Three things upfront: yes, it's possible, and no you don't have to become a geek, to do it. And - like we mentioned before - there's no such thing as absolute security. Getting out of your bed in the morning involves certain risks - period.

This article is supposed to be short, because we want you to be able to implement our advice without becoming an expert.

1. Make use of the facilities at hand:
   
   • use a limited user account if you use your computer; use administrative accounts for administrative tasks only
   • use one anti-virus program. It doesn't have to be expensive, there's even free alternatives
   • have a firewall running, the built in Windows firewall is ok
   • install updates and patches, keep your software up to date
2. When you're surfing the web, use caution and be patient. When in doubt: don't.
   
   • if you have to: ask somebody if it's safe (e.g. us)
   • if it's urgent: well, is it really that urgent?
3. Don't install or download software from uncertain or questionable sources. Just don't.
4. When you think something went wrong:
   
   • fix it, if you know what you're doing
   • be patient and considerate while you're dealing with the problem
   • ask for advice (that's where we enter the game)
5. Backup your information. This way when you get attacked or your hard disk fails you can recover quickly and painlessly.
6. There's one exemption from these rules: you know exactly what you're doing...

Wow, that was short. It can't be that easy?!

Yes, it can. At least, that's the essence of our experience. Whenever these simple guidelines were being followed, security issues became controllable if they occur at all.