MAC, Linux, and Unix users move on. There's nothing to see here. This is for Windows® folks.
When you signed up with your new internet provider, they probably didn't mention that you're now one with the world. They didn't explain that you're now the primary target of hackers, bugs, malicious programs.
Hell, when you bought your computer, the store probably didn't mention that it came with Windows software that was just ripe for the pickin'.
There are three components (fourth, optional) that you must have RIGHT NOW.
1) A good antivirus program. I like F-Prot, myself, having used it for over
10 years now
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No longer free, they now sell a newversion that is fairly idiot-proof (and idiot-proof is what we're going forhere). The New York Times tech editor was also able to point to AVG
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as a FREE antivirus program,but I can't attest to its idiot-proofability. There are many other antivirusprograms out there, and we all have our favorites. The operative part being"have". Once you have an up-to-date antivirus program in place, you may findthat you're no longer able to open some of the attachments that come in youre-mails. That's a GOOD thing.
2) A firewall. You must have a firewall between your computer and the outside world. If you don't know what a router is, try
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for the free version of ZoneAlarm. It's the veryleast you should have. A good firewall not only stops intrusions INTO yourcomputer, it should also stop your infected computer from reaching out whenit's not supposed to.
3) Once these are in place, hit the START button and look for a little thing called "Windows Update." Allow your computer to contact Microsoft, allow Microsoft to look for the critical updates you need, and then download them. One point to be made here: YOU should go to Microsoft; NEVER believe that Microsoft has e-mailed you, personally, with a program fix ("patch").
The fourth component is a really cool one, if you've been blithely surfin' the net with nary a care as to what websites you visited or how many pop-ups have appeared on your screen. From
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's AdAware. Download this delightful little program and watch it run. Toput it simply, AdAware helps to stop ET from phoning home. dwight (12 copies of virii in my inbox today... I'm really gettin' annoyed)