So we’ve had a little look at some of the nasty stuff that can get on our computers and cause trouble, so what can and should we do to protect them? First of all, we need a..

Firewall

A firewall protects your computer from hackers gaining access to your computer – without one it’s like leaving all your windows and doors open – you might not be too surprised to find you get unwanted visitors!

If you have a DSL or Cable internet connection you may well have a router or wireless router which will act as a hardware firewall.

If you are connected to the internet directly via a modem, either DSL, Cable or Dial-up, you will need a software firewall.

If you are running Windows XP or Vista then it has a software firewall built in which is adequate, though you may like to install a third-party firewall for extra protection.

If you are running Windows 2000, Windows ME or even Windows 98, then you should install a Firewall.

One of the best firewalls in my opinion is the FREE version of Zone Alarm.

Just be careful when you’re installing it to choose the FREE version – it will try to get you to choose the trial PRO version. Don’t worry if you install this by mistake, you can always uninstall it and try again.

Once installed you will notice that it pops up quite regularly, (and annoyingly) to ask you if you want to allow this or that program to access the internet. It will quickly ‘learn’ though and after a while you will only get the occasional prompt.

Anti-virus

Essential, and if you don’t already have anti-virus software, you’re probably not reading this as your computer will be gloop.

ESET NOD32 is the one for me. It updates regularly, automatically, and doesn’t slow your machine like many other well-known products (e.g. Norton). And it works. It will set you back about €35 for a years subscription, but will save you a lot of trouble. The link is to the 30-day free trial version. DON’T forget to buy it after your month is up!

Anti-Spyware

There are several very good free anti-spyware products.
Lavasoft Adaware is one of them,and the rather dramatically named
Spybot – Search and Destroy another.
As I mentioned before, no one product will catch all spyware, so two are better than one.
If you are willing to pay a bit, I recommend Spysweeper which will do a superb job at keeping your machine safe.
UNDER no circumstances download or run a so-called FREE spyware scanner that may pop-up when you are browsing the internet. These are invariably spyware themselves.