=>Go to
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and get a spyware killer called "Spybot.com". =>Download it and use it. =>
=> Then go buy and install Zone Alarm Pro, version 3.0 or 4.0 which you =>then configure to keep your machine from "dialing home" and keep the bad =>guys from accessing your machine through an unguarded "port" in your OS if =>you are using an "always on" type of connectoon such as a DSL or cable =>link.
ZA Pro is important protection even if you use dial-up as I do. It shows attempts to access my computer on an average of about once every 5 minutes.
And never, ever, allow "automatic updates" from Microsoft (or from any source except the virus program websites.) Find out first what they are supposed to do, and d/l one only if you really need it.
Micrososft has a history of providing patches and updates that break your system. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!.
"Security patches" may be necessary from time to time, so get those - but get advice first.
Get an anti-virus program, run it, and get the updates (new virus lists) for it at least once a week.
Also, get one of those For Dummies books about your version of Windows - it's not safe to operate a computer if you don't have some understanding of it. Viruses spread because people trust the machine to be safe. The For Dummies books are so good that even computer gurus read them - just to refresh their knowledge.
HTH&GL