Basic Home Computer Security

If you are looking for ways to make your Windows computer more secure, try some of these tools. Note: Be careful about programs that are advertised to remove spyware. The only programs you need to combat spyware are the free tools listed directly below. If you want to get rid of viruses and spyware forever, try Linux instead.

Windows Update -- If you are using Windows, you should go to this site and check to see if you have the latest security updates for your computer. If you have Windows XP, be sure to download Service Pack 2. This website will walk you through it. All you have to do is let the website turn on "automatic updates" for you and then you don't have to worry about doing anything else. Your computer will take care of everything.
Firefox Browser -- Free open-source browser that runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac. If you don't already have Firefox web browser you should use it instead of Internet Explorer. Internet Explorer is a severe security hazard and should not be used to surf the Internet.
Spybot Search and Destroy -- free spyware protection program.
AdAware -- free spyware protection program
to use along with Spybot Search and Destroy.
Zone Alarm -- free firewall to prevent intruders from getting into your computer.
AVG Antivirus -- free Anti-virus program.
Ewido Trojan Scanner -- Regular anti-virus programs are not very good at finding trojans. (A trojan is a kind of bad program that installs itself on your computer without your knowledge.) Ewido is a trojan scanner that has a free trial. I often use this program to scan computers after a scan with an anti-virus program and it frequently finds trojans and spyware that other programs missed. You should scan your computer with this program. You can either delete the program when the trial period ends, or purchase it.
Hijack This -- An advanced tool to removed persistent spyware. Do not use this program unless you know what you are doing because you can do damage with it. If you need more information about this program, try the getting help page.
XP Tweaking Companion -- A free guide in PDF format that has many tips about how to customize Windows XP, including information on using some of the tools mentioned above.

Spyware and Virus Information

Understanding Spyware -- an article from BleepingComputer.com.
Firewalls -- An article from pcmag.com.
Spyware -- "Your PC may be less secure than you think" -- An article from pcmag.com.
"Poor Defenders" -- An article from pcmag.com that warns against certain spyware removal programs. Note: generally the only tools you need to remove spyware are free: Lavasoft's AdAware and Spybot S&D.
PChell.com -- Spyware links. It gives detailed instructions on how to get rid of specific spyware software that you might have on your computer.
PBS article -- Interesting article about dangers in the computer world.