You are probably reading this because I’m tired of writing this stuff down on cocktail napkins.  You asked me how to protect your computer or how to fix a current problem you are having with it.  I probably told you to throw it away and get a Mac, especially if I had a few cocktails.  If you are not financially or intellectually capable of making such a move, here are a few tools you will find useful for your PC.  ***Note:  Do not install more than one anti-virus program, anti-malware programs like Malwarebyte’s and Spybot can be installed on the same machine.

Malwarebyte’s Anti-Malware – the free version will not update or scan by itself.  I recommend the paid version so you don’t have to remember to update and scan.

Spybot Search & Destroy – excellent anti-malware

Avira AntiVir – the highest-rated free anti-virus by Virus Bulletin.

Nod32 – excellent paid anti-virus.  However, I’m not fond of the way they simply allow your subscription to expire with little notification.  Doug has used this for years with zero malware infections.  Do not install more than one anti-virus, choose between this and Avira.

Recuva – recovers accidentally deleted files.  Download onto a USB drive from a different computer and run on machine with lost files from the USB drive.

Ubuntu – live cd from which to boot your computer to recover files if/when Windows crashes.  Documentation for this procedure is located here.