Microsoft is now coming to the party to help home users out for protecting their computers from viruses, hackers and spyware/adware(pop ups, unsolicited advertising etc), and it's all free!
The first thing is to check for upgrades for Windows, it will download any important security updates. Go to the following link below.
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
Once upgraded go to the Control Panel and open the Security Centre. Ensure the Firewall and Automatic Updates are turned on. If the Security Centre is not in the Control Panel you don't have Service Pack 2, you can run Windows Update to upgrade or see Microsoft's guide for turning on the Firewall with Service Pack 1. See the following link below.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283673#XSLTH3134121122120121120120
Computer Associates are offering Windows users a high quality anti-virus program with a 1 year subscription for free. Ensure you run a full scan after installation. Go to the following link below.
www.my-etrust.com/microsoft
Also if your sick of spyware/adware download Microsoft's Anti-Spyware. Ensure you run a full scan after installation. Go to the following link below.
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
If you following these few simple steps you will have the latest in Internet security and shouldn't have too many problems with viruses/hackers etc.
If you have your computers networked or use for business purposes it is advisable to seek help from a qualified computer technician.
Wez BryettWeb Developer New Business Mediahttp://www.nbm.com.au