A Better Online Security Strategy.

The recommendations below in conjunction with an anti-spyware strategy, add up to better protection.

(1) Update your operating system.

Keep your system safe & secure with Windows Update.
Microsoft issues updates for plugging security holes in Windows and its components such as Internet Explorer(IE) on a regular basis.The update process is automated, requiring little user intervention. The Windows site installsa program to analyze the software on your system, recommending the appropriate fixes.

When update finishes analyzing your system, you'll be presented with a menu of downloads deemed appropriate for your computer.
At the very least install the fixes marked "Critical Updates."
Other available updates are marked "optional" and are not related to online security.

Set up either automatic updates in: [Control Panel], 'Automatic Updates' or do manually at: Microsoft Update.

(2) Keep your browser secure-or change it!.

Secure Your Browser.

A common way for spyware to install itself is through Microsoft Internet Explorer(IE). Several free spyware programs we recommend such as Spybot and Spyware Doctor will 'immunize' IE, adding known bad sites to the 'Restricted Sites Zone.'

Alternatively, or in addition to the above, install and run IE-SPYAD.
This program also adds a long list of sites and domains associated with known spyware companies to the 'Restricted Sites Zone' of IE. Sites for these listed companies will not be able to use cookies, ActiveX controls, Java applets, or scripting to compromise your PC and your privacy.

As with other online security programs, update IE-SPYAD regularly as new web sites are constantly being added to the list.

Change my web browser?.

IE is the most popular browser (as it is bundled with Microsoft Windows) and most widely and easily exploited. Even with the recent updates to IE7 (only available to Windows XP, 2003 and 'Vista' users), a better browser is the latest version Firefox by Mozilla.

It's free, faster and more secure than IE. Moreover, it has pop-up blocking, tabbed browsing and IE 'favourites' import automatically.

(3) Anti Virus Software.

Scan and clean your computer with an anti-virus program on a regular basis. If you don't have an anti-virus program, try Avast! Home Edition free scanner.
It updates automatically on a regular basis and is free for private, non-commercial, single home computer use.

(4) Firewalls.

A 'firewall' is critical to online security for a computer attached to 'always-on', broadband internet connections and highly recommmended even for dial-up connections.

If you don't have a firewall installed go to grc.com and run the ShieldsUp! security leak test. Choose amongst various tests such as 'Common Ports' to check the vunerabilityof your machine to attack. The results may shock you.

Install a firewall such as ZoneAlarm (free for non-business use only) and test again at the GRC site with ShieldsUp!. You should see a dramatic improvement in test results and your online security.

If you don't like the idea installing, configuring and updating a whole range of products, you may like to try ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite.

It is a breeze to install, configure, update and use. It features anti spyware, firewall and anti virus in an all-in-one solution.