Introduction

I've been writing about computers and the need to keep them properly secured for a long time. Back in the good old days, protecting your computer involved little more than installing anti-virus software, keeping it updated, and scanning for threats regularly. Unfortunately, the good old days are long gone.

Today, computers and the Internet form a super-charged breeding ground for a myriad of security and privacy threats. There are people and programs trying to obtain personal information in a bid to steal identities. Unscrupulous marketers use adware and spyware to track online wanderings and target advertising to your personal preferences. People attempt to install keylogging programs on PCs to capture banking-related usernames and passwords. Neighbors steal high-speed Internet access from neighbors. Scammers attempt to sell everything under the sun via the scourge known as spam. Predators are seeking out children online. As useful a resource as the Internet may be, safe it is not.

Thankfully, all is not lost. If you take the time to understand the threats that exist, then you can do something to protect against them. My goal with this book is to not only explain the risks that you'll encounter when connecting to the Internet or using Windows Vista, but also to show you the steps to take to ensure that you, your PC, and your family remain safe.

Securing a computer running Windows Vista isn't difficult, but it does take some dedication on your part. Ultimately, the actions you take will be the difference between owning a secure PC and remaining safe online, or leaving you and your system exposed on the Internet.

I sincerely hope that you make the right choice.

May the force be with you!