When it comes to keeping your computer free of malware; Microsoft do their bit to help their customers out: There’s a regular schedule of update releases from them known as “Patch Tuesday” on the second Tuesday of every month, there’s also an updated Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool released as a critical update along with the other patches every Patch Tuesday. There’s also Windows Defender, as well as the sensational Microsoft Security Essentials, which gets a massive thumbs-up from yours truly here..

- But do remember; Microsoft are mainly an operating software maker; and they, like most other companies, come up with some excellent products, as well as some massive flops.  Please remember that, although the patches issued on Patch Tuesday are released with the intention of enhancing the security of your computer’s operating system that Microsoft themselves have provided; the patches are, in the main, in reality, only corrections of errors that could lead to a security-breach that Microsoft missed when they originally designed the operating system: Even the Malicious Software Removal Tool that is issued every Patch Tuesday isn’t meant to, nor does it, replace an antivirus program or negate the need to use one.

What the patches and updates are not is magic bullets that will keep your system safe. The Malicious Software Removal Tool won’t stop malicious software infecting your computer. It’s a post-infection measure, designed to detect any serious malware infection that exists on your machine and warn you about it + if possible eradicate it: Nothing more.

Windows Defender is a defender of Windows against certain forms of malware; but it’s not infallible. Microsoft Security Essentials, though, IS an anti-malware suite that is the business. – It’s not infallible by any means, but it’s just as good as the best of any of the best anti-malware programs around, and it’s also free.

For non-Microsoft anti-malware solutions I recommend Kaspersky as one of the best paid-for ones

Having said all the above; prevention is better than cure, so keep the malware out in the first place rather than letting it in and dealing with the mess it leaves afterwards. Practice safe computing to the same degree you’d practice safe-sex or more and you’ll have more of a chance of staying malware-free for an extended period.

Also; whilst Microsoft have enhanced the Windows Firewall during the last few years; I suggest that you only rely on that alone if you’re running your computer behind a router, which acts as a hardware firewall. – Otherwise I suggest using something with a little more bite to it.

Nasties can only get in through an open door. Keep as many doors as possible closed and put guards on those that are left open by necessity. Also if you suspect it then reject it. – That way nothing nasty will get in.

Has your machine ever been compromised? Please comment.