If your one of the few here is some basic security advice , hints and details of software that can help keep your pc safe and secure, but best of all its all totally free

Firstly make sure your operating software is up to date , if running windows Xp then make sure that you enable the automatic update facility in your windows control panel, that way you will always be up to date as Microsoft releases security patches every week

Make sure that you have windows SP2 installed as this has more security that lower versions and includes a built in firewall; this is a basic defence against hackers the only problem with this is as its basic Microsoft Windows version hackers can now get around it but it's a good start

Download any of the free anti virus programs such as Kaspersky or my favourite AVG , these are not as proactive as some of the more well know pay software versions such as MacAfee or Norton but are still very reliable, offer email scanning and are not as prone to false alarms

Next I would download the Windows Defender from Microsoft but if you do decide to download this software make sure you have a valid key for your copy of Windows because if you don't Defender will not install

A very good piece of software aimed at spyware is Super Antispyware this is a very effective spyware scanner or you could choose to use the AVG antispyware software to complement you virus protection, but I have found the Super Antispyware to be a superior product

Then you need some form of Adware scanner and I have found nothing comes close to Ad Adware SE in my view its one of the best , the only difference I can find between the paid for and the free version is live monitoring in the background which the paid version does

Spyware blaster is another piece of software that can help by blocking known spyware sites from with internet explorer although I have not had a great deal of success with this software

Another simple step is to make sure that you regularly clear your cache including all those nasty little cookies that trace you surfing on the internet and make sure you do regularly house cleaning on your PC such as cleaning up the hard drive with the Windows tools

Last but not least make sure you keep all your software updated especially the security programs mentioned above and also your Windows version and including your Office software to cover any recently found security flaws

But most all make sure you scan your pc at least once per week most of the programs listed above will scan your pc at scheduled times without you having to do a thing

A simple search on Google using the names I have mentioned will direct you to all the software mentioned above, but best of all they are all FREE so there's no excuse to take any risks out there on the internet