Keep Up-to-Date

To stay in shape, you have to exercise regularly and eat right. And just like your body, your computer needs a good fitness routine to protect it from new viruses, spyware, and other potential security risks.

Keep your operating system up-to-date, and do the same for your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs, by using the updates routinely provided by the software manufacturers that developed the technology products you are using. In addition, you should regularly update any software you use for e-mail, online gaming, Web browsing (if you use Microsoft Internet Explorer, it is updated as part of Microsoft Windows), or other Internet activities.

Keep your operating system up-to-date

Newer operating systems are more secure than older ones, and they are designed to help you keep your computer up-to-date more easily. If you use Windows Vista, Windows XP, or Windows 2000, for example, you can turn on Automatic Updates. Just pick a time that is convenient for you, make sure your computer is running then, and the system will keep itself current.

Older operating systems, such as Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Me, were designed and built before the Internet became popular. As a result, they don't have built-in security to protect them from viruses, spyware, and other online threats. Microsoft no longer issues new security updates for those early versions of Windows, which means users must rely on third-party security programs that may not be easy to use or to keep updated.

If you are a Windows user, follow the links below to learn more about keeping your operating system up-to-date:

• Windows Vista
• Windows XP with Service Pack 2
• Windows XP without Service Pack 2
• Windows 2000
• Windows Me
• Windows 95/98/NT

If you use a Macintosh computer, you can get security information on Apple security site.

Keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs up-to-date

The threat to computer security from malicious software (malware), such as viruses, worms and spyware is constantly changing.

The people who create malware are always trying to find new ways to infect computers. That's why it's important to make sure that your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs are from a reputable vendor, are installed correctly and kept up-to-date.

Many reputable companies make anti-virus and anti-spyware products. While you should only run one anti-virus program on your computer, some people use several anti-spyware tools to be sure they get maximum protection.