2. Install an antivirus scanner – AVG is a great free one; Trend Micro is one of the better paid ones.

3. Make sure the Windows firewall is turned on.  Better still, buy one!  Trend Micro (if you bought it in the previous paragraph, you already have it!) or ZoneAlarm are considered good.

4. Make sure you have different usernames and passwords for EVERY authenticated website you visit.  Doesn't matter if you need a handwritten list beside the PC – oddly, a hacker can't stare through the monitor and read it!  Just make sure the passwords can't be gleaned from the yearbook.

5. If you're a senior executive, DON'T SHARE YOUR PASSWORD WITH YOUR PA (or anyone else!).

6. Read widely.  There are lots of web articles that give good advice.

7. Take professional advice.  Even if you have to pay for it, seek assistance when you're not sure what you're doing.  Perhaps a simple "introduction to PCs and security on the Internet" course would help.

This list isn't exhaustive by any means, the professionals reading this will probably take exception to all kinds of things, but it's a good start.