If you only do two thing to protect yourself

[TTinCO]

#1 Get a firewall
In general, computer users really underestimate the importance of this. Without a firewall, you are EXTREMELY vulnerable to not only windows vulnerabilities, but to a wide variety of port scanning devices which exist on EVERY broadband and dial up network out there.

#2 Get a real time virus scanner, and keep it updated
Even though there are a few sites that you can go to to get a free virus scan, you're still fixing the problem AFTER the fact. Rather than having to remove the virus, then undo it's effects, why not just buy a real one and never have to deal with the removal and cleanup efforts? The $30 or so a year is well worth it.

Taking these two steps should protect you from about 98% of the threats out there. There are several Firewall and AntiVirus suites out there, but I prefer Norton Internet Security, which runs about $60-70 for the entire suite.

 

[druidwarrior]

I will list some things to get safer..

1: If you use Internet Explorer, goto "Tools" --> "Popup Blocker" ---> Turn On

2: Refrain from visiting cheap porn sites. they install spyware from the background.. If by hook or by crook, you must see porns.. go for Paid site.
that applies for online casinos as well. Microgaming likes to store spyware on your pc and they never fails to do that.

3: Whenever you visit some unknown website and they request you to install anything or click "OK" or "Cancel" .. which one should you click? I would not click either... goto X on the top right corner to close it, if there isnt an option. Hold Alt + F4 to close that window.

4: Do not open any suspicious email.. again if you must, scan it before you read.

5: Always scan each and every .exe or suspicious programs before you dbl click. You do the same on .gif or .Jpg files as well... there is a program call "Linker" that links trojan.exe to picture or other files that bluff their way thru.. if you dbl click that .gif file, it will execute the trojan that comes with it.

there are many more.. but these are some of the more important ones.

 

[VegasCoupons]

#1 Spybot (great program) Just go to download.com and search spybot. Free too

#2 Keep backups of your files, important stuff. Nothing works better than a fresh format and reinstall every couple months.

 

[TwoCard]

I use the free Ad-Aware SE personal.

Their support has been good.

 

[tjrdal]

1. Backup your files2. Make sure you have some electrical surge protection

 

[FairWarning]

Best spyware program by far is Spysweeper. Just as essential as a virus protection program.

Very good point by Druidwarrior on #3

 

[TwoCard]

Best spyware program by far is Spysweeper. Just as essential as a virus protection program.

Very good point by Druidwarrior on #3

I have Spysweeper and am very satisfied with it.
However the customer service is very poor.
Emails responses are very generic.

 

[kingbill]

I use AVG virus scanner, it's free and provides updates almost daily. I have used Norton and many others in the past but AVG has been the best and hasn't caused any residual problems like the others.

To fight Adware and spyware, it's usually good to run two programs in tandem, what Ad-Aware doesn't get Spybot does.

 

[moethepuppy]

...or you could just buy a Mac and you won't have to worry about any of those things......