There are several ways of safeguarding your system from IT threats. These are listed below:

• New System Alert! A brand new computer may not have the latest "critical updates" for Microsoft Windows XP installed. Before connecting a new Windows XP based computer to the Internet, TURN ON the XP firewall (or install another firewall) for protection from new worms and go to the Windows update web page and download and install any "critical updates". DO NOT set up email accounts or download email until after you install and/or update anti-virus software and virus definitions. Note: These files may be big and take quite a while to download with a dial-up connection. Dial-up users should consider having their computer store download and install these updates before they take delivery of their new system.
• Windows Critical Updates -- These are also known as patches. Use the update feature of Windows to download "critical updates" from Microsoft. These are updates that are needed to fix holes in Windows to protect your security and privacy. Go to Start > Control Panel > Windows Update; allow download of system checker; click on Scan for updates; if any Critical Updates or Service Packs are listed, download them. Automatic Updates -- After your first update session, this is the best way to go. Go to Start > My Computer > View System Information > Automatic Updates.
• The Big 3 -- Personal Firewall, Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware Software -- These are the must have Internet security software products. Also consider an Internet security suite that includes a firewall, anti-virus and other security and privacy features. A suite may be easier to install, use, update, and get support for than individual products.
• Personal firewalls have two basic functions. They protect your system from unsolicited scans coming from the Internet. Secondly, they usually offer outbound control. An inbound scan may be looking for a Trojan horse on you system. Outbound controls watch for a Trojan horse or spyware trying to call out from your system.
• Important Firewall Notes: If you are using Windows XP, it has a built in firewall that is incoming only. If you decide to use another firewall, be sure to turn off the one in XP. If you decide to try out several firewalls, be sure to fully uninstall one before installing another. Running two software firewalls on the same computer may cause problems. After installing a firewall, test it with an online security service to make sure that you configured it correctly. Testing your firewall is the only sure way to tell that your computer is really being protected.
• Anti-Virus software scans your hard disk to find and remove viruses. To some extent these products can also scan and may be able to remove worms and Trojan horses. To be effective, you should update the virus definitions using a vendor's automatic update service. Since most infections get into your system via email, be sure that the product you pick includes an email scanner and that it is compatible with your email software. Your friends and associates will appreciate it if you use a product that also checks your outgoing email for viruses.
• Important Anti-Virus Notes: Running two anti-virus programs on the same computer may cause problems. Be sure to fully uninstall one before installing another. Look for software that has an automatic update feature and that filters incoming and outgoing email. Outdated virus definitions are useless for new viruses. Unless you want to send your friends infected email, turn on the outgoing scanner too.
• Anti-Spyware removes commercial Trojan horses often included with or hidden inside of freeware products and services. Unlike personal firewall and anti-virus software, it is okay to use two or more anti-spyware programs at the same time. In fact, many experts recommend doing it because no existing product can remove 100% of spyware currently in circulation.