OK Computer

Anyone who uses their PC on the internet is exposed to malware and viruses. We are often asked which anti-virus program is the best, but before you purchase software you should read this discussion on Slashdot. We recommend that you protect yourself by following these pointers:

1. Use Firefox instead of Internet Explorer.
2. Don't click on pop-ups. Don't even click on the "No" button or the close window "x". Instead, use keyboard shortcuts to deal with them: Pop-ups that are separate windows can be selected using Alt+Tab and closed using CTRL+W. In Internet Explorer you can put the focus on the pop-up within a window using F6, and then press Alt+F4 to close it. Read about Internet Explorer Shortcuts.
3. Don't open e-mail attachments unless you are absolutely certain that they are OK.
4. Install AVG Antivirus. It's free, updates automatically, and light on resources.
5. Install an Adware finder like Ad-aware, Spybot Search and Destroy, Spyware Doctor or Windows Defender.
6. Use a firewall like Windows XP's firewall.
7. Trojans are on the upswing. Install a-squared, which is free with manual updates.
8. Don't install anything offered you by a web site, unless the site is a general freeware or shareware site that explicitly states it checks for spyware and adware.
9. Keep up with Windows updates and updates for your malware detector software.
10. Run a scan once a week or if you see any popups at all.