10 Ways to Help Prevent Threats from Malware

1. Use anti-virus software. There are many choices on the internet for anti-virus, some cost something, and others are free for the home user. If you're just using one for your personal computer, AVG Anti-Virus is a good free choice. AVG can be set up to update itself, scan emails, and run periodic scans. It doesn't require much user knowledge and has a clean, easy to use interface.

2. Use anti-spyware software. There are, again, many choices out there for anti-spyware. Some are free and some cost money. The ones you buy usually do a better job, and you only need one program to do it all that way. Having multiple programs to scan your system can be a bad thing as backup files can be destroyed needed to remove the infections. Run scans often, and make sure the software is kept up to date.

3. Keep your system's operating system up to date. This prevents security holes that malware could sneak itself into to. Windows usually has automatic updates, but you can also check for updates by going online.

4. Do not open email attachments from unknown sources. Email is one of the most common ways to pick up something nasty off the web. If you don't know who the sender is, don't open the attachment even if you believe it to be a simple text file. The virus could send an email with a like attachment out to your whole address book. They then open the attachment, sending it to everyone in their address books, and your computer becomes part of a large problem. Don't pass on viruses; make sure you recognize the sender before opening attachments.

5. Use passwords not easily guessed and change them periodically. Don't use anything easy to guess like your name, pet's or children's names, phone numbers, or other things obvious about you. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, and numbers. Change your banking, login, and computer passwords frequently, and never write them down anywhere.

6. Don't download free software unless you know it's legit. There are websites on the web with the sole intent to infect your computer with malware. If you find something free you'd be interested in downloading, do a Google search to find user reviews and instructions. Make sure the product is safe to download. The time it takes you to check this out will be less than what it takes you try to remove some nasty spyware later on.

7. Use a software firewall. A firewall is a barrier between your computer and the internet, which monitors incoming and outgoing traffic if it's a good system. Windows XP and Vista both have firewalls built in that monitor only incoming traffic. Check out some online sources of free firewalls that perform both tasks.

8. Stay away form "questionable" websites. Porn is a big promoter of adware, spyware, and viruses that can tangle up your computer pretty bad. Use your head when surfing the net; if the site is poorly made and serves lots of pop-ups, better go somewhere else. Stick to popular websites that are reliable, professional, and organized.

9. Be wary of pop-ups. Don't click on them or anywhere within them. Even pop-ups that offer a close box can be dangerous. Instead, to close pop-ups, use Ctrl-W.

10. Back up your data regularly. Keep backups of personal data on external media such as DVD, CD, or external hard drive.