How To Prevent a Computer Virus

Windows 2000 and 98 are two of the most unsecure operating systems ever
created having among the most exploits, hacks, security holes and
vulnerabilities of any other operating system between them and yet I
haven't had a virus (or spyware) for years using them (I still use
Window 2000 on my primary system because I am cheap and lazy bastard).

Here is how I prevent computer viruses (including all malware and
spyware) from getting on ANY of my systems.

1. Use NAT & Firewall

What is NAT?

NAT stands for network address translation. It is used to hide your "real" IP Address (IP address is your computer's Internet home address) from the world. It can also allow you to have many computers using the same "real" IP address.

Many routers you buy will offer NAT with a firewall. Just make sure you use both NAT and any available firewall on your network. As a security guy, I will be the first to tell you that a firewall alone is not going to solve all of your problems and if you have bad habits (which we will touch on) it will not solve ANY of your problems. Many security people get nauseated when guys like me mention firewalls and NAT as a form of security but realistically if you don't want to spend a lot of time messing with security your best bet is a firewall and NAT.

*note: while some criminal hackers can easily get by your Linksys/netgear Bestbuy/Walmart firewall, most of these select few elite individuals will be dumb & desparate enough to take the time to hack your pathetic little box when they can just hack your neighbor computer who has no protection.

2. Be Security Aware & Update Often.

I'm not saying you should be a computer security geek like me but when
you see those annoying Windows Updates (or firefox/internet explorer or
unix/linux updates or whatever the case maybe) make sure you read them
and update when necessary. Now, if you are updating without protection (
i.e. a firewall) you run the risk of downloading some really, really
nasty stuff that are best fixed with a format (or erase of your entire
system and Operating System reload).

3. Use Firefox

Although firefox does have minor and major security issues it doesn't
have nearly the level of issues that some of the versions of Internet
Explorer has. Microsoft has issued IE 7.x which prove to be many times
more secure, however right now Firefox has won me over as it is not only
pretty secure for my needs, but also very stable.

4. Watch where you surf & Download

This is pretty important. No amount of security is going to help you if
you are downloading stuff from malicious sites. Some sites to be cautious
of are: Serial, software cracking, warez, screensaver and Pr0n sites.

5. Install some anti-virus/anti-spam BEFORE the problem starts

There are a few decent anti-virus and anti-spam software services that I recommend.

Adaware SE Personal 1.06

Spybot Search and Destroy

I recommend buying either of these great products.