protecting my DAW

[axis_d]

hello everyone. I have a computer that I built a little over a year ago. I just moved out and I want to get an internet connection for the first time, but I dont have any protection at all on it. (didn't need it with no internet) Anyway, I have a lot of important files on it. I edit video and work on a lot of audio projects so there's a ton of stuff that I can't lose. In the past with unimportant computers I've always had problems with pop ups, and spyware and freezing and always have ended up having to reformat. I dont really know why, its happened with like three computers, and I like I said, i can't have that happen with this one. So I'd like to know everything I need to do to protect it. Pop up blockers, ad-ware clean up, virus protection, if you could just tell me everything I"ll need. I'll probably be going with comcast. So let me know if there's anything else you need to know, thanks!

[ghost2003]

This thread has a lot of info. (http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=103171) You can also search the forum, there is much more info scattered arround. It would help if we could have more info like what OS do you have, are you on a network, do you have a router, etc...
Here is a brief list of programs you can use.
Antivirus: free:AVG,Avast,AntiVir pay:nod32,Kaspersky,Pc-Cillin,Panda (there are more but as I said, this is a brief list)
Anti-Spyware: Spybot,Ad-Aware,spyware blaster,MS Antispyware
Antimalware:Ewido, a-squared
Firewall: free:kerio,sygate,CHX packet filter pay:outpost,lock 'n stop
Best thing is to have 1 AV and firewall and having many other scanners is good too. Make sure to keep everything updated (including your OS). Keep good surfing habbits so dont go on porn and warez sites and dont download anything from an untrusted source.
The most important thing it to backup anything you really need. Even if you dont connect to the internet many things could cause you to lose your data like a hard drive failure for example.
Look arround the forum and im sure you will know how to keep your pc safe.
One last thing: The best protection is common sense!

[axis_d]

whats a warez site?
yeah, there'll be no network, no router. I have windows XP. I haven't updated it since about late 2004, so I'm sure there's something to update, but like i said, I haven't had the internet. But yeah, thanks for the suggestions so far!

[glc]

Even with a standalone computer, a router is highly recommended for any broadband connection.

[axis_d]

..i'll bump this up. I'd still like to know what a warez site is. Also, any specific protection I should have now that you know my OS?

[sgtspector]

Warez sites are sites that have cracks, hacks and illegal software. They also hold many programs for download that are not what they appear to be. They rely on the surfer looking for full version software at the optimal low price. Many are famous for drive-by downloads to the surfing computer. That way they can take control of your computer remotely. Stay away at all costs.