4. Create a backup - even best plan can be circumvented - be prepared for worst with a complete backup of your hard drive! If you already have a CD burner and software installed in your machine, you probably have tools to create a complete system backup - for only cost of a few CD-R's!

Obviously, costs to properly protect yourself from worst threats to your security are almost nil. If you need help with any step above, simply use a Google search to find help - it's freely available.

Follow these four simple steps and you will have implemented comprehensive and complete protection for your PC. If you are unable to initiate your own plan, hire an expert to do job. You won't be sorry!

© 2003 ODEC

Mike Burstein has been helping the SOHO and Small Business community grow & prosper for over 20 years by solving start up problems, creating best practices, automating their offices, getting free publicity and dramatically increasing traffic and sales.

Now for heavy protection: Virus scanning and virus protection software, and rescue discs are all readily available and easily utilized. Some are free, and others are obtained for a very small charge. Most software manufacturers offer subscriptions for updating services, which automatically download protection to latest viruses.

There are two main types of virus scanning software: one searches through your entire computer files looking for recognizable viral signatures, other scans your incoming and outgoing emails. Alerts will show you when a file needs to be erased or repaired. If you do receive a virus that none of software can repair you can send a copy of it to a company like Symantec who will be happy to develop a cure for it.

The main message here is not to get too worried about your good friend Mrs. PC getting ill or sick. The humans are on top of case and they seem much better adapted at fixing their technology than they are at beating viruses that attack our physical bodies. If only we could cure human virus and illness as easily as we solve problem of computer sickness.