With the increasing incidence of viruses, worms, adware, spyware and trojans, it is important for all of us to make sure that our machines stay safe and free of such problems. I have compiled the following "Top 10" ways in which you can do so. This applies for anyone using a recent version of Windows. Please let me know if you have a question about any of these.

1. Backup all important files.

2. Keep Windows updated with automatic updates from Microsoft.

3. Enable the Windows Firewall that is included with XP (or install some other Firewall if using older versions of Windows).

4. Treat all attachments, and all links within email with great suspicion. Do not click on them unless 110% sure.

5. Do not click on web pop-ups. For suspicious pop-ups, use ALT-F4 to close the topmost window.

6. Don't install free games, music-sharing programs etc.

7. Get and install the free MS "Windows Defender" program from: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

8. Use any anti-virus program, and keep it updated. (if you are a member of the Dept. of Physiology, see instructions for installing Symantec anti-virus at: http://www.neurophys.wisc.edu/comp/faqs/howto8.html)

9. Be aware of what is "normal". Unusual disk or network activity, too many pop-ups, sluggish CPU, may all be signs of a virus or other malware.

10. Backup all important files (worth saying twice).