What can I do to protect my computer?

[Enlenne]

~!
I've been thinking, lately, and I don't think my computer is wearing rubber. Or maybe it's not on the pill, I don't know.

Anyways, what can I do?
I don't know what anti-virus stuff I have (my computer nerd friends installed some on my computer, but I dunno how to use em/what they even specifically do [Spybot included]) I have AVG, but I don't even really know how to use that (like...what do I do once it places something in the vault?)

Also, how do I set up Mozilla so that it's as protected as it can be?

Annnd um...I used to know this, but it's been ages--how do I defrag?

And I can come up with a billion more questions, but I said the gist of it!
Can anyone help me, please~?
Any answer will be rad

 

[Legomyeggo]

Quite possibly the best addon you can get for Firefox:

http://noscript.net/

The main page tells you what it does and how to use it.

 

[Bajaratt]

For Firefox, get noscript, adblock plus, and flash block.

 

[Trippyhippy]

I use IE. I have all my security on my IE browser turned off. I accept every cookie sent to my computer. I have no pop up blocker and no spyware remover.

I haven't had a virus or even so much as a pop up ad in 6 months.

6 months ago, I found this.

http://www.avast.com/

It's free the legal way, too. I suggest everyone gets it no matter what. I download a lot of illegal software/torrents/movies/music/games. This has eliminated everything with extreme prejudice before it even has a chance to install itself. It's all any casual user ever needs for security.

 

[Dayner]

a firewall is also important , its the first line in defense when someone want to access your pc to plant some unwanted program , its also your last line in blocking any data from leaving your PC

 

[Enlenne]

Aha~! Thank ya'll!

The thing with noscript, though, how do I know what sites I can tell it to trust and stuff? >.>

And I'll d/l that Avast later today, gotta head to school soon--but I did hear good things about it, so I'm glad ya pointed me to it!

 

[Acks]

Besides Avast!, I'd recommend ClamWin for your manual system scans. It's known to get a lot more thorough with files than the others.

I'd also get a free firewall app like ZoneAlarm running jic something is on your comp and trying to communicate out.

 

[Cerb]

atleast you use firefox..

 

[Jingizu]

Also, if you're feeling a little insecure about your current AV you can pick up AVG for free. It, like other antivirus programs, isn't 100% effective, but, and ounce of protection......

Also, what your surfing habits are can greatly increase or reduce your potential exposure to threats. The biggest rule of thumb is don't EVER click a link blindly, no matter how well you may think you trust your fellow posters on a forum.