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4 steps to protect your computer

	1. Keep your firewall turned on. Learn about firewalls.
	2. Keep all your software and your operating system up-to-date. Learn about operating system updates.
	3. Keep your antivirus software up to date. Learn about antivirus software.
	4. Keep your antispyware technology up to date. Learn about antispyware technology.

About firewalls

A firewall helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to delete information, crash your computer, or even steal your passwords or credit card numbers.

• How to choose a firewall
• Firewalls for your operating system

About operating system updates

High priority updates are critical to the security and reliability of your computer. They offer the latest protection against malicious online activities. Microsoft provides new updates, as necessary, on the second Tuesday of the month.

• How to update your operating system
• Visit Microsoft Update

About antivirus software

Viruses and spyware are two kinds of malicious software that you need to protect your computer from. You need antivirus technology to help prevent viruses, and you need to keep it regularly updated. Microsoft Security Essentials is a no-cost download for Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

• How to prevent viruses
• Virus protection for your operating system

About antispyware technology

Viruses and spyware are two kinds of malicious software that you need to protect your computer from. You need antispyware technology to help prevent spyware, and you need to keep it regularly updated. Microsoft Security Essentials will help protect against spyware and other unwanted software. Learn more about Microsoft Security Essentials.

• How to prevent spyware
• Spyware protection for your operating system

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