No computer is ever safe from a true experienced hacker determined to get in, but the following programs will help secure your computers.
One of the most important things to do is to keep your computer up to date. I cant stress that enough. As soon as exploits/holes are found out in an operating system, programs come out soon afterwards which make it easier for hackers to get in. Update your computer as soon as new updates come out!
Either use the shortcut in your Start folder that says something along the lines of "Windows Update", or go to the following link
Windows Update
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Also, its important to keep your computer free of viruses/trojans. This is accomplished by using a Virus protection program that is UP TO DATE. If you dont have one, or are using an expired Virus protection program that requires money to update, then click the next link for a free virus protection program. The download for it is at the bottom of the page when the link opens.
AVG Anti-Virus Software, FREE
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After those two, comes keeping your computer free of spyware & malware. This is accomplished by using additional free software. I recommend both Ad-aware and Spybot. Using one of them is good, but both using both will ensure that all spyware/malware is detected.
For Ad-aware, go here.
For Spybot: Search & Destroy, go here, and click Download Now at the top of the page.
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For users with a little bit more knowledge with computers, you could also try running a firewall. There are a couple of free firewalls out there, you might try Zone Alarms Firewall by going here, then clicking Download & Buy, then Zone Alarm on the righthand side of the page, then FREE EDITION. This program enables you to allow/block which programs are allowed to access the internet.
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These programs will help you keep your computer safe, but theres one thing that will make all of there jobs worthless, and thats not using common sense. Dont give out your passwords(you should always use different passwords for different applications), and when you create email accounts, dont set up easy security questions. I would even recommend using at least two email accounts, one for regular emails, and another which you dont give out for registering products.
Hope this helps some of you keep your computers safer. Goodluck
)
Also:
Microsoft Antispyware
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
...And dump internet explorer. Go out with Firefox instead.
http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/
Internet explorer is a very big portal for windows exploits. Firefox may be less "versatile" but also it is safer. It blocks 99% popups and stops a lot more spyware and viruses than IExplore. Also, if you have kazaa, get rid of it. Kazaa for those of you who STILL don't know, is one of the biggest loading docks for malicious content.
...hehee ^_^