How can I find out if there is spyware on my computer?

You should use at least 2 programs to detect spyware, but be warned that some programs will overestimate the danger you may be in. In fact, one company was recently charged for deceptive marketing practices used to promote its spyware removal software. For a comparative review of spyware programs go to http://spywarewarrior.com/asw-features.htm#rec.

What does a firewall do and why must I have one running?

A firewall is like a gate between your computer and the Internet. It blocks access to certain programs running on your machine that hackers can use to access your computer. It also hides computers that are connected to the Internet so that hackers don't realize it is there. Experts have estimated that a typical PC will be attacked in less than 20 minutes after being connected to the Internet.

If I have a firewall do I still need anti-virus protection as well?

Yes! A firewall keeps intruders out, but it won't stop your friend whose computer has been hit with a virus from sending the virus on to you as an attachment. They won't stop spyware and they won't stop your computer from sending out infected emails or data.

ZDnet Review of Windows Firewall in Service Pack 2
"Windows Firewall is still rudimentary compared with firewalls in, say, the security suites from McAfee, Symantec or Zone Labs. Windows Firewall doesn't pop up a yes/no dialogue box for you to allow or block programs you've installed that access the Internet (a somewhat fussy feature that's popular with many ZoneAlarm fans). But in our tests, it did all the things a firewall should do, including protect a computer during bootup and shutdown. A quick trial run at the security site Shields Up showed our test systems were adequately cloaked from port-probing scripts. We strongly recommend keeping Windows Firewall turned on, even if you are running another software firewall. And if you aren't currently using a firewall, then there's absolutely no reason why you wouldn't want to run Windows Firewall." - review by Matt Lake

How do I turn off the Preview Pane in Outlook (which is on by default)?

To turn off the preview pane click on the View menu and then deselect Preview Pane from the list of options. In Outlook Express you will need to select Layout and uncheck the Show Preview Pan option. (click okay in both cases for your changes to take effect)

How to find your where temporary Internet files are stored?

1) In Internet Explorer, click Tools > Internet Options > General (should be open by default).
2) Look for a panel about Temporary Internet Files and click on Settings. The current location will show you where your temporary files are being stored.

How do you find where your attachments are being stored?

Outlook makes it hard to locate your attachments folder. The easiest way I have found is to use the Windows "Find" search (click Start > Search > For Files or Folders) looking for the name of a known attachment. To speed up the search, click "when was it modified" and enter a limited date range (e.g. within the last week).

Power tips

Search: you can search through folders at any point as you are browsing on your harddrive by simply hitting the "F3" key when a folder you want to search is open. 

Manage: if you are trying to install an external device such as a digital camera, but are finding that it doesn't seem to appear your computer may be trying to assign an existing drive letter (e.g. "e:") to the new device. You can change drive letters by right-clicking on the My Computer icon on your desktop and selecting "manage" from the list of options. Next click on Disk Management under the Storage list. This will bring up a list of devices currently running on your computer. You can change the letter assigned to any device by right-clicking and selecting the Change Drive Letters and Paths option. (BE CAREFUL - you should only change a drive letter if you are comfortable with basic computer management!)

Advanced users: Configure Windows XP using a visual interface by using gpedit. To run this program click on Start and then Run and type "gpedit.msc" (without quotes) and hit enter. This lets you modify Windows XP features without using regedit.