Essays
Keep Your Computer Safe the Easy Way
(updated May 2009)
This is a plain-talk guide to keeping your computer safe from infections. It is written for people who don't know much about computers. If you follow these tips, you'll be better off than most computer users, and even some computer experts.
Please send this page to everyone you know. They will thank you. I will update this page often with the latest tools and advice.
The problem
Viruses can damage your system, steal your private data, and cost you hundreds of dollars in repairs. They're everywhere, and millions of them are trying to get on your machine every day. And they're getting worse. Every four months I can literally see infections becoming more common, even on computers with a good antivirus program.
Keeping your computer safe from infection is a balance between security and convenience. You could be almost 100% secure if you switch from Windows to Linux, use a limited user account, or disconnect the internet. But those options are hugely inconvenient. My goal here is to make your computer very safe but still easy to use.
Antivirus
Your first line of defense is an antivirus program. (Most antivirus programs now also have anti-spyware and anti-malware protection, too.) By far the best free antivirus is Avira. Every day I work on computers that are badly infected even though Norton or McAfee is installed. Right away, Avira sees and removes the infections they missed.
If you pay for antivirus, you will get convenience features like automatic updates and email scanning. I recommend Avira Premium, Sunbelt Vipre, or Eset Nod32.
Avoid popular programs like Norton, McAfee, and Trend Micro. Many virus writers make sure their viruses get past these programs before releasing them into the wild. This is the best tip on antivirus I have. Don't use Norton, use Avira.
Also avoid programs that slow your computer down too much. Norton 360 and Webroot SpySweeper are the worst offenders I've seen.
Other tools
Several free tools I use every day are designed to remove infections that most antivirus programs don't catch. The two best ones are MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware and Super AntiSpyware. Once a week, open each program and click Update, then run a Quick Scan and remove all the infections.
One free tool that will protect your computer in real-time like an antivirus program is ThreatFire. Many such programs pop up constant warning messages, but ThreatFire is more useful. When it warns you of a threat, take it seriously. (And don't buy the Pro version in this case; it's no better.)
I don't recommend firewall software (except for the default Windows Firewall). A firewall will constantly pop up messages like “msiexec.exe is trying to access the registry. Would you like to allow it?” This is no help to the average user, who is only bewildered.
If you're using Windows Vista, you might want to disable User Account Control for the same reason: it constantly puts messages in your way that are no help to you anyway.
Stay safe
Prevention is better than a cure. Avoid infection in the first place by keeping some good but simple habits:
Super-popular programs like Internet Explorer and Outlook Express are particularly vulnerable, because virus writers know they can reach the most people if they spread their viruses through those programs. Use similar but less popular programs instead. Try Firefox or Opera for web browsing, and Thunderbird or Foxmail for email.
Keep everything updated. Click Start -> Control Panel -> Automatic Updates and make sure they download and install automatically. Any time you are prompted to update other programs, do so. Run the easy Secunia online scanner, which will help you update all your programs.
Don't click on anything when you don't know what it is. Many viruses pretend to be antivirus programs. One is called XP Antivirus 2008 and it will say, “You are infected with 253 viruses. Click here to remove them.” Do not click on it. Leave it alone and run your antivirus program and other tools. (Update them first.)
Be careful where you surf. Install McAfee Site Advisor and avoid any sites that show the red X symbol.
Don't open email attachments from people you don't know.
Most important, re-read this section every few weeks to remind yourself of these good habits.
Summary
With a few free tools and some good habits, keeping your computer 99% safe is pretty easy. Also, make friends with a computer geek. Call them up when you need help, and buy them a thank-you coffee every now and then. That's much cheaper than a $200 repair bill.