1. Be sure that your Operating System has all of its available critical updates and patches installed.
   
   Occasionally, updates and patches are released to either patch known holes in software where there is a security breach, or to improve the functionality of a certain program or programs. In either case, it is very important to install these updates when they are released to keep your system safe and sound.
    
2. You have a software or hardware firewall installed and is functioning at all times.
   
   You don't have to go out and pay big bucks for a firewall these days. There are plenty of free products that will do the job just fine. I recommend ZoneAlarm. This is an easy to install and easy to use product that is very effective in keeping your system safe from intrusions. You can download it here:
   
   http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
    
3. You have a good Anti-Virus program that is up-to-date and used regularly.
   
   Anti-Virus software is also available for free. Norton and McAfee are said to be good products, but I have never had either of them. I use AVG and have used it for years. They have come a long way in making this product self-updating and auto-scanning. If you have a constant on connection to the Internet, then all you would need to do is set the time that you would like it to scan, and that's it! It will update itself and then scan your system for possible virus and in most cases, if it finds anything, it will automatically fix them. The highlights include:
   
   Highlights include:
    
   • Automatic update functionality
   • The AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run
   • The AVG E-mail Scanner, which protects your e-mail
   • The AVG On-Demand Scanner, which allows the user to perform scheduled and manual tests
   • Free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product
   • AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files

   You can download this product here:
   
   http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5
    

4. You have a minimum of three anti-spyware scanners installed on your system and that they are up-to-date and used regularly.
   
   Spyware is getting to be more and more malicious these days, hence the name "malware". There is so much spyware/malware on the Internet that it is almost impossible for one single anti-spyware company to keep up to date with it. There-fore, it is increasingly important to have more than one anti-spyware scanner loaded, updated and used on your system on a regular basis. When I say regular basis, this is going to depend on your Internet usage and surfing habits. Just to give you an idea of what the spyware can do once it is loaded in to your system, it can:

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