Here are links to Tools and methods to protect your Windows System from being attacked.

Please consult your support Analyst first before attempting to use or run any of the
software or methods linked here on a production work system.
Most Companies frown on users updating or modifying their work computer.

This list was mainly compiled to help users with their home machines.

Make sure you check for updates after installing any of these applications.
Also use the advanced features to disable other attack methods where possible.

Always keep your Microsoft CRITICAL patches up to date via the Windows update site.
Either enable the auto update or check for updates at least once a week.

Always make sure you have a current up to date Antivirus solution running.

Windows Update Site
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

Microsoft Security Website
http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer V1.2
(you can run this tool to check for all types of Security issues on your Windows system, just be careful.
This tool is intended for System Analysts with knowledge of the Windows system)
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/tools/mbsahome.mspx
Download link for the Security Analyzer v1.2
http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/7/5/d757ff81-4f97-4a6d-a9d8-edea72363aa8/MBSASetup-en.msi

Lavasoft Ad-Aware
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/

Spybot Search & Destroy
http://www.safer-networking.org/

Spyware Block List File
http://www.spywareguide.com/blockfile.php

SpywareBlaster - Spyware Guard - (and similar software)
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/products.html

Information about Download.Ject from Microsoft
http://www.microsoft.com/security/incident/download_ject.mspx

Symantec Antivirus Security Response Website
(review this site or similar sites for known threats, always keep your definition files up to date)
http://www.sarc.com/

CA Associates Security Advisor
http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/default.aspx

Spyware Warrior BBS
(Discuss all things Spyware)
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/

Spyware BLOG
http://www.netrn.net/spywareblog/

Adware, Spyware and other unwanted "malware" - and how to remove them
http://www.cexx.org/adware.htm

Spyware Forum
http://boards.cexx.org/

ZoneAlarm Freeware (Free firewall software)
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp?lid=staticcomp_za
Download ZoneAlarm Freeware
http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/1012_zl/zlsSetup_50_590_043.exe


WARNING! - Although modifying your HOSTS file to prevent certain sites from even loading on your
computer it is possible that adding too many or the wrong ones can or will also affect browsing
of some valid websites so use caution when adding or modifying your HOSTS file.