People often ask me what I use for protection. I tell them, "I personally like a 12 gauge pump shotgun with a short barrel and no plug." Then they say, "no, no - I mean for a virus". I say, "really, what kind of virus?" That's as far as I'm going with that. They say, "a computer virus". OK - now we're getting somewhere.

This is what I use:

1. My Firewall is a dedicated Linux box (separate computer) running iptables with a 2.4.xx Kernel.

2. My antivirus software scans all inbound network activity in real time. This means Web, email, etc.

3. I run a "Spyware sniffer in real time."

The above is in a nutshell.

Since Broadband is now the Norm for home computer users, the following, at a minimum, is what everyone should do. 1 and 2 are of equal importance.

1. You must have a Firewall, and keep it current.

2. You must use antivirus software, and it must be automatically updated by the vendor when a new virus is discovered. Remember, antivirus software is reactive, not proactive.

3. It is not necessary to scan in real time for Spyware (although I do), but you should at least scan and remove these pests often. You would not believe how many computers are "phoning home."

4. You must download software patches from your operating-system vendor (most likely Microsoft) as soon as they are announced. If you are using an older version of Windows, that means checking the Web site for updates. Windows is the most insecure Operating System EVER!

5. Back up your system / files regularly.

I hope this is helpful.