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The most important Windows tasks.

Keep Windows up-to-date!
Some viruses depend on those who don't update!
Unpatched / Unprotected Windows XP PCs connected to the Internet will last for
only about 20 minutes before it's compromised by malware or virus.

Microsoft Windows Update Center Here

Virus Alerts!
Routinely Updated

Also See Hoaxes
Such as:
"JDBGMGR" virus hoax and "Columbia Shuttle pictures" hoax

Free Virus Check

Outlook Express Tips

Outlook Express email users

Do not automatically view incoming e-mails:
One good reason to do this is: Viruses can bite you just by viewing e-mail.
Simply click on VIEW, LAYOUT, and uncheck SHOW PREVIEW PANE.
Using the Preview Pane can automatically load a virus!... like the Bagle.Q 
Also, when you are sent a web page address, it no longer automatically loads a link and puts a cookie on your system. (Cookies are used for good and bad reasons) At least you now have a choice.

To block e-mail:
Highlight the email without opening it.
On the tool bar, click the word "Message" then "Block Sender"

To Un-block (if you blocked your someone by mistake):
Hit "Tools", "Message Rules", "Blocked Senders List", and remove the blocked email.

Rules for incoming messages
  Most e-mail programs also allow you to set up rules for incoming messages. Using a tool such as the Rules Wizard in Outlook Express, for instance, you could set up a rule that all incoming messages with the body text "See you later" is moved to a separate folder, where you can easily delete any suspicious entries.

Email Security Zone
If you receive an email message that contains script code, it may be able to harm your system by running a damaging routine.
Solution...
I strongly recommend that you set email viewing to the Restricted zone using the following procedure:
Start Outlook Express.
Select Tools / Options and click the Security tab.
In the Security Zones section, set the zone to "Restricted sites".
Click OK to accept your changes.

Note: Problems with Outlook Express Spell Checker? Go Here

AntiVirus Software

Top Commercial Software - $39 to $60 

PC-cillin
Low Complaints
(A little Bloated)

4 FREE AntiVirus Programs to choose from.
They all are good - Pick just one.

No excuse not to protect your PC!
Best detection review: Avira AntiVir
Auto updates and email scanning (in and out)!

AVG 

avast! Home Edition

Avira AntiVir

Microsoft Security Essentials

Most Popular

New Installer with AVG 8.5 / 8.30
After the small installer downloads it will download the software.
Checks email

Un-Install Previous
Version First

Note the "Free" When installing.
I uncheck the AVG toolbar add-on. We don't need any more stink'n toolbars!

About 70mb

AVG's New Version 9 Here

New version of avast! antivirus kernel features outstanding detection abilities, together with high performance.
You can expect 100% detection of In-the-Wild viruses and very good detection of Trojan horses.
Checks email

The home edition is free with yearly registration renewal sent via email.
Key can be used on 3 computers

About 30mb

Get avast! HERE
or at
Download.com

Virus protection to home-users only. Avira offers: Extensive Malware Recognition of viruses, Trojans, backdoor programs, worms, etc. Automatic incremental updates of antivirus signatures, engine and entire software. Permanent virus protection, with Virus Guard real time monitoring.

Real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. 

Simple to install, easy to use, and always kept up to date. It’s easy to tell if your PC is secure — When the icon is green, you’re good. It’s that simple. 

Runs quietly in the background so that you are free to use your PC without interruptions or long wait times.
Does not check email

About 9mb

Get Microsoft Security Essentials

Installing AntiVirus / READ BELOW FIRST

You should not install two antivirus programs (they sometimes fight each other). After download new AV program, Un-install the one you have now ,through Add-Remove Programs, in Control Panel.
1. Download the new AntiVirus program and save it to your desktop (Don't install yet).
2. Un-install old AntiVirus program!
3. Install new AntiVirus program, from your saved location.

So, with one of the above programs for virus protection, Zone Alarm for your firewall (If you don't have a hardware firewall, like a router) and MalwareBytes for extra spyware protection, you're in good shape.
 ...and for free! No excuse not to protect your PC

What is a rootkit?

Rootkits are a specific type of malware which hide in other applications or a computer‘s operating system kernel. They allow malicious applications to collect passwords and sensitive data from the infected computer without the user’s knowledge, this can be used for personal information theft, spam relay and other criminal activities.

A set of software tools intended to conceal running processes, files or system data from the operating system. Rootkits have their origin in benign applications, but in recent years have been used increasingly by malware to help intruders maintain access to systems while avoiding detection. Rootkits exist for a variety of operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows, Apple Macintosh[1] [2] , Linux and Solaris. Rootkits often modify parts of the operating system or install themselves as drivers or kernel modules.

Manual Spyware Remover - First Pick

Manual Spyware/Malware Remover

MalwareBytes Spyware remover - Download / Free

Malwarebytes is a site dedicated to fighting malware. Malwarebytes has
developed a variety of tools that can identify and remove malicious software
from your computer. When your computer becomes infected, Malwarebytes
can provide the needed assistance to remove the infection and restore the
machine back to optimum performance.

