The only safe PC is an unplugged PC!

However, for those who need to surf the net...

PC running slower than normal? Getting annoying pop ups? We used to refer you to programs like Spybot and Adaware but like all things technical there is change. The XP and Vista operating systems have more internal protection than ever before and adding these 3rd party programs may make some things harder to do.

The best approach is to follow these tips:

Do not click links or open attachments in emails unless you were expecting them. This is true even if you know the sender. Most viruses use the address book of the infected machine to send themselves along and use the social advantage of coming from a trusted source. If you were not expecting it - ask them is they sent it.

Be careful of any downloads offered. Most PCs have all of the software they need to surf the Internet already. Yes, there will be improvements and updates will be required but take a few minutes to investigate the product you are about to install before it is too late.

When in doubt... opt out by typing "Alt - F4". These key strokes allow you to close the active window without responding to an application. Often clicking "cancel" is the same as clicking OK on a malicious application.

Microsoft does not send e-mail with attachments to their customers from "staff@microsoft.com" or any other name... most likely, it's a virus

Update your version of Windows or have it update automatically and run it manually periodically to check that everything is working ok. The same goes for your virus program updates - it is better to know they are up to date than to wonder and be wrong.