IT security is now a critical part of computer usage, especially in the advent of the worldwide web.
With new security threats appearing daily, it's only natural for IT experts to develop ten fundamental guidelines that will help many an average computer user to avoid the common pitfalls of modern-day computing.
Anti-spyware services can be obtained via standalone programs like Lavasoft's Ad Aware or as a bundle to a whole IT security suite like the ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall package.
Hackers are forever looking for ways to infiltrate networks or systems via applications connected directly to the Internet.
Ergo, getting the latest patches and fixes is only par for the course.
Do not get files or install programs without knowing where they came from first.
Be very careful of what you download from the Internet.
Email messages and attachments have become popular mediums that hackers use to spread their trojans, spyware, and botnets.
Don't use birthdays or "123456" as your passwords.
Make hard-to-guess ones and modify them from time to time.
File sharing services and applications are among the many channels that cyber terrorists exploit in order to spread chaos and mayhem across the Information Superhighway.
Running too many network services (FTP, IIS, UPNP, and so on) at once will leave your machine vulnerable to all sorts of hacker attacks and machinations.
A firewall program is the best way for the average user to protect his PC even when he's online and open to all sorts of virtual assaults.
It filters out unauthorized and dangerous traffic from entering your system.
The complete deletion of your files and programs because you were forced to reformat your compromised, malfunctioning, or virus-infected hard disk can be very devastating.
Regular backup is the best way to prepare for such a circumstance.