Lifehacker: The Guide to Working Smarter, Faster, and Better, Third Edition

Hack 103: Protect Your PC from Malware

Level Medium

Platform Windows

Cost Free

The previous hack detailed how to rescue your PC from malicious software, but prevention can save you a lot of headache in the future. After all, the worst time to start thinking about protecting your PC from malware is after you’ve fallen victim to a virus, adware, or spyware. Most PCs ship with a preinstalled antivirus tool — one that usually starts nagging you to pay for a subscription after the 3-month trial is over. Pay-for antivirus solutions do a fine job, but you can set up strong Windows security without a price tag.

Preventative Malware Protection

A popular, free anti-malware tool is Microsoft Security Essentials, previously discussed and available as a free download at www.microsoft.com/security_essentials.

Microsoft Security Essentials integrates with Windows and provides real-time protection from viruses, spyware, and other malware. Download and launch Microsoft Security Essentials and click Update to ensure it has the latest virus definitions. Select the type of scan you prefer — Quick, Custom, or Full — and click the Scan Now button to perform an initial system scan.

Unlike many free antivirus solutions, MSE doesn’t require you to manually scan your system every time you want to check for malware. By default, MSE provides real-time protection, meaning that once it’s installed, enabled, and running in your system tray, it alerts you when any detected malware attempts to install or run ...