Simple Pc Safety Tips

These steps may seem complex, but putting maximum effort into preventing infection is more important than detecting and removing infection.


Here are the Safety Tips to Protect Your Computer from Viruses and Other Malwares:

• Avoid using peer-to-peer programs and stay away from warez, cracks or keygens.
• Make sure the programs/tools you download do not have any viruses. Hackers can easily crypt their files to make the program go unnoticed by your antivirus or they can make their file disable your antivirus as soon as you run it. If you think your computer is infected with a virus or some other malicious software, you may want to use this Malware Removal Guide.
• Download programs only from reputable websites that have confirmed the software is malware free.(e.g. Cnet, Filehippo, Softpedia, MajorGeeks)
• If you have a computer strong enough to handle two or more operating systems at once, install a Virtual Operating System using Virtual PC or VirtualBox.
• Uninstall unwanted or unused applications, games and programs and delete unwanted or unused files.
• Disable startup programs that you don't use (Doing this will make your booting time a lot faster)
• Keep your operating system, software, and drivers with the latest updates. You can use     Personal Software Inspector (PSI), Software Update Monitor Lite (SUMo) and/or FileHippo Update Checker to make sure that your programs are up to date. (Make sure that the Windows Updates are turned on.)
• Install a site advisor (e.g. WOT, Norton Safe Web, McAfee SiteAdvisor, AVG LinkScanner) to avoid dangerous(malicious) sites offering commercial software serial numbers, keygens or other hacked materials.
• Always make regular backups of important data - including your operating system - and store it in a safe place.. Have a look at this guide: How to back up files and recover data
• Use a good internet security and/or a solid security configuration including Antivirus, Firewall, Behavior Blocker,  HIPS, Virtualization Software, Site Advisor, On-demand Scanners. Have a look at this Security List.
• Use a secure DNS service (e.g. OpenDNS, Google Public DNS, Comodo Secure DNS).
• Do not open, download, or execute any files or email attachments from unknown sources or files sent through an instant messenger.
• Choose strong(complex) passwords. Have a look at these guides: How to create & use strong passwords, Secure passwords guide, The Ultimate Guide for Creating Strong Passwords.
• Use a Limited/Standard User Account (LUA)
• Secure your browser and disable unnecessary plugg-ins inyour web browser.
• Disable AutoRun with the free Panda USB Vaccine.
• Disable 'hidden' shares. Disabling the Hidden Administrative Shares.
• Install and Use a File Encryption Program and Access Controls. Free File Encryption Utility.
• Turn off your computer when you are not using it not to be exposed an attack.
• Remember, absolutely no product provides 100% protection and you are the biggest threat to your own security.
• Fİnally; Have everyone who uses your computer read this article; it will let them know the basics to help keep you and them safe.

Resources:
http://malwaretips.com/Thread-Security-Tips-How-to-properly-secure-your-computer
http://www.selectrealsecurity.com/security-guide
http://www.techsupportalert.com/how-to-secure-your-pc.php
http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1598
http://www.theworkingcentre.org/less/tech/Avoiding_Viruses_and_Malware.pdf