anti virus program on your PC and keep its database of the latest known viruses updated. Most good anti virus programs allow you to schedule regular unattended updates as often as you wish, and it's a good idea to set your PC to run an update at a time when it won't interfere with your PC activity, say in the middle of the night.
2. Install a firewall. A firewall is a dedicated appliance, or software running on a computer, which inspects network traffic passing through it, and denies or permits passage based on a set of rules. A firewall works by examining information coming from and going to the Internet. It identifies and blocks information that comes from a dangerous location or seems suspicious. There are two kinds of firewalls, hardware and software. These days, most routers have a hardware firewall built into them. They usually have the capability of connecting devices in your home network either wirelessly or via a multi-port Ethernet wired connection. If you use wireless connections (i.e. so that you can connect to the internet from your laptop while lying beside your backyard pool), be sure to use the highest level of encryption provided by your router. Also be sure to choose a strong password (at least 7 characters long, and don't use the word "password" either). A software firewall can be used in conjunction with a hardware firewall and will provide additional security for your system. Just make sure you only use one, though. Using multiple software firewalls is unnecessary and can cause complications and problems as they may interfere with each other.
3. Install an Anti Spyware Program on your system. Spyware is a category of computer programs that attach themselves to your operating system clandestinely. Their mission is to monitor your system and reportback on They can slow down your PC enormously. According to some recent estimates, over 70% of PCs are infected with some kind of spyware. Some people mistake spyware for a computer virus. However, spyware is normally not designed to damage your computer. According to Wikipedia's definition, spyware is computer software which is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer without the user's informed consent. Spyware is the more malicious cousin of adware which is generally more benign, but just as irritating.
Be careful when choosing an anti spyware program. There are lots of bad (rogue) programs out there which are advertised as anti spyware, but which in fact contain spyware. Most of these programs are free, so as to encourage downloads and hence infection. Only ever purchase an anti spyware program from a reputable source.
4. Use a cleaner to keep your system free of old files and data. One of the best (and it's free!) is CCleaner. CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less than a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware!
Use the following link to get CCleaner: CC Cleaner
5. Microsoft's browsers are a prime target for hackers, so consider using an alternative browser package. Alternative browsers are somewhat more secure because they have fewer security holes and because fewer malware writers attack the non-Microsoft browsers. Remember that no browser will help if you access porn sites, download hacked or cracked software or any other illegal code. These sites are often the source of viruses, and other types of malware, so beware - your surfing habits could harm your PC!
6. Use passwords and create restricted User Accounts. Protect your user accounts with passwords, especially if you are using an older operating system such as Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP and so on. It's a good idea to have only a single Administrator account, and if you have children, don't let them know the password to the Administrator account. Believe me, it's worth it! Don't leave the Administrator password blank and be sure to use a strong password which is not short and which isn't easily guessed. Disable the Guest account and create all other accounts as restricted users. What this means is that only the Administrator can install software and this way you can control what gets loaded on your system.
All user accounts should have password protection. Especially on Win NT, 2K, XP, and 2003 systems. Make sure you do not leave the Administrator password account password blank. This is the default. Also it is a good idea to completely disable the Guest account. When you choose your passwords, choose them wisely. Don't make them too short and don't choose anything that would be easy to guess.