Security CD - Step 5: Prevent Re-infection
To keep yourself protected in the future, you should update and run both Ad-Aware (or Spybot) and your Anti Virus software at least monthly. The more you visit not-so-nice websites, the more you should run Ad-Aware and Anti Virus scans. If your computer seems possessed, it's time for another scan.
You should check Windows Update once in a while. Windows Update will keep your Windows secure from new vulnerabilities in the operating system and Internet Explorer. A famous example is Blaster, the worm that shut down many big organizations by causing a part of Windows to crash and restart the computer. By visiting Windows Update, users could have prevented their computer from getting infected months before the virus was released. Windows 2000 SP3 and Windows XP and higher have a built in Automatic Updates, which will find, download, and install any updates you need for you. You just need to pay attention to the balloon in the lower right corner of the screen when it wants your attention.
You can also try an alternative web browser to Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Many ways a virus or spyware programs gets onto your computer is through vulnerabilities and exploits in Internet Explorer. By using a different and more secure web browser, you shouldn't get infected as often. A popular and functional alternative is Mozilla Firefox. Firefox is an easy and functional alternative that works with almost all websites, very few websites require you to use Internet Explorer. If you want to install Firefox 0.8, click here.
Do not open attachments in e-mail that you don't know about. If you have never heard of the person before and it has an attachment, delete the e-mail. Don't open weird or suspicious looking e-mails from even your friends or family. One way a virus spreads is by using your e-mail address, fooling your friends into thinking you sent the e-mail.