Now that you have your computer clean of malware, it’s time to add some more protection. This is a large part of the method that I have used to secure hundreds of computers with excellent results. There are additional ways to add layers of protection, such as removing unneeded services and limiting permissions that I do not attempt to cover here.

One very important way to help keep your PC secure is to keep Windows up to date. Don't just rely on automatic updates. There are other software and hardware driver updates on the site and use Microsoft Updates to keep MS Office programs updated as well.

I like to use Sygate Personal Firewall. It is a good software firewall that is easy to set up and not real intrusive. There is a paid version that offers more. If you have a router, you have a firewall of sorts, so it's not as crucial to have a software firewall. It does, however, offer a bit more protection because it also blocks outgoing requests.

AVG for an anti-virus. This is the free version of a very good anti-virus program. There is a paid version that offers more, but it's not necessary for good protection. This will automatically check for updates and scan your computer daily. It also includes a resident shield, email and instant messenger file transfer scanning. The IM file transfer scanner needs to be configured to use C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Free\avgw.exe /SE . Use the correct path for your setup and add the "/SE" on the end.

Spybot Search & Destroy. This free anti-spyware program can be configured to update and scan each day. Mode/Advanced/Settings/Settings/Schedule. Also, configure it to Immunize automatically. I prefer to NOT use Tea Timer.

Ad-Aware - This is the free version of another very good anti-spyware program. There is a paid version that offers more protection and automatic updates. I use Scheduled Tasks to open this up once a week for a manual update and scan.

SpywareBlaster - This helps prevent the installation of spyware and other potentially unwanted software. I schedule this for once a week updates at the same time as Ad-Aware. A paid version has automatic updates.

SpywareGuard - offers real-time protection against spyware. Schedule the updates for once a week with Ad-Aware.

HostsMan - This is a free hosts file manager that helps block malicious sites as well as advertising.

Firefox - An alternative to Insecure Explorer.

Thunderbird - A more enjoyable and secure way to deal with email.

EULAlyzer - A handy program that helps you analyze End User License Agreements and Privacy Policies, which will usually tell you what will be installed on your computer, like spyware or software that will cause popups and whether they will sell your email address to spammers.

Practice Safe Hex