Securing Your Windows PC

An unprotected computer can be detected and compromised in less than 6 seconds.  For that reason, you need to secure your computer before connecting it to the Internet. Here are some tools & methods that can help. Click on a section heading for more information.

Install Router (if not on dial-up)

• If wireless you must configure!

Use Secure User Accounts

• Passwords
• Disable unused accounts

Install Firewall

• Sygate (bought by Symantec - No longer supported, but a good firewall)
• ZoneAlarm
• Outpost
• Windows XP Firewall

Patch Windows (& Office)

• Automatic Updates
• Autopatcher
• HFNetChk

Install Anti-Virus

• AVG
• AntiVir
• Avast! Home
• Microsoft Security Essentials Beta
• PC Tools
• Comodo Internet Security
• ClamWin

Spyware Protection & Removal

• Spybot - Search & Destroy
• Ad-Aware
• Windows Defender
• Malwarebytes
• SpywareBlaster
• IE SpyAd
• HijackThis
• CWShredder
• LSPFix

Firefox - Internet Explorer alternative
Thunderbird - Outlook Express alternative
Both available from Mozilla.com

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