Things GOOD to do!

*Get a good Anti-Virus Suite!
                -I consider it best to get a retail boxed Internet Security package since then if anything happens you have
                            your discs and registration information on hand to make recovery easier.
                -A good Internet Security package only costs about as much as a hamburger a month to cover three
                            computers. About $40 to $65 or so a year. Think about it the next time you splurge and get
                            a fast food burger (whopper, big mac, etc.) after deciding real computer protection is to expensive.
                -Stick with a major brand that has retail availability , they generally have better support.
                -I believe some of the better brands to be Norton, McAfee, Trend Micro, CA Computer Associates,
                            Kaspersky and Panda. Of course this is just my opinion. For many these companies are like other
                            things like Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge. Everyone has had (or knows some one that has had) a bad experience
                            with one or another, however they are all good. I will be the first to admit that they all have had their
                            own problems at one time or another also, but problems get fixed :)

*UPDATES!
                -Set your operating system to automatic updating to make sure you get the mcuh needed security updates
                            as they're released. Not getting them can lead to havoc. Never assume you're immune to things
                            because you don't go to "those" sites. I've had many customers that have made that mistake and it
                            can be an expensive mistake to make at times.
                -Set your anti-virus software to automatic update - same reasons as already stated.

*Get a good surge suppressor - NOT the cheapest! Make sure it has a place to protect your internet connection also
                            in the event a surge comes in that way. Phone line for dial-up, ethernet or cable connection for high speed.
                -If you live in an area with a lot of power fluctuations you might want to invest in an UPS (uninteruptible power supply)
                            An UPS has batteries that help compensate for power fluctuations. A cheap one might do the job, but
                            spend accordingly. If you have $1000 or more of computer equipment you probably should consider
                            getting a higher end UPS.