I've said for a long time that, no matter how good the anti-virus, anti-trojan, and anti-spyware on a computer is, it is up to the user to use these tools properly and have a good head on their shoulders if they want to avoid getting infected with something. This article compares technology to the users and says that the users need to be more aware of what they're doing and what's going on in order to avoid being infected.

Nobody is saying that you don't need these scanners when you're on the internet; nobody would dare assert that a human alone is perfect. But there are prevention methods. Sometimes you get infected before the scanner updates to see the virus you've caught. Sometimes the virus hardly counts as one to anyone outside a specific community. So here are some rules of thumb for those of you running Windows.

1. Always run a modern anti-virus scanner, such as PC-Cillin, and keep it up to date daily. Scan regularly.
2. Always run a modern anti-trojan scanner, such as The Cleaner, and keep it up to date daily. Scan regularly.
3. Always run a modern anti-spyware scanner, such as Ad-Aware, and keep it up to date daily. Scan regularly.
4. Run your Windows Updates every week and install everything critical or security related.
5. Never open attachments you're not expecting; some virii come masquerading as attachments from your friends. Remember, your friends might get infected before you. Be prepared.
6. Never run commands or follow instructions if you don't know exactly what they do. Some hoaxes will suggest that you delete windows critical files by saying they are virii, or ask you to type a command to give yourself some special power over your computer. These will really cause damage to your computer. Beware.

While these are good tips, they are far from all of them. You should make sure to educate yourself when online. Be as internet smart as you would be street smart.