If a noob posts a link to anything other than pictures (jpg, png, gif, bmp) don't click it unless you know what you're doing.
As I'm sure most of you are aware, spambots swarm around forums posting bullshit links to sites that're nothing but ad-hubs. They flood you with pop-ups and other random shit to generate revenue for the spammer.
Also, don't download any zip, rar or exe files if the person posting the links to them is less then trusted. Skript-kiddies (hacker wannabes whose knowledge extends to downloading hacker programs and pushing buttons) tend to try and use forums to distribute trojans and malicious software to unsuspecting mooks such as yourselves.
For Better Security....
Download:
Spybot S&D
Install it (along with TeaTimer), update it and use the 'Immunize' function. Then run a full scan. This will remove just about any trojan (remote-control) software already in your computer and prevent your computer from accessing thousands of sites where you can pick up new ones.
Run a full scan every two weeks or so and it should keep your computer free from bullshit.
Download:
Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition
Install it, update it, run a full scan. This will remove all adware from your computer. Adware is stuff that redirects you to banner-sites and causes random pop-ups to appear, all with the aim of making you visit sites and click links that will gain revenue for whoever the fuck infected you.
Aside from that....
Just don't open attachments on e-mails from people you don't know, and aren't expecting. Don't downloading programs from websites you don't trust completely. A lot of 'crack' sites don't hold
any actual cracks. All they do is give you a file that will fuck your computer. Same with warez sites - they have full copies of programs, but they pre-infect them with viruses.
If you really
must download shit illegally, make sure it's from one of the big torrent sites or UseNet. The big downloaders always download things, check them over and report them for removal if they've got any 'hidden extras'.
I shall think up more stuff later.
Linear Mode
