Just a few things for the chronically infected, the paranoid, or the plainly smart:
Patch Windows and other Microsoft products promptly.
This is almost impossible if you have a pirated copy of Windows installed, but following the other tips below might still keep you safe. You can install Linux, but if you can't follow the tips below, I don't think you will be happy with a virus-free but unfamiliar operating system.
Use an alternative browser.
If you heard that Internet Explorer is very vulnerable, it's true, especially if you don't patch often. Install Mozilla Firefox. It's free to install, free to patch, and a lot of people, including myself, actually think it's a better browser.
Install an antivirus (AV) + anti-spyware product.
If you have cash, get Trend Micro Antivirus. You can also grab the free AVG Antivirus . You'll need to keep these products running and set to update as soon as your computer connects to the Internet. If you don't have AV, you'll never know whether to trust downloads or the files you get from email or your USB stick. But even with AV, be careful where you go.
Don't just surf anywhere.
Install TrendProtect or McAfee's SiteAdvisor to check the links on your Google search results before you click them. Never click links rated dangerous. Be careful when clicking unrated links.
Use a firewall.
If you are using Windows XP or Vista, simply turn on the built-in firewall. If you want to use another solution, the free version of ZoneAlarm is quite reliable. If you are bored, you can check the ZoneAlarm logs and observe how often other computers attempt to access your computer.
Scan with alternative products regularly.
You know how large enterprises stay secure? They use products from different security vendors. To stay safe, scan with other security scanners. Some great ones actually cost nothing.
You can use HouseCall, a full-fledged free online scanner. I'm a bit biased, but I know that Trend Micro will soon release a very fast and powerful version of HouseCall that takes advantage of their new cloud scanning technology. By the time you read this, they may already have this version on their site.
Another free scanner that I trust is Ad-Aware from Lavasoft. This is a purely local scanning tool that takes sometime to install and download, but it can find things that products from other vendors miss. I also like its straightforward interface, but maybe that's just me. I'm not sure, but I think Ad-Aware focuses on spyware protection, so its AV capabilities might be a little weak.
Be a smart netizen.
Practice common sense when on the Internet. Don't just click something because it's flashing and looks shiny and nice. When it's too good to be true (a nude pic, free software, or a message that tells you that you've won something), it probably is. Watch out for security messages that pop up and tell you that your computer is infected. They will typically entice you into installing their rogue security product that is actually spyware.
Check your Yahoo! Messenger, MSN (Live), QQ, or email messages before clicking on links or receiving files. Messages that appear to have come from friends or relatives can be fake. Ask your senders why they sent links or files. Usually, spammers who send fake messages will not reply. But some will and will try to gain your trust and scam you. Learn to gauge if you are actually talking to the person you know.
