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Everyone online should have some form of currently updated antivirus software installed on their machine. Those with high-speed, always-on internet connections or who spend a lot of time online should also consider a firewall program in place of the minimal fuctionality of the Windows Firewall in XP (previous editions didn't even have this feature). Windows should always be kept up to date using Windows Update or Microsoft Update (updates Windows, Office and other Microsoft programs such as Visual Studio, Expression Studio, etc.).
Killer Download: The Big Three free security applications from cnet.com (2/13/08)
The Best Free Security and Spyware Software from cnet.com
Computer Security Overview from schoolcounselor.com.
Information about requirements to upgrade to Windows Vista OS can be found here .
10 Things You Shouldn't Do that Endanger Your Computer (from TechRepublic)
Online Virus Scanning (not a substitute for installed antivirus software, but a supplement, especially if you suspect your system has been compromised):
Symantec: http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/home.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=23&pkj=UQCKWFVYZZALEWNSWLW&bhcp=1
Computer Associates: http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/virusinfo/virus.aspx?id=50621
Microsoft Safety Center Scan: http://safety.live.com/site/en-US/default.htm
Trend Micro: http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ (also has CWShredder to remove Cool Web Search)
Other Online Tools:
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool: http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx
Microsoft Windows OneCare: http://www.windowsonecare.com/
Symantec Online Scanning: http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/home.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=23&pkj=UQCKWFVYZZALEWNSWLW&bhcp=1
Spyware/Adware Scanning/Removal Programs (Free):
Microsoft Windows Defender (formerly Windows Anti-Spyware):
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
Spybot Search & Destroy: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html
Adaware: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
Avast! 4 Home Edition: http://www.avast.com/eng/free_software.html
Other Tools:
Microsoft Base-Line Security Analyser:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/tools/mbsa2/default.mspx
Belarc Advisor (will tell you more than you wanted to know about your computer):
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
Useful Sites:
http://www.pcworld.com/
http://www.zdnet.com/
http://www.cnet.com/
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