online protection

recommended payload

Here's my current recommended minimum payload for on-line protection.

anti-virus

Windows Defender (built into Windows 8 and 10)

general anti-malware

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

non-Internet Explorer Web browser

Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome and uBlock Origin extension/add-on

anti-virus

ALWAYS UPDATE VIRUS DEFINITIONS WHENEVER ONLINE.

New malware and variants constantly appear in the wild. Be prepared.

backup

Backup any important files on a regular basis (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) to a different medium than your local hard drive. Places to backup to include CD-R, DVD-R, tape, external hard drive, network drive, USB flash drive, Internet/cloud service.

firewall

Firewalls block intruders from entering your system and can block things from getting out. If you're using a network router then the NAT (Network Address Translation) will help. This means you don't have to necessarily install firewall software on your computer, but a firewall will filter the packets coming in. If there's only one computer connected directly to the modem then definitely install a firewall program. Windows has a firewall built in and active by default.

hackers

If you're worried about a single mastermind "black-hat" (the bad kind) hacker breaking into your system don't count on it. They have better places to break into. The "wanna-be" hackers called "script kiddies" are the real problem for regular users. They often don't know anything about hacking or even programming. They will download small programs called "scripts" that were written by someone else that will exploit vulnerabilities in programs and operating systems (Microsoft Windows). One of the more common methods is creating a bot-net. The idea is similar to a military general leading an amry of zombies. The zombies run around infecting the populous turning them into zombies while the general issues commands to his army from afar.

know what you've got installed

Make sure you know what you've got installed on your computer for anti-malware programs. Rogue anti-malware programs masquerade as legitimate programs and look like them visually. If you don't know what the window is that appeared from nowhere warning you you're infected, do not blindly click on it. Examine it. If it not a program you installed then run the anit-malware programs you know you installed.

ordering goods online

• Make sure the site is secure by checking for an HTTPS preceeeding the Web site address in the address bar.
• Do NOT have the web site store your credit card number. When entering credit card info look for any type of checkbox regarding this.

passwords

You need passwords everywhere nowadays. If you want to set a good password then the longer the better. Also avoid using dictionary words and mix it up with a combination of letters, numbers, and other characters (e.g. tilde, comma, colon, ampersand, bracket).

• Longer passwords are better. this increases the amount of time it takes to crack a password. One extra character can increase the time exponentially.
• Do not use dictionary words. Dictionary attacks are a simple way of cracking passwords and take far less time.
• Do not use personally identifiable passwords like birthdates, pet names, etc.
• If the Web site requires a secret question and answer (in case you forget your password), do not supply valid answers to the question. If the secret question is "What is the name of your pet?" and I know that animal's name I can reset your password and lock you out of your own account. All it takes is a search for you on Google or your Facebook account and the password is rendered meaningless.
• Despite what people may say, write down your passwords in a common location. When you have over 100 like me that are randomly generated you'll never remember them. Feel free to use a password storage tool like KeePass, but anything on a computer can be destroyed magically. Make sure to include the user name, password, location the info is required (Web site), and any extra notes (secret question and answer, etc.).

update

Windows Update should be set to automatically download updates. Install them whenever Windows says it has downloaded them.

Try using KC Softwares' SUMo to see if there are updates for programs you have installed on your computer.

virus propagation

Viruses make their way onto a Windows system through many ways. Some travel by e-mail attachment, some through file-sharing programs (kids love .MP3 file sharing programs), instant messaging (IM) programs, and even by being connected to the internet without a firewall in place.

watch what you install

Always check what is being installed during the installation process. You may be quick to hit the NEXT button, but you may miss piggybacking programs like Weatherbug, supposed ad-blockers, and other obnoxious progams.