We know it all too well. All of the sudden your computer is slower than a turtle with a brick attached to its tail, your start page in your browser is changed, popups is running rampant on your screen and this seems to be just the beginning.

These are all symptoms of a computer that have been infected with malicious software due to a low level of security - the examples above is even some of the less dangerous ones. Without protection, your computer is vulnerable to identity theft, and illegal use of your computer and other attacks, which almost anyone can perform if they have ill intent.

How do I secure my computer?

If you want to be 100% sure that there are no unwelcome guests on your computer you need to safely download all the programs listed in this article. You can then add these to a flash stick or add them to DVD. You should then perform a complete format of all your hard drives and install the programs on a 100% clean system.

Should you choose to install these programs without formatting, you cannot be 100% sure that your computer is clean. If you however have no noteworthy security issues, you can install these programs without formatting, although in many cases it is the best choice. Also, make sure to save any files or settings you might need on a separate flash drive or DVD.

Update Windows

Always keep your Windows updated no matter what version you run. These updates provide essential security updates. If you are running Windows XP, you need the newest ServicePack, which is ServicePack 3. If you are still using Windows Vista, you should download Service Pack 2 for Windows. Are you using Windows 7, you can download Service Pack 1 for Windows 7.

Other updates

Keeping all of your programs updates is a key factor in making sure, that your computer is secure, this relates not only to any number of security programs like antivirus, antispyware and Firewalls, but to any single program you have on your computer. In many cases, security breaches can be found in Skype, e-mail clients, browsers etc which is fixed in newer versions and updates. If you do not fix these security breaches, hackers and other people can gain access to your computer and your most trusted files. A program like Secunia PSI makes sure that all programs on your computer are updated. You can download and try it free here.

Antivirus

Your next step is to make sure your computer is protected against virus. This is solved by installing a good and updated antivirus program, which often can be found free if you do not feel like spending money on it. Download Central.dk can recommend Antivir Antivirus, which is an effective tool against virus, and will fullfill most people’s needs. If you want a more professional and better-looking antivirus program, we can recommend Norton 360 Version .

Firewall

When your computer is safe from virus attacks, you need to make sure it is safe against hackers and theft of personal information and files. A good firewall is one of the most important factors when it comes to keeping your data safe, it is however a jungle to find a good one. Many of our users have been using ZoneAlarm Free and recommend it. After testing it internally, we found that the free version often is making things worse, and there is no support for users using the free version. We can however recommend Sygate Personal Firewall which easy and free to use, and offers a high level of security and good overview.

If you choose to install a program like Norton 360 Version you don’t have to worry about installing a firewall since it comes with the program.

In newer versions of Windows, a firewall is part of the installation and covers the basics. Some concerns have been raised in regards to the level of security that the Windows firewall provides, so make sure to use a firewall that suit your needs. Also, make sure that you only have one firewall installed as another firewall will slow your computer greatly, and create security conflicts between the firewalls. This is also the case when it comes to antivirus programs and other security software.

Antispyware

For an additional level of security, we recommend installing Anti Explorator, which protects your computer against spyware. Spyware registers your online activity and can severely slow you system. Spyware in itself is in most cases not a security issue, but can be a major nuisance when browsing on the internet since most people dislike being watched in every step of their online experience.

A quick summary of what you need to install:

Updates - Secunia PSI 

Antivirus - Antivir 

Firewall - Sygate Personal Firewall 

Anti-spyware - Anti Explorator 

Or a complete security package like Norton 360 or Microsoft Security Essentials