If you have spent anytime on a computer, then you have probably had to deal with threats such as these.
I've always said that computers are great when they are working.
But probably eighty percent of computer problems are self inflicted.
Folks either open themselves up for exploitation or they trash their own systems unwittingly.
I've had a well running windows computer for eight years.
This is well beyond the typical life cycle of a computer.
But I've kept it clean of viruses and spyware and will show you how I do it.
Let's start with a simple rule of thumb.
If you want a working system, don't let your kids play on it.
I'm serious.
Whether they are younger or teenagers, they will kill your computer.
Do yourself a favor and go buy them a cheap computer that they can use.
If they are young, use parental controls.
If they are older, lay down the ground rules.
A simple one is, "You trash it, you fix it.
" That will keep them responsible.
Oh yeah, password protect your own computer.
Because once they break their computer, they will head for yours.
If you're really sneaky, you could use biometrics for the login.
And now I get to have a little catharsis for all those download-a-holics out there.
Probably the number one reason people get infected with all sorts of spyware and malware is downloads.
If you get tempted to download a free smilie emoticon pack, back away.
Always ask yourself why someone would give something away.
If you have to have downloads, go to a reputable place like download.
com.
They have tons of free stuff that isn't laden with viruses and so forth.
Wallpapers are another good hook for people to install crazy toolbars and shopping trackers.
Anti virus software is a must, but it's not the end all.
There are now some very good free packages out there that work well.
But if you go off the beaten path and install things from sites, then you can expect bad things.
Heck, now you can simply visit pages off the beaten path and potentially get viruses if you have an unpatched system.
If you do these simple things, you should have a clean system.
Yes, you may occasionally get some malware, but you can always clean that with Spybot S&D.
These simple strategies have kept my system clean for eight years.