Several Easy Steps to Secure Your Computer

Step 20 UNDER CONSTRUCTION: more details...

Ultimate Guide
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/howtos/ultimate_malware_removal_guide_purge_your_pc_junk_files

Recommended Software:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/antivirus-partners/windows-vista.aspx

Zone Alarm Free Firewall
http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-pc-security-free-firewall.htm

AVG Anti-Virus Free
http://free.avg.com/

Secunsia PSI
http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/

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Mcaffe Site Advisor:
http://www.siteadvisor.com/
http://www.siteadvisor.com/howitworks/index.html

Mcaffe Stinger
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/

Combo Fix
http://www.combofix.org/

PC Health Optimizer Free Edition
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,71557-order,4/description.html

Comodo Firewall
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,63762-order,4/description.html

AVG Anti-Rootkit
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,65198-order,4/description.html

HouseCall (32-bit version)
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,22919-order,4/description.html

Avira AntiVir Personal Antivirus
http://www.free-av.com/en/products/index.html


UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Email
Notes from Symantec:
You may think an email is harmless - until you open it and it's not. Scan emails before you open them, and take extra caution when launching executable (.exe) files attached to an email. Like don't do it. Never open attachments in email from unknown senders and never reply to spam.
Source: http://nortontoday.symantec.com/features/top_10.php

UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Passwords
Notes from Symantec:
Take your passwords to the gym. The stronger your passwords, the more likely they'll fend off devious intruders who are looking for weaklings they can bully. Passwords should have at least eight characters and should combine alphanumeric and special characters ($, *, &, etc.). You should also change your passwords every 45-60 days.
Source: http://nortontoday.symantec.com/features/top_10.php

UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Physical Security
Notes from Symantec:
Physical security counts. True, most PC security threats are virtual, but problems can also begin in the real world. If your computer is open to snoopers, try a screen-locking feature, or just shut your system down. If you've got a laptop, lock it down with a cable. And whatever you do, don't leave your passwords written down where someone can easily read them. There are a number of routine things users can do to bolster security. These include: using the screen-locking feature when away from the computer, shutting the computer off when done for the day, locking laptops with a cable, not leaving passwords written down, and being extra mindful of physical security of PDAs and handheld devices, which are popular targets for thieves.
Source: http://nortontoday.symantec.com/features/top_10.php