If you have a new computer and you want to keep it from getting slow, crashy and malware-ridden like your last computer, then take a look at this list. I wrote up versions of this for two clients in one week, so I thought I would post it here so I can copy and paste next time. If it's useful to you, too, then that's great.

How to keep from getting spyware, adware and viruses, in order of importance.

1. Get a Mac
( www.apple.com ) They're much more secure and are not generally affected by these problems. If you follow this step then you can skip the rest. If you already own a Windows computer, read on.

2. Email Attachments
Don't open them. If you know the sender and are reasonably sure that you know what the attachment is, then go ahead. Be careful.

3. Windows Update
If you're using Windows XP, then turn on Automatic updates and allow it to install all of them. If you're using something older than that, then go to Start > Programs > Windows Update once every 2 weeks and follow the steps to download and install all critical updates.

4. Firefox
( www.mozilla.com ) Firefox is a free web browser that is more secure and feature rich than Internet Explorer, the browser that came pre-installed on your computer. If you use Firefox instead of IE then you'll prevent many security problems.

5. Spybot Search and Destroy
( http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022-10122137.html ) This security program will scan your computer for bad programs and remove them. It can also block bad programs ahead of time. Follow the instructions and update, scan and immunize once every two weeks.

6. AVG Free
( http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html ) Free antivirus with updates. Just like before, update and scan every two weeks.

7. Adaware
( http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html ) One more to update and scan fortnightly. This one sometimes catches what the others miss.