Everybody accessing the Internet is exposing his computer to many risks.

The following guideline applies for Windows Systems in private use (single workstation).

The danger is coming from viruses, worms, computer attacks through
port scanners and trojan horses, which enter the computer invisible
and are spying data, modify, or delete data, or popping up
undesired windows ...

To obtain a high level of security, one should follow a security concept
based on the following key points:
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1. Close security holes of the operating system through download of
   Security Updates :
   (this by using Internet Explorer) at  http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
   (Check frequently for important updates)

2. Install a good Antivirus Software and perform updates frequently.
   Make sure, the program checks mail body and attachments.
   (Update at least once per week).

3. Use a good Firewall to prevent entrance of "undesired visitors".

4. Disable JAVA, JAVA-SCRIPT and ACTIVE-X in your browser.
    - Some scripts may disable security functions!
   Use these options only, if required by the application, and
   if you are on a site you can trust!
   (Caution: Java-Script is considered to be secure, but this is not true,
   as many Java-script viruses are circulatiing on the WEB).
   Disabling these functions reduce the versatility of your browswer,
   but this should be accepted in order to minimize risks.
   If you are on a page you can trust, you may enable the functions.
   You have to find the best balance between functionability and risk.   
   Furthermore, it is wise to prevent the use of Microsoft IE and Outlook Express
   and use safer browsers as Netscape (Mozilla) or Opera products, as viruses attack the
   Microsoft products first ...
    - I recommend the FIREFOX as most secure browser. Available here.

5. Run SpySweeper from time to time to detect and remove Spy- and Adware programs.
   Many programs include Spyware components which install automatically with
   the program installation. Therefore I recommend to run Spysweeper after all
   other program installations.
   Spysweeper can be downloaded free at this location:
   http://www.spyware-removal.com/

6. Disable File- and Printer sharing option in Windows.

7. IMPORTANT: Your operating practices.
    Most antivirus program serve little, if your behaving in the Internet is wrong!
    When downloading programs and files, never install directly or open them
    before checking them with the antivirus program.
    (For NORTON antivirus:  Right-click the directory and click on "analize with antivirus"
    and see the result.)
    Most antivirus programs do not check automatically your downloads!
    Furthermore:
    Check all diskettes and CDs that you receive with the antivirus program
    before opening or installing them!

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You can test the security setting of your computer by performing
a free security scan
at:   http://security.symantec.com
there:
       - Test your computer
       - Security Scan: START
       - wait for completion of test
       - read exactly all results, if necessary, change setting
         of the firewall and run test again.

Absolute security is not possible, but using these guidelines,
together with careful operating (don't open e-mail attachments of
unknown source, scanning all downloads before opening), the risk
is minimized.

The following programs provide a high level of security, if
installed properly und updated frequently:

Antivirus:  AVG Antivirus free
: Save downloads and email attachment before opening them.
Then scan the download with AVG.
(This function is done automatically in the price versions).

Or.
NORTON ANTIVIRUS
Download of a Trialware or Buy package.
At:  http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/downloads/index.html
 
Firewall: SYGATE Personal Firewall Version 5.5 or 5.6
SYGATE has been aquired by SYMANTEC (Norton) and they
decided to terminate distribution of SYGATE (very sad) .....  
Download and use is free (if still avaialable).
At: http://www.tucows.com/preview/213160 

To both programs applies:
Correct setting of options is important for proper function.
This requires some time to study, but this time is well invested.
All firewalls and antivirus software are worthless, if not properly configured!

For Windows XP I recommend highly the use of XP-ANTISPY.
Download and use is free.
Version 3.9x
Bei:    http://www.xp-antispy.org/
Download of: V3.9x (latest version)
Important: The options have to be activated after installation!
- SpySweeper does not replace XP-Antispy.
SpySweeper deletes Spyprograms, XP-Antispy makes computer settings.

Further actions and Utilities:
-   Windows Configuration: disable not required services to suppress
    transmission/receiption of unnecessary network traffic, as
    e.g. automatic update (perform update manually), information services,
    NETBIOS, universal PnP etc.
-   Use RegCleaner to control and edit programs which load
    automatically at Windows Start  (Startup List).
    Free download e.g. at:
     http://www.worldstart.com/weekly-download/archives/reg-cleaner4.3.htm
-   Use SpySweeper as indicated above, download at:
     http://www.spyware-removal.com/

Surely, there are other programs too, but I made good experience
using the above ones.

Wishing you good success

with best regards
              Felix Meyer  HB9ABX