Simple Security Suggestions

I've created a list of simple suggestions for Windows users. It is not in any particular order other than how my mind works! I hope it will be useful. These are some of the most common things that I see that people fail to do.

1) Install all windows updates & setup windows updates to install automatically. Upgrade to Windows 7 if you can.
2) Install a good anti-virus - Microsoft Security Essentials is free.
3) Be sure a firewall is turned on and configured - will talk about how to configure another time - use the default to start.
4) Put a password on your account - I see many people with no passwords.
5) Consider creating two accounts - one as the Administrator and one for the user. Then only use the Administrator account when you need to install new programs or updates. Use the "user" account for surfing the web, doing banking, etc.
6) If you are a more advanced user, consider using another browser than IE such as Mozilla's Firefox or Google Chrome.
7) More advanced users may also like such plugins as Noscript or Adblock to help control accidentally clicking on malicious sites.
8) If you must use Adobe Reader, be sure you are using the most recent version and that it updates automatically.
9) Other options are available to read PDF files, such as Foxit. Consider changing to another PDF reader as a lot of attacks are directed specifically at Adobe. If you decide to do that, uninstall Adobe. You don't want to just leave it sitting around on your computer!
10) Consider using opendns - go to www.opendns.com to find out how easy it is.
11) Consider banking on a computer that is not used for other kinds of internet browsing, if you have two computers. Also use a limited (non-administrator) account.
12) Don't use a cell phone for banking! I wouldn't put any credit card information over a cell phone.
13) Put a router between your modem (cable, DSL, etc) and your computer - it doesn't have to be a wireless router, but that may be the more economical choice. Most wireless routers will allow you to turn the wireless on or off. If you want to use the wireless, secure it! If you don't need it, turn it off!

Thirteen is a good number! This is not a bad start for any Windows user. If you are unable to do it yourself, ask a friend. Two heads working together are always better than one!!