See the AdAware section, although you ought to pay attention to everything
else as well:
*** Good security housekeeping tips, in no particular order: ***
* See
http://securityadmin.info/faq.htm
* Go to
www.lavasoftusa.com and download AdAware...install, launch, update &
run it. This will rid your computer of spyware/adware.
* Use antivirus software (
www.grisoft.com has a freebie) and update it
regularly - at least once a week; daily if possible.
* Use a good firewall to block access to your computer from the Internet
(
www.sygate.com is a decent freebie for a standalone workstation; hardware
appliances are a better choice for networks).
* Get a popup blocker to stop IE popups, such as
www.panicware.com (they
offer a free one)
* Run Windows Update regularly (
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com) to get
all the latest patches for your operating system.
* See
http://www.mvps.org/inetexplorer/Darnit.htm for lots of information on
browser hijacking and how to stop it
* Do not use Imesh or Kazaa any other peer-to-peer file sharing software,
ever.
* Do not use Hotbar.
