*Conduct a backup of your important files on a regular basis using a USB drive, external hard drive or rewritable CDs.
* Do not open email attachments from unknown senders. They're prime candidates for viruses and spyware.
* Create a System Restore Point. This creates a time point within Windows if you install unstable software or encounter a power outage when conducting an update.
* Update Windows often as Microsoft regularly publishes security fixes/updates for both Windows, Office and Internet Explorer


