Software I install to protect my computer online

I am no expert on computer security, but since I've installed these measures my computers have yet to be infected by a worm or virus, and I find I get less spyware and only the tracking tracking cookie type.

Here are the steps in the order I take them when I (re)install windows on a home PC.

* Get a firewall. (I use Zone Alarm personal) This isn't the easiest to use product in the world, but it should be straightforward to anyone with a fair amount of computer experience.

* Get an Anti-Virus product. (I use AVG Free Edition) This program is a real snap to setup.

* Get Service Pack 2 if running Windows XP.

* Get all outstanding windows updates and do this regularly or automatically.

* Get a web browser that isn't Internet Explorer (I use firefox).

* Get software to help defend against Spyware, multiple tools work better then just one. (I use Spybot-SD, Ad-Aware & Spyware Blaster.)

All of this software can be downloaded for free.

Tags: security, windows, install, software