Protecting yourself from viruses:
As you are reading this page you are obviously 'online'. Every computer you use 'online' should always have some form of 'ANTI VIRUS' software to protect your data from damaging Viruses. The ANTI VIRUS software is only as good as its last update though.
If you installed the software some time ago but haven't updated the database, then many new types of virus will not be detected. It is advisable to check for updates at least once a week or better still, enable the software to automaticlly update when new updates are available.

ANTI VIRUS software is usually pretty cheap but also comes in free versions:

AVGFree is regarded as one of the best FREE anti virus packages

Some noteworthy 'paid for' anti virus software are:

NOD32
Norton
McAfee
AVG

Protecting yourself from spyware and adware:
Spyware and Adware (also refered to as scumware) are different from viruses and infect your computer. Spyware symptoms can be 'popping up' unwanted annoying adverts whilst you browse and usually tracks your surfing habits. Spyware is when software is installed 'silently' without your permission. It is usually installed onto your computer from some forms of free software, most peer 2 peer (P2P) programs and other file sharing programs, some 3rd party toolbar add-ons amongst other things.
Many anti virus sotware packages have built in spyware protection but other programs can be downloaded.

Ad-aware
SpyChecker



Better web browsing:
All Windows PC's come with 'Internet Explorer' so most surfers use this for web browsing. As its market share is huge, there have been many vulnerabilities with Internet Explorer however. There are many excellent free alternatives though - a particular favourite of ours (and many others) is Firefox. By using Firefox, you avoid some exploits and vulnerabilities that Internet Explorer can/has had. Installing Firefox will not remove Internet Explorer nor make it not work and we certainly recommend at least trying it out.

View the Firefox website