If you are like me, you are the one friends and neighbors call when they are having problems with their home computer. I love providing this type of help to those I ...well, love, but it gets a little frustrating when you see the same problems over and over again.

Microsoft and the FTC had a press release last week called "Don’t Get Tricked on Halloween: Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Action and Microsoft Warn Internet Users of Zombie Computers". It was accompanied by a really good Powerpoint presentation that illustrates what can happen to an unprotected computer. Be sure to read the speaker notes to get the full story.

The slides recommended these steps to protecting your home computer (links to products added by me):

• Use a firewall - I've had good luck with Zone Alarm (free download) but it is better to use a hardware firewall like the D-link 604 Router ($23 to $55 via Yahoo! Shopping)
• Get computer updates
• Use anti-virus software - Try using AVG Anti-Virus from Grisoft (free for personal use)
• Use anti-spyware software - I like Ad-Aware from Lavasoft
• Be cautious of attachments (don't open just any file sent via email)

However, they missed one REALLY IMPORTANT tip to save your PC from becoming a zombie. I am serious when I say DO NOT USE INTERNET EXPLORER, use Firefox instead. Not only does it provide better protection it stops nearly all of those annoying pop-up ads.