| Setup a limited user account and use that to work and surf from, that keeps bad programs from jacking your access rights. Never use Internet Explorer (well, only to install another browser - make sure you get it from the official site, there are so many underhanded browser/utility download sites there.) Install the adblock plugin on Firefox MS Security essentials is good use Malware Bytes - it will catch a lot of stuff. When in doubt (especially on suspicious messages,) do nothing, shut down and reboot. Be prepared to wait a lot for updates to complete If you can avoid outlook, go with Thunderbird, otherwise be wary of emails (addresses are hidden) Turn "on" view all file extensions in folder options. Be very wary on installer dialogs, some have checkboxes you need to uncheck to not install additional unwanted things, others frontload installers for unwanted apps ahead of the main installer, etc. Make sure you keep acrobat, flash, office, java, etc. updated. If you don’t just click on any link you will be fine for the most part, a lot of the traps are crafted to get the rubes, be careful on clickbait. |