Internet Security

Topics

• Information for Windows users
• Information for Mac users
• Firewalls
• Malware (malicious software):
  Spyware (information-collecting software)
  Adware (advertising software (pop-ups))
  Viruses / worms
• Phishing (fraudulent requests for your account information)
• Spam (junk mail)

Information for Windows users

Go to the Microsoft Update website (combines Windows Update and Microsoft Office Update and also includes other Microsoft-related updates), let it scan your computer for any available updates and install all Critical Updates. These are FREE security updates directly from Microsoft. Unless your computer is part of an office network and your network administrator has instructed you not to install these updates for some reason, you have NO excuse for not keeping your computer up-to-date.
The Microsoft Updates include security updates for Windows, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, Media Player, various other components of Windows, and Microsoft Office products/components.
You can also configure your computer to download/install Critical Updates from Microsoft Update / Windows Update automatically:

Much more information and tips can be found here:
Protect Your PC -- 3 steps to help ensure your PC is protected

Information for Apple/Mac users

Information for all users

• Firewall information...
• Combating spyware...
• How to protect your computer from viruses/worms...
• Phishing (fraudulent requests for your account information)...
• Spam (junk mail)