• Lay the protective groundwork. Follow step-by-step instructions tailored to your operating system to use a firewall, install antivirus software, and updates.
• Set an antivirus program to actively scan all incoming files and e-mail attachments before you open them. Remember every antivirus program is unique, so consult the manual or online help for instructions. Popular options are Norton Antivirus and McAfee.
• Use a spam filter. Many e-mail programs offer filters that can help block unwanted messages. Again, each is unique so consult the manual. Mail Frontier Desktop is my choice here. It is a great junk mail filter and will protect you from Phishing scams.
• Install and run anti-adware and spyware tools. Consider Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware if you’re running Windows XP or free anti-spyware software from other companies.

• Keep your operating system current automatically. Visit Windows Update to confirm that you have Automatic Updates turned on, and that you've downloaded and installed all the latest critical releases. Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 in particular includes security features that can help protect your computer against harmful downloads.
• For Mac users, OS X can download software updates automatically, ensuring that you stay current with the latest security patches and software releases directly from Apple.
• Regularly download the latest anti-spyware and antivirus updates, and then scan your computer right away. To do this, subscribe to the program's update service. You can set most of these programs to actively—even automatically—monitor for and help stop spyware and virus intrusions.
• Keep all of your applications up to date. If you've installed Microsoft Office, visit Office Update regularly to make sure you've installed the latest security releases. If you use Outlook as your e-mail program, you get the added bonus of the latest protection against spam.

• Never open attachments in e-mail or instant messages from strangers. If you know the sender, but the message arouses your suspicions, check before you open the attachment. If they did not send it, don’t open it.
• Don't click links in pop-up windows and banner ads. Be especially wary of clicking a link that accompanies a request for confidential information.
• Do not click “Agree,” “OK,” or “I accept” to get rid of a pop-up, an unexpected warning, or even an offer to remove spyware. Instead, close the window by clicking the “X” in the upper-right corner of the dialog box, or by pressing Alt+F4 on your keyboard for Windows, or Apple + W on the Mac.

• Be cautious about downloading from a website if you were referred there by e-mail from an unknown source. Also be wary if the site contains objectionable material, makes offers that seem too good to be true, or does not include a clearly written privacy statement.

If you follow these simple guidelines you shouldn’t have any trouble keeping your computer running smoothly.

Have a computer or technology-related question for Joe? E-mail your question to: askjoe@ericksonmail.com.