Here are some tips on how to keep you computer free of malware, virus, and other unwanted programs. I have broken the process into 4 categories: Prevention, Firewall, Anti-Virus, Detection & Removal, Other Important Items.

All programs listed are free, or trials of the full version that revert to free programs after the trial period.

Prevention: These programs work to so that your computer is less exposed to viruses and other unwanted items on the internet. The ones listed below work well together with each other, and are a good starting place for protecting your computer.

• SpywareBlaster: to help prevent spyware from installing in the first place.
• SpywareGuard: to catch and block spyware before it can execute.
• IESpy-Ad: to block access to malicious websites so you cannot be redirected to them from an infected site or email.

Firewall: You should also have a good firewall. Think of a firewall as a fence that surrounds your house. You wouldn’t let people you don’t know into your house, would you? Why let people that you don’t know into your computer?

• Kerio Personal Firewall
• ZoneAlarm

Anti-Virus: Every computer needs to have an anti-virus nowadays. You wouldn’t ignore the doctor’s advice about what vaccines you should get if you were traveling abroad, so why would you connect to the web (equivalent of your computer traveling abroad) without an anti-virus installed? These programs should be regularly updated (can even be set to update daily automatically), and you should scan your computer at weekly.

• Anti-Vir
• Avast Home Edition
• AVG Anti-Virus

Detection & Removal Programs: Unfortunately, anti-virus programs cannot catch everything. These programs look for adware, spyware, and other unwanted programs that an anti-virus may miss. These programs should be updated at least weekly (since, at least for trial periods, can be active guards), and should be manually used at least twice a month

• AVG Anti-Spyware
• SUPERAntiSpyware Home Edition

Other Important Things: Here are some other important things to do that didn’t fit into any category above. Despite its “catch-all” name, this category is just as important as the others.

• Update Windows Monthly: Microsoft issues updates on (normally) the second Tuesday of every month. You can set your computer to update itself, check the Windows Help for information on how to do this. Alternatively, you can visit the update site yourself to update. Regardless of which method you choose, I have found it best to wait until after 3PM to update, as updates might not be published until after 12.
• Be Weary of what you Download: That program you think is good could have undesirable effects. Try downloading from the author’s website when possible, or from a trusted mirror.
• Be careful of Email & Instant Messages: That picture of your nephew Jim, or IM from a friend asking if that’s a picture of you, could really be a virus. Never open attachments that you weren’t expecting in emails, and make sure that it really is your friend that’s sending you the link.
• Use a Safer Browser: Internet Explorer is not the most secure browser. Switching to a browser such as Firefox can help prevent infections such as those that rely on activeX to spread. Use the link below to obtain the Firefox with Google toolbar bundle.