
Check Windows Update and Office Update regularly ( _http ://office .microsoft .com/productupdates ) ; have your Office CD ready . Windows Me , 2000 , and XP users can configure automatic updates . Click on the Automatic Updates tab in the System control panel and choose the appropriate options .
Install a personal firewall .SyGate ( www .sygate .com ) and ZoneAlarm ( www .zonelabs .com ) offer free versions .
Install a free spyware blocker . SpyBot is also paranoid and ruthless in hunting out tracking cookies .
Block pop-up spam messages in Windows NT , 2000 , or XP by disabling the Windows Messenger service ( this is unrelated to the instant messaging program ) . Open Control Panel | Administrative Tools | Services and you'll see Messenger . Right-click and go to Properties . Set Start-up Type to Disabled and press the Stop button . Bye-bye , spam pop-ups ! Any good firewall will also stop them .
Use strong passwords and change them periodically . Passwords should have at least seven characters ; use letters and numbers and have at least one symbol . A decent example would be f8izKro@l . This will make it much harder for anyone to gain access to your accounts .
If you're using Outlook or Outlook Express , use the current version or one with the Outlook Security Update installed . The update and current versions patch numerous vulnerabilities .
Buy antivirus software and keep it up to date . If you're not willing to pay , try Grisoft AVG Free Edition ( Grisoft Inc . , www .grisoft .com ) . And doublecheck your AV with the free , online-only scanners available at