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Avoiding Viruses
Always use an anti-virus product and update it every day. If you do not currently have one installed and update, then you can use the link on the right to run a free online scan from Panda. This will detect and destroy viruses, worms and trojans on your computer. It can also detect and warn you about spyware. If you do not have an up to date anti-cirus product running, then I highly recommend you run this scan now!
Most viruses are delivered by email. Remember NEVER to open any email attachment that you were not expecting, no matter who it appears to be from. Install XP SP2 if you have not done so already, and use the automatic update function to keep your system patched against security holes.
Hoaxes
Virus hoaxes can sometimes cause almost as much trouble as the real thing, so I have included the current list of top hoaxes. The links will take you to a full description of the hoax at the Sophos site. There is also a complete, searchable list of hoaxes at www.sophos.com/virusinfo/hoaxes/.
Avoiding Spyware
It is becoming increasingly important to protect your computer against spyware and trojans which are delivered directly from infected web pages. Your computer can become infected by merely visiting a web site.
Symptoms of spyware include - computer becomes very slow, lots of pop-up adverts, your home page is altered, new links appear in web sites that should not be there. I have even seen spyware adding links to Word documents that people write without them realising it. This could obviously have serious consequences for your reputation.
How to avoid spyware and web delivered trojans - NEVER use Internet Explorer! Use a safer browser such as Opera or Firefox (links on the right). People using IE have become infected even by visiting the web sites of well known banks, because those had also been infected. Whichever browser you use, keep it up to date with any patches.
Download and run the free version of Adaware from Lavasoft. This will detect and remove almost all spyware from your computer. There are many fake spyware removal programs around that will just infect your computer even more. These are often promoted by spam emails. NEVER download any program except from it's official home page, and don't be tempted to try other spyware removal programs without checking with an expert first (not just my friend said this is good).
Avoiding Phishing
Phishing is an attempt to steal passwords, credit card numbers, or other valuable personal information, which could then be used to steal your money, or even your identity! The simple tip here is NEVER respond to any email which claims to be from your bank, isp, or whoever, that requests you sign in to confirm your details. Responsible companies will never send such emails. NEVER click on links in even genuine emails to sign in. Sadly companies are still sending these in emails which are easily faked. Always type the web site address directly into your browser instead.
Avoiding Spam
This one is a bit harder. To fully escape spam you will need to either pay for a good system or have the technical knowledge to set one up yourself. However there are some steps you can take to reduce the number of spam lists your address gets added to (see links).
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Opera
The best web browser for most users. It is incredibly fast and efficient as well as being years ahead of IE in features. The free version is fully usable, just choose the text adverts and you will never even notice them.
Firefox
A recently released open source browser, which is very configurable with lots of advanced plug-ins available. It is probably better for more experienced users.
Lavasoft
Adaware is the best spyware removal program. The personal edition is free, but there is also a paid for version which continuously protects you.
More advanced steps to avoid viruses and spyware
More tips to avoid phishing
How to reduce spam
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