Here’s a quick checklist to make sure your computer is protected from hackers, viruses and spyware:

1.Firewall your PC – a firewall is a software program or piece of hardware that helps to keep hackers and viruses from reaching your computer over the internet. A firewall is essential.

2.Keep your software up to date to take advantage of built-in protections

3.Install antivirus software

4.Install antispyware software

Viruses are computer programs deliberately designed to corrupt your computer, to delete data or spread themselves to other computers.

Here are some of the signs that your PC may have a virus:

Your computer is sluggish and takes longer than usual to perform routine tasks
Your computer stops responding or locks up
You receive unusual error messages

Tips to protect yourself
Viruses are easily spread through attachments in email or may be disguised as attachments of greeting cards or audio or video files. They can also be spread via internet downloads.
Don’t open email attachments unless you know who it’s from and you were expecting it. If you don’t know, delete it.
Install and update antivirus software regularly

Spyware is software that can collect personal information, track your movements on the internet or change the configuration of your computer, usually without your consent.

Here are some of the signs that you may have spyware or other uninvited software on your computer:

Tips to protect yourself

Only download if you know you can trust a site
Read the security warnings, licensing agreements and privacy statements before you download
Never click “Agree” or “OK” to close a pop-up. Click the red “X” in the top corner
Be careful of “free” music and movie sharing
Download and install anti-spyware protection

Further reading:

4 Steps to Protect Your Computer, Microsoft, viewed 16 May,2007, http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/default.mspx

Home PC Firewall Guide, viewed 16 May, 2007, http://www.firewallguide.com/