G DATA Software AG: Antivirus, Virenschutz, Virenscanner, Internet Security

"On many hard disks there are countless programs which users hardly use and update only sporadically if at all. This leads to huge security problems. If nothing else, the success of Conficker can be traced back to inadequate update policies. Operating systems, browsers and installed software should therefore always be kept up to date with the latest version," reports Ralf Benzmüller, manager of G Data Security Labs.

According to the experts' estimations, there is a risk from such software dinosaurs which should not be underestimated. "There is a particularly high risk if the manufacturer has discontinued support for the software. Often these software dinosaurs have many security holes, which malware authors can exploit to insert malware through the backdoor. Such programs belong in the museum and not on PCs with Internet access."

After years of use, only a good clear out will help. But how should you carry out an ideal spring clean of your PC to optimize security?

How users should declutter their PCs correctly:
- The operating system should be brought up to date through installation of the latest service packs and all available patches. This can be carried out without problem using the integral update function. Moreover, many PC magazines offer CDs with all patches and service packs. This saves downloading time and also protects against manipulation through counterfeit updates. So that the PC is not infected again and before it is even close to being ready for use, the Windows firewall should be activated before first contact with the Internet and a virus protection program should be loaded. The virus protection should then be registered during any Windows updates that are due and updated to the latest version.

- User software, e.g. email clients, chat programs and download managers, but also graphics and video programs as well as backup software may have security holes. Backdoors, which can be easily exploited by attackers, may exist. When tracking them down free tools and services, e.g. Secunia Personal Inspector (www.secunia.com) are very helpful.

- Programs for which there is no longer any manufacturer support should be deleted from the hard disk. This also applies to obsolete Windows operating systems for which there are no longer any update patches.

- Cleaning up also means setting sensible Windows rights. Where possible, when surfing the Internet, a user with limited rights should be logged into the PC. This provides a marked increase in security when compared to surfing using administrator user accounts. If only an administrator account exists on the computer, then a user account with limited rights is easily created under the "User" area of system control. If you are setting up your computer for the very first time, then you can create a Windows user with limited rights.

- Install the latest virus protection software or Internet security package. Ensure that you register properly so that the update mechanism functions correctly and download the latest virus signature and program updates. Virus protection without the update service offers no protection against the latest malware.

- Never surf without a firewall or deactivate the firewall. This also applies to computers which are operated behind a router as well as to systems which create a direct ISDN or modem connection to the Internet via a data transmission network.

- The use of security solutions with integrated system tuning and registry cleaning removes unnecessary ballast. This makes Windows more stable and faster.

Digital spring cleaning pays for itself in all cases. The time required for maintenance is time well spent and is only a fraction of the work necessary, should a system become infected just once due to a lack of sufficient maintenance.