How to keep worms/trojans/virii/adware away

I am totally sick of those specially since I upgraded to windows xp. I want
one final and concrete solution, can any one help?

1. Patch, patch, patch. Get the latest security updates installed and stay
updated via Windows Updates.

2. Firewall. You've got one built into Windows XP. Turn it on. Consider
adding a third-party firewall since the XP firewall only blocks incoming
probes, whereas third-party firewalls will block both incoming and outgoing
connections.

3. If you have a direct, "always-on" Internet connection like cable or DSL,
consider investing in a router for added protection.

4. Practice safe computing. Spyware and viruses can only get into your
system if you let them in. Visiting shady web sites or opening attachments
will give them free reign on your system.

5. Invest in antivirus software and get one of the freeware adware/spyware
cleaners like AdAware from http://www.lavasoftusa.com/ - but don't depend on
these to keep your sandbox clean. Any new exploit, virus or worm may be
able to get in for anywhere from eight to twenty-four hours even if you
religiously update your protection ... which is why this tip is #5 and "safe
computing" is tip #4. :-)

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x] rgharper@email.com
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"Wael" <Wael@mico.com> wrote in message
news:%23x0PNv7XEHA.3716@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> I am totally sick of those specially since I upgraded to windows xp. I
want
> one final and concrete solution, can any one help?
>
>