In addition to updating and using what you currently have you may want to
consider the following:
Use a Firewall -
I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer.
Without a firewall your computer is succeptible to being hacked and taken
over. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk
greatly. Here are some free and evalutation versions that provide
better security than the Windows Firewall.
For a tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some other available ones see the
link below:
Understanding and Using Firewalls
Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will
added a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings
that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.
A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware
Install Winpatrol -
Use Winpatrol to
take control of your PC and provide another layer of security.
Help file and tutorial can be found Here
Block unwanted parasites with a custom hosts file -
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently -
It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly
or set your computer to receive automatic updates. This will ensure your
computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your
computer. If there are new updates to install, install them immediately,
reboot your computer, and revisit the site until there are no more critical
updates.
Update all of your Anti-Malware programs
regularly - Make sure
you update all the programs I have listed and the ones you are currently
running regularly. Without regular updates you Will
Not be protected when new
malicious programs are released.
Keep your applications up to date -
Use Secunia
Personal Software Inspector to
help stay on top of application updates that could leave your PC vulnerable to
attack.
I'll leave the thread open a few days in case you have questions or issues.
Regards,