We fix hundreds of computer a month.  On average, a whopping 80% of those computers of those computers are suffering from viruses and spyware.

What’s even more alarming, though, is most computers had some kind of protective software against malicious software.

“Why do I have all these viruses,” they ask “if I have antivirus program?!”

It’s a legitimate question.   The answer is simple:  Computers are dumb.  They will do what you tell them to do.  Unfortunately, your actions can override even the best computer security in the world.

A good analogy is your car.  Even if your car has a top-notch safety rating and you wear a seatbelt, you and your passengers are still going to be at risk when you drive the car off the cliff.

If you visit dangerous websites, download free music from file sharing sites, open suspicious emails (even from people you recognize!), or engage in equally risky online behavior, your computer will end up with spyware and viruses.

You are the key link.  Regardless of how much protective software you have installed, your computer’s health is directly related to your computing practices.  And to stay alert, you have to stay informed.

Now, you don’t need to have an extensive knowledge about the thousands of new viruses and spyware released into the world every day.  However, whenever you see an article about a global super pandemic, take the time to read it.

In addition to learning more about online threats, you will need to keep all your software current.  Your operating system, browser, antivirus protection and antispyware protection are only as good as the last update.

But to be sure you don’t inadvertently breach your computer’s defenses, follow these simple rules to help protect your computer:

• Only visit websites you know are safe.  Avoid sites with multiple pop-up windows, ugly home-made design, pornography, free music, etc.
• Do not download stuff you weren’t expecting.  Some viruses pretend to be antivirus programs, prompting you to take action to get rid of viruses.  Press Alt and F4 to close any pop-ups.  Many times the pop-ups have lots of booby traps, so don’t click anywhere on it – not even the ‘X’ in the top right hand corner of the window.
• Do not download “free” music or movies.  The only free cheese you’ll ever find is in a mousetrap.
• Do not open any emails you’re not expecting. Be suspicious of email from known email addresses, too!
• Update and run your antivirus and antispyware programs every week.

Remember:  you are the boss of your computer.  It will do whatever you tell it to do. Approach every site, every email, every link and every attachment with an abundance of caution.  A little bit of paranoia will go a long way.

James Kerr is Chief Geek of SuperGeeks. He can be reached at www.supergeeks.net.  You can also follow him on Twitter: supergeeks.