Also can remove the well known Fake Malware "AntiVirus 360, XP, 2008,
2009, PersonalAntivirus, or ExtraAntivirus" .

Great Free Program!

One of the trends has been the dramatic increase in the number
of scareware or fake anti-virus programs, designed to fool people into believing they have a security problem (Viruses & Spyware).

Spybot Search & Destroy Download - Free

Software Publisher's Description 
Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of
adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can
clean program and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is
especially useful if you share your computer with other users.
Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included
file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For
advanced users, it allows you to fix registry inconsistencies related
to adware and to malicious program installations. The handy online
-update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current
and complete listings of adware, dialers, and other uninvited
system residents. 

Note: I would uncheck Tea-timer when you are installing. Some web
pages will not load if a harmless cookie is not loaded.

Automatic Spyware Remover

Keep Windows up-to-date!

Microsoft's Windows Defender - Free

For Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or 3.
Validation of legal Windows XP required.
Auto protect and auto updates

From Tom's Hardware:
"For active, real-time spyware protection, nothing beats Microsoft's free antispyware software. It only works with Windows XP/2000 and Windows Server 2003, but it works very well, it has proven to be exceptionally stable and very easy to use. It auto-updates and performs as well as, or better than, any other anti-spyware software we have tested at any price."

This program comes with Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Note: Although a good program, it can cause slow shut-downs and startups on Windows XP

Spyware depends on those who don't update!


Microsoft Windows Update Center Here

The Big Fix - Free
Especially Good for Operating Systems that are no longer supported by Microsoft
(Like Windows 98 & ME)

A program that can intelligently detect and correct all kinds of problems before they get a chance to mess up your computer. With BigFix, you are automatically protected from bugs, security holes, and problems caused by outdated software, letting you do more and crash less. Great auto-updater.
Updates all versions of Windows, Updates Microsoft Office, Popular anti-virus programs, security patches and more.

Learn about this program and download
Go Here

Many Internet users have received fraudulent emails requesting that they submit sensitive personal information by email, fax, or on a fraudulent Web sites (Like: "Update your credit card information before your service expires in 5 days"). These emails are fake and are set up by criminals to steal your personal information. If in doubt, call your provider.

Example of fraudulent email:
"Dear Earthlink valued customer, 
We have noticed that an un-authorized access attempt was made to your account at www.earthlink.net. Our security software has blocked access from the intruder to your account, but the un-authorized user's attempt managed to replace the password on your account. 

The password has been restored for mail and internet access, however the intruder may still be able to get access to your account and or any personal information that you might have used with your account.

To avoid further problems with your account such as credit-card number, or personal information loss we advise you to replace the password to your account as soon as possible. 

*To change your password, click the button below. 

*Earthlink.net has no responsibility or liability if your information is lost or stolen if you decide to leave your password the same or elect not to change it per our request."

eBay PayPal
Spot phony e-mail. 

The e-mail may look genuine, it even sports the right logos and live links to eBay, but it's really a phishing scam designed to steal your identity.

Neither eBay nor its PayPal subsidiary will ever send you e-mail with live links inside it, says eBay's Jim Griffith, dean of eBay Education. So no matter how real they may look, be aware that any PayPal or eBay e-mail containing live links is an outright fake (also known as spoof e-mail).

Think before you click. Never click the live link inside such e-mail; if you want to check your account status, manually type eBay or PayPal's address into your browser and log on normally.

These additional tips may also be useful:
1. NEVER send your password, credit card number, secret word, or PIN in an email.

2. When you receive an email that directs you to a Web page, be careful. Criminals may use links that actually redirect you to a different Web page from the address that appears in the email. Always type the Web address directly into the address bar of your Web browser before visiting a site that asks you to submit personal information.

3. If you think you may have already submitted sensitive information in response to a fraudulent email, please contact your bank and/or credit card company immediately.

Here is a copy of the fraudulent email and Earthlink's reply (Text format)

What is Phishing and Pharming? (Details)
This involves creating a replica of a legitimate web page to hook users and trick them into submitting personal or financial information or passwords.

Dangerous Keyword Searches
Which is the most dangerous keyword to search for using public search engines these days? It’s “screensavers” with a maximum risk of 59.1 percent, according to McAfee.

Upon searching for 2,658 unique popular keywords and phrases across 413,368 unique URLs, McAfee’s research concludes that "lyrics" and anything that includes ‘free” has the highest risk percentage of exposing users to malware and fraudulent web sites. The research further states that the category with the safest risk profile are health-related search terms.

Note:

Some Internet Search Results are EXE Files!
It has been shown that some Google results can actually be links to executable files that could infect your machine with viruses or spyware from simply clicking them. Please make sure to take a second and check before you click.

Quickly checks the security of your computer's connection to the Internet.
Without your knowledge or explicit permission, the Windows networking technology, which connects your computer to the Internet, may be offering some or all of your computer's data to the entire world at this very moment!
Click on Common Port check and then do All Service Ports check.
Shields UP! Check Your Security Here! (Link)