Suzi Turner posted good tips, i also have added some…
New machine is booted up the first time and ready to go. It’s on the net. In this order, here’s what to do.
1. Update Windows immediately. In the Windows Security Center in the Control Panel turn on automatic download and installation for updates. Unless the computer came with a third party security suite or firewall, turn on the Windows XP firewall.
2. Update the pre-installed antivirus definitions and other security apps. Set them to auto update.
3. Download and install an alternative browser like Firefox or Opera.
4. Lockdown Internet Explorer. Yes, do it even if you use a different browser.
5. Install at least two anti-spyware apps. My top two recommended free apps are Ad-Aware and Microsoft AntiSpyware. Update definitions for both and turn on active protection in Microsoft AntiSpyware.
6. Install some free protective programs like SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard from Javacool Software.
7. Install IE-SPYAD, which puts nearly 20,000 known dangerous domains in IE’s restricted site zone.
8. Install a HOSTS file from here or here.
9. Watch what you download!
10. Use EULAlyzer to check an “end user license agreement” (EULA) before you install software to check for amazing provisions like it’s ok to spy on you.
11. Surf safe and practice safe hex.
