We talk regularly with members that have gotten their computer comprised in one way or another. Virus infection, popup ads all over the screen, computer running really slow, etc. Sometimes a virus scan or a a spyware remover takes care of the problem but sometimes they have to have a professional help them to get it fixed and sometimes the only thing to do is to just wipe the disk and reinstall the system.

The following article was provided by SaferComputing.org and gives you tips about how to protect your computer.

Is your screen full of popup ads? You type one web address and get to another? Computer being really slow? It is no longer enough to have good virus protection, you now have to have good protection against spyware, adware and similar pests too!

How to protect your computer step by step:

Install a firewall
Immunize your computer against spyware/adware
Get virus protection
Run Windows Update
Be suspicious!

Install a firewall
If you have a broadband connection (cable, DSL or wireless), you should make sure to have a router that has a firewall built-in. You can get one from TigerDirect for $20-$30 and it will let you connect up to 4 computers to it and sometimes you can even find one with a wireless access point included in that price. Right now you can get a D-link router with 4-port switch and wireless support for FREE after mail-in rebate.

The big advantage with the router is not so much the firewall as that it will hide all the computers on the inside by remapping the IP addresses for them. No hacker, worm, etc can locate your computer!

In most cases, you should also have a firewall on your computer. If you use a modem, it is the only option but even if you are normally connected using a router and broadband you should consider using firewall software in addition to that protection. It will protect you if you take your computer with you somewhere else and it also protects against other computers on your local network. E.g. if you have a friend hooking up his computer to your network. If you use Windows XP, you have a firewall built-in. (Click here for how to check that it is activated!) If you dont use Windows XP or later or if you want more advanced protection than what XP, Vista and Windows 7 provides you, we recommend Zone Alarm from Zone Labs. ZoneAlarm Pro now $29.95 after Rebate!

Immunize your computer against spyware/adware
The best alternative we have found to protect your computer against spyware and adware is a free product called SpyBot Search & Destroy. Once you have installed it, it will step you through what you need to do to clean out what you already have on your computer. When done, make sure to run Immunize too! You should use this tool on a regular basis and make sure to click on Search for Updates first each time.

Get virus protection
Our favorite here is AVG from Grisoft.com. You can get it free for personal use, including automatic updates of the virus database. Or go with the Pro version, which costs $33.30 including updates for 2 years. (You can try it for free for 30 days.)

Run Windows Update
With Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista and the latest Windows, Windows 7, you can tell the system to check for updates automatically. This works well if you leave your computer on 24/7 and have a broadband connection, but otherwise you should run an update manually as soon as you get to know that a critical update is available. Sign up for the SaferComputing Newsletter to be notified when Microsoft releases critical updates!

Be Suspicious!
If you follow the instructions above, you will be very well protected. But you still need to be careful when cruising the Internet.

• Never give out any personal information in response to any requests received by email.
• Do not open attachments in emails if you are not sure about what it is.

We wish you good luck and happy surfing on the Internet!