1. Setup Windows Automatic Updates to get the lattes patches as they are released. New exploits are found all of the time and to make sure you're protected, sign up for Microsoft's Automatic Update.

2. Put your computers behind a NAT router. Even if you only have 1 computer, it's a good idea to put a router between you and the rest of the world. A router provides Network Address Translation (NAT), meaning your computer is assigned an IP by the router, but only the router knows your internal address. The rest of the world sees the routers external public IP only.

3. Turn off HTML or preview pane in your Email client. Viruses can spread by opening an HTML page right in your Email. Turn off HTML in you’re email program and especially the preview pane.

4. If you don’t have a router be sure to have a firewall running. The next best thing to a NAT router is a firewall. Prevent malicious scripts from sending and receiving without your permission.

5. Have an updated anti-virus program running all times. Do a weekly check to make sure you're free of any trouble.

6. Update then run two different anti-spyware programs once a week. Since some catch things others might miss, we suggest running two it is better to be safe then sorry.

7. Use WPA encryption with a hard password on routers. If all of your computers and Internet appliances support it, be sure to run WPA on your router.

8. Public Internet access can be sniffed and passwords stolen. Public and hotel Internet access is great. But always assume someone is sniffing your packets.