I suggest using Microsoft Security Essentials as a free security solution.  You must be running Windows 7 or Windows Vista.  Microsoft Security Essentials will not run on Windows XP.  This  is a good product, minor processing overhead, and unlike some other free products (e.g. AVG Free) it will NOT expire in a year.  So it provides a solid long term fairly hassle free solution.  http://www.micrsoft.com/security_essentials

You can improve your internet security through these actions

1. Create a separate administrative user account
2. Apply the most recent patches for your operating system and browser.
3. Maintain an active subscription to anti-virus software.
4. Run a software firewall or install a hardware firewall.
5. Use strong passwords.
6. Combat adware and spyware.
7. Avoid file sharing programs and be suspicious of free downloads.

The security of your personal information and identity is achieved by implementing all of these security LAYERS.

I can help secure your computing environment.

Create a separate user account with administrative privledges, and then set your user account (and those of your other computer users) to be standard account types.  You might name the new administrator account “Joe Admin”.  Create a unique password for the Joe Admin account.  Restart the computer and logon to the Joe Admin account.  Now set your original user account to be a standard account type instead of an administrator.    The Joe Admin account is used only when installing software.  Otherwise you continue to logon to your original standard user account for everyday use.  The advantage of having a separate administrative account is that whenever software trys to install, Windows will prompt you for the password of the administrator account.  This password prompt is a BIG RED FLAG for you that software is about to be installed.  This creates a significant hurdle for malware to install on your system without your knowledge.

Installing file or music sharing programs like Kazaa can be dangerous for the inexperienced.  You can easily open your computer to prodding by others through the internet.  This is a good way to increase your “profile” and invite trouble.

Filesharing and other “free” internet programs typically invite you to install adware and spyware that feed pop-up ads to your computer.  A constant stream of pop-up ads can quickly make your computer unusable.  Among the first is pop-ups is typically an offer to install more “free” software that claims to stop the pop-ups, but is really more adware!

Be sure to confirm the the source for any software you install on your system.

Adware is software that runs on your system and streams pop-up ads for your viewing pleasure.   Spyware is software that runs on your system that tracks your activity, potentially stealing passwords and other elements relating to your identity.  Different programs are varyingly offensive, but it is hard to speak well of any of them.   A constant stream of pop-up ads can quickly make your computer unusable.

Some anti-virus programs claim to search for these problems.  In my experience they are not as thorough as the more specialized anti-adware programs.

Sometimes removal of these “infections” can be tricky, especially if several are found.  It may require booting the system into safe mode and manually the offending deleting files or registry entries.

Adaware is a well respected product.

• Lavasoft: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

I like SpyBot.  It is easy to use, cleans things up nicely, and is free (donations are graciously accepted).

• Available on www.download.com: http://www.download.com

I also like MalwareBytes.  It is easy to use, cleans things up nicely, and is free to try, $25 to buy.

• Available on www.download.com: http://www.download.com

The passwords you use on your computer and internet accounts must be hard to guess.

• Do use at least 6 characters
• Do use miXEd cAsE
• Do use extra characters like: (!_$%#
• Do include numbers and words
• Do use compound non-words like: 7HoGG_rICeR
• Do change your passwords regularly (monthly, quarterly, bi-annually)
• Consider basing your password on a phrase like: The Hairy Dog Ate My Homework 2 Day (THDAMH2D)
• Do NOT use your pet’s or children’s names or other obvious words
• Do NOT use the same password for all accounts because if one is cracked then all of your accounts are wide open.

In addition to anti-virus software, firewall software can prevent unauthorized software running on your computer.  This software can be purchased for approximately $30.

McAfee, Norton, and Trend micro (PCCillin) offer firewall software that works in conjunction with their anti-virus software.

ZoneLabs offers its ZoneAlarm firewall for FREE.  It also offers a more fully functioned product called ZoneAlarmPro for purchase.

• McAfee: http://www.mcafee.com
• Norton:  http://www.norton.com
• PCCillin: http://www.trendmicro.com/en/products/desktop/pc-cillin/evaluate/overview.htm
• ZoneLabs: http://www.zonelabs.com

It is critical that any computer you use for email has current anti-virus subscription. Ideally all of your computers should run anti-virus software.

Anti-virus subscription typically costs $20 to $30 per year. It will scan for and remove viruses, which is malicious software that runs without your consent.

Vendors for anti-virus software include:

• McAfee: http://www.mcafee.com
• Norton: http://www.norton.com
• Trend micro: http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/personal.htm

Microsoft regularly releases free patches for Windows and Internet Explorer. These frequently fix security problems discovered after the release of the software. There are three types of patches: critical, operating system, and drivers. Critical patches should typically be installed unless you are running some customized software that might need to be tested with the patch beforehand. The other types of patches can be installed selectively as appropriate.

You can typically find the Windows Update wizard under {Start} {Programs} (then select it from the section up at the very top of the menu).

Otherwise, in you browser you can go to Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsupdate

Windows ME, Windows 2000, or Windows XP can be configured to regularly check for newly released patches.