However, there is a way that you can protect the security of your computer
without spending all your spare time installing updates, doing research, and
generally becoming a PC security expert. Use a firewall system that’s the closest at hand. The reputation of a website, service, or product in the computer industry is just about worthless. Yesterday’s best spyware cleaner, virus checker, spam buster, ad blocker, or firewall is today’s bust.

So how do you select a good security product if you can’t go by reputation? One answer is to use the tools you have already. Windows’ security has been roundly criticized, but the fact is that it’s better than it used to be, and besides, third party security products have their own set of shortcomings.

The fact is that all third party security tools complicate your setup. Although
it’s not difficult to find weaknesses in the Windows Firewall, it’s safe enough
for most PC users, and it’s far better than not using a software firewall at
all. Here are some other PC security tips:

• Don’t hesitate to try another free antivirus program. If something
is slowing down your system, and you have defragged the hard drive and did all the other standard maintenance tasks and the machine’s performance still didn’t improve as much as you expected it to, maybe it’s time for a new antivirus tool. The new and old new programs are both free, and the switch doesn’t take much time to complete. You may find that your machines performance will pick p immediately.

• Change your password often. One of the simplest ways to protect yourself
is by changing your password often. There is absolutely nothing better as it
is cheap, easy and quick. Many people use password managers, however, you then have yet another software application by a third party making matters complicated again. It is usually just easier to come up with a new password that is based on your own unique system and you should share it with  nobody. There is no need to write it down, enter it in an online form, or encrypt it in a password master file.

• Use encryption for secure email. Encrypting email is anything but easy.
The recipient and you have to deal with public and private keys, digital certificates, and any number of other time eating precautions and preparations.

• The easiest way encrypt your email is to use an email service which
does this for you automatically. Each service has a different set of steps to
set up encrypted mail but it is worth learning.

• Keep your browser updated. Your browser should automatically provide
you with updates but some may not so you should go to the browsers website and download the updates on a regular basis. The updated browser will have the latest security update and it is always a matter of keeping one step ahead of the Internet bad guys.