One of the biggest problems that computer users face on a daily basis is the sheer volume of viruses, “spyware” and “malware” that slip behind the curtains of your computer’s operating system to do their dirty work. Unfortunately, without several layers of protection and near-constant vigilance, these pests will eventually find a way to compromise your computer. Once they’re in, many of them find ways to bypass your weakened barriers and open the floodgates for more.

A recent survey performed by Consumer Reports indicates that, if you have a home computer with Internet access, you have a 25% chance of being victimized online via viruses, spyware or “phishing” scams. The same survey showed that 38% of their respondents had been infected by a virus, and 34% had been infected by spyware.

Infections like these don’t always carry dire consequences, such as shutting your computer down and destroying your data (but they can). Still, at the very least, they will slow you down. Your computer starts to spend more time catering to the unwanted programs than to the important ones, like your web browser, word processor or favorite game. Before long, your computer slows to a crawl, putting it at a high risk of being kicked or thrown out of the nearest window.

This article is the first in a multi-part series addressing these issues. I’ll cover the different types of infections you’ll come across, explain some of the mechanics behind the problems, and most importantly, tell you how you can keep yourself protected without paying a dime. Here are a few tips to get the ball rolling:

• Extra “toolbars” at the top of your web browser are rarely a good idea. (The Google Toolbar is one good exception.) In fact, if you see them, they’re often a good indicator that you’ve let some spyware slip past the goalie. They’re often a pain to get rid of.
• You need good anti-virus software, and you need to keep it updated at least monthly. Also, just because you’re paying a premium for it doesn’t mean it’s good. My personal favorites are incredible, and they’re free. (More on that later.)
• Come across a great new anti-virus package or “spyware blocker?” Don’t be fooled – many of them are actually just wolves in sheep’s clothing: Spyware in disguise, and nearly impossible to remove. Google them before you install them!

Until next week, if you’ve got questions about any part of the computing experience, I’d love to hear from you. That’s exactly what this column is for. Email the address below. I look forward to hearing from you!

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[Author's Note: "Ask the Geek" is published weekly in the Stratford Star - the penultimate reading experience for residents of Stratford, Texas, population 1,920. It is posted on WritersCafe.net for posterity. Feel free to comment, but I can't promise you'll make the Star.]