1.      Antivirus - Make sure you not only install an antivirus application but that you actually scan your PC at regular intervalls.  We have some links to free antivirus software here.

2.     Update - Make sure you keep your antivirus, operating system, browser, java and email software updated.

3.    Use a Firewall - A firewall will help to protect your computer from unauthorised access and prevent data being sent from your PC without your knowledge.  Spend a little time learning how to configure your firewall it will be worth it - a good tutorial/guide for the windows xp firewall is here.

4.    Install Windows Defender - Microsoft now have their own free malicious software blocking and removal tool with realtime protection, you can get it here.

5.     'Lock down ActiveX' - ActiveX is very useful but it is also a serious security risk if left unmanaged.  

• Open Internet Explorer and go to the Tools menu, select Internet Options > Security > Internet, and press Custom Level - a new box will appear.
• Scroll down to the ActiveX section, and make sure that the following two options are set to prompt.

a.   "Download signed ActiveX controls"

b.   "Download un-signed ActiveX controls"

•   Next scroll down to "Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe for scripting" and make sure this is set to disable.
  

6.    Be careful when downloading  -  Not all is what it seems!  Often so called free software comes complete with a mass of bundled add-on's.  These add-on's could severely disrupt your PC and give you numerous headaches.  Make sure you carry out a little bit of research (use the internet) to make sure you are only downloading reputable software.  Be very careful with regard to Peer-to-peer (P2P) programs, Kazaa, BearShare, etc - a lot of the files served on P2P networks are likely to be infected. Run a virus-checker on them before you open them!