Here is a list of basic guidelines.
1. Use a good antivirus scan. Favorite? AVG is a free download antivirus program that can be upgraded for a minimal cost. Please don't start about Norton's/Symantec and the others. Some are good some aren't. If you use McAfee then don't consider whining here. It's worthless. When you install AVG remember to check the heuristic box and uncheck the confirm dial up box. Also change the schedule to make it update and run EVERY day.
2. Install and fanatically update a good anti-malware program. Patrick Kolla has blessed us with Spybot Search & Destroy. This is a free download, but I encourage people to send donations to help keep this needed utility alive! If you use Spybot S&D make sure you've installed version 1.31. Then check for updates every few days (I check daily). If not familiar with this program read the excellent tutorial and it will help you install and maintain this great utility. BTW, there is scheduling in the advanced mode.
3. When in doubt, NEVER OPEN EMAIL ATTACHMENTS! 'Nuff said.
4. Purchase a good router that has a strong hardware firewall then install it. DLink, Linksys, Netgear, Belkin and others make good devices that are for sale at the local Staples, Officemax, Circuit City, etc. Some folks even go so far as to not use antivirus software after purchasing these devices. I am not that brave. A DLink DI-704 is in use at the beach house. A good battery backup unit is also needed. This will nullify the horrors of a system being traumatized by a power outage. They are inexpensive and most give you at least 5 minutes to do a proper shutdown. Remember to ONLY plug in the PC and the monitor. Don't plug your printer or any other devices into the backup unit. (edit: yes, Robin, the router will work with even one computer)
5. Do ALL Windows Critical Updates. Do ALL Windows Critical Updates. This may belong at the first of this list. Damn it, they are called Critical for a reason! When I find an infested machine you can almost be assured that it is lacking these vital updates. Don't even bother reading the description. If it is a Critical update you need it.
6. Back up your important data. Wonder how many times people come to me and are frantic because they can't get their machine to boot and they have important data that is absolutely necessary. And they have a CDRW device installed! Use it. If you don't know how to 'burn' CDs then learn. It's easy. Go buy a stack of blanks and put all your critical data on CD. It still amazes me that people do something really stupid and screw up a great PC then come to me angry because I can't retrieve their important data. Hey, there's no quarter, no discount and no sympathy. Back up!
7. Run a checkdisk/scandisk and defragment at least every month. The tools are built into all Windows versions from 95 on. It's done every two weeks here and also after a major install or uninstall.
8. Be very careful what you download. ALWAYS READ THE EULA. I've even downloaded stuff from known reputable sites that had spyware embedded.
This is a basic list. I've left out many things; i.e. - children and computers, but that's for another time. If it seems too overwhelming then I hope you saved the boxes so you can return your PC to the point of purchase. There are many sites out there designed to assist in problems cyber, etc. Use them. There is an email address posted here and I do respond. Comments are here for a reason. Use them. Hope this helps.
"Man is still the most extraordinary computer of all."
-John F. Kennedy
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