The Security Mentor

Security pro Fred Avolio has put together his own list of what home users should know about security.

You're busy. I'll extract the points I haven't already made here.

He summarizes spyware's causes and effects beautifully:

Don't have spyware? I bet you do. Ever click on something that said "Click here to speed up your Internet connection?" Ever install "free" software? Maybe you've added a neat item on your toolbar that shows the weather or stock reports. Computer running slower and slower? Are you now plagued with pop-up advertisements? There is a good chance you have some spyware running on your computer.

He gives links to a list of firewall programs and practical how-to information about Windows security.