Things to do first thing when you fire up your system.
1.) Manually update your virus protection.
2.) Check and see if there is an update for your software/ firmware firewall.
3.) Run your virus protection after checking for updates.
4.) Check and make sure your windows is up to date.
5.) If you are using another media player besides the one that came with windows check and see if there is an update.
What not to do.
1.) Never have the pre-view on in your E-mail.
2.) Never go to adult sites without extra protection like Adaware Plus--with Ad-Watch running in the background. Forget the free Adaware.
3.) Never open an attachment without first right clicking on it and doing a manual virus scan.
4.) If you use an instant messageing program and someone send to you a file scan it before you open it. Hitch hikers can attach themselves to it.
5.) Never store your credit card numbers on your system.
The biggest reason virus etc. do so much damage is the operator is just flat out lazy. They get a worm or worse and it sends itself to everyone in there E-mail box.
Weekly clean out all of your temp files/ cookies. XP users there are two levels. One in your brower under tools> internet options > clean out temp files--to include off line, cookies, and history. The other temp file you have to remove manually. First you must turn on "Show hidden folders."
Open Windows explorer > Tools > Folder Options > Place a check in show all hidden folders.
Path to the hidden temp files:
C:\Documents and Settings\
Your name\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files
Delete these.
Next path:
C:\Documents and Settings\
Your name\Local Settings\Temp
Delete these.
Remember you now can see all hidden files, so make sure when you delete something it is not a system file~~~If you delete what I said you will not have a problem...Again don't delete something you are not sure about...post a question first.
BTW My system is on 24/7 (I run a gaming voice server is why) and I have my system run my virus protection at 5 am everyday. Thing are getting crazy and until service patch 2 comes out (XP users) you need to stay on top of this.
Pineapple_Raye