Blogomyalgia

1. Do not open email attachments- No matter how hard it is to resist, that person may be trying to infect you through a script that loads when you load a picture. Especially do not open .exe files from an email, these are programs and if written to do so, will ruin your life. That person may also be infected and not know, thus sending you an infected email that if you open will infect you as it did them.

2. Make sure Windows Firewall is enabled- This is common sense, the firewall will provide you with vital protection to stuff on the web.

3. Do not use mainstream anti-virus software- Norton/Symantec/McAfee/Zone Alarm or any anti-virus that you can buy at Wal-Mart. Chances are it is one of the major ones like the ones listed above. This means that since a lot of people use it, hackers have already cracked it and have found a way around it and into your computer. Leo Laporte recommends NOD32, a lightweight anti-virus that will not slow your computer down and is a lot less likely to be cracked.

4. Never run as system administrator all the time- With Windows Vista it is easier than ever to run as a user and effectively use Windows. The problem with logging in as administrator is that if you get spyware/adware, viruses or anything onto your computer; they will not be able to install. This is good and could save you a lot of time later on.

5. It is always a good idea to get behind a router- Yes, this may mean that it's time to upgrade you internet but judging by where the internet is going these days, it's a good idea to have DSL. With DSL, the router takes a phone line input, processes the signal, and serves data to computers you have connected to it. Routers also enable you to share documents and files with other computers within' your network. All routers are firewalls, even if they don't say so.

Enjoy!