Hi All,
This is my first mediocre attempt at a tutorial so please keep the comments civilised.
This is aimed primarily at all the home users out there who have no idea what security is or
how it relates to their computer - yes, you lot, the AO lurkers who never post!

This is not a tutorial as much as a guide, bringing together various pieces of information
that i did NOT write.

Anyway, lets get to it :-

I realise a lot of people have very little (technical) experience with computers,
if this is you please find someone to help you if you attempt the following steps.

Step One: Harden your operating system.
Best done from scratch, i.e backup your data and perform a new installation.
For those on 95/98/ME you need to remove MS Network services - "Start" > "Settings" >
"Control Panel" > "Network", remove "Netbeui" and "File and Printer Sharing". If
you are on NTWS or Win2K and would like to go berserk here are some guides:

http://secinf.net/info/nt/hard/hard.html
http://www.systemexperts.com/win2k/HardenWin2K.html
http://www.giac.org/practical/Dean_Farrington_GCNT.doc


Step Two: Install Antivirus software.
You really do need antivirus software, get some, even if you have to go out and buy it.
Install then update to the latest virus definitions. (Update once a week)
Links:
http://www.nai.com
http://www.sophos.com
http://www.symantec.com/
etc, etc... the list is endless


Step Three: Update Windows.
Open Internet Explorer, click on "Tools" > "Windows Update". Install all critical
updates. On subsequent visits (yes, every week) you will need to click on the
"Product Updates" link as it will not load automatically after your first visit.



Step Four: Install a personal firewall.
There a several personal firewalls available, some of the free ones are -

Tiny - www.tinysoftware.com/pwall.php
Sygate - http://www.sygate.com/swat/default.htm
Zone Alarm - http://www.zonelabs.com/

If you would prefer to pay for one try this -
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...l+%2B+firewall

Get one and install it, don't forget to read the manual, firewalls can be tricky.



So thats it.

In summary, update virus definitions and check for windows updates at least once a week,
these steps will reduce the chances of **** happening to you.
As in all things, you can go as extreme as you want but this is for those of you who just
want to get on with things, not become a security expert.

Krang