adobe.com

Proactive malware protection. > Update All Software:     You need keep all your software updated (not just MS products). Hopefully most of you keep your Windows updated, but what about Adobe [Flash](http://www.adobe.com/support/security/advisories/apsa10-05.html) (which BTW is not patched: see Browsing Habits)? [Java](http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA07-022A.html)? Both of these are important because they are being used when you surf. Most(all?) malware is exploiting some bug to execute code. Updates patch these vulnerabilities and make it harder on the bad guys. Most of the time the end user clicks on something to execute the malicious code. Also take the time to uninstall software you never use.     > Browsing Habits:     Most people seem to hate this, but [noScript](http://noscript.net). is basically your only protection from the many, [Flash 0-Days](http://www.adobe.com/support/security/advisories/). Install [Htpps Everywhere](https://www.eff.org/https-everywhere) or some TSL/SSL Enforcer for your browser. This is more for your privacy than anything else.     > For the Hard Core:     Install [Virtualbox](http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads) and your choice of OS, a Linux flavor is probably the best. Load all the things you need to check E-mail and surf the web. (Disclaimer: If the VM crashes I can't really vouch for data recovery. Store your important files on the host.) Once you have everything installed and updated, take a snapshot. If you ever get a virus, restore to the snapshot, **BAM** clean. Bonus: Almost impossible to infect your host machine!     Any other things to add?     Tips from other Redditors:     intern4tional: Don't run your day to day account as Admin. Shift+Right-Click programs you need to run as admin. Don't install untrusted applications that require elevation.