Paying attention to computer network security is one of the most important things you can do for yourself as a computer owner. With good network security, you don’t have to worry about viruses or compromising sensitive personal data. With poor security, you leave yourself vulnerable to identity theft or malware that can ruin your data.

1. Use a good anti-virus program. With the number of security threats floating around out there today, it’s vital that you use a good anti-virus program. Norton, McAfee and AVG all provide excellent anti-virus programs. Installing one of them should be your first priority.

2. Make sure your virus definitions are up-to-date. An anti-virus program is only as good as its virus definitions, so make sure you keep your virus definitions up to date. Set your anti-virus program to check for updates at least once a week, or daily if you want to be really safe.

3. Run regular virus scans. Anti-virus programs are good at catching viruses that try to sneak through, but occasionally one does get by. It’s important that you run regular virus scans to ensure your machine isn’t infected. Set your anti-virus software to scan weekly.

4. Update your operating system regularly. Software developers work on updating operating systems constantly. Some of these updates address bugs and potential exploits in your system, so you should keep your operating system up to date to ensure you’re protected against the latest threats.

5. Configure and use a firewall. Firewalls require some advanced configuration to work properly with some games and software, but it’s well worth your time to configure and use them. Firewalls help protect against malicious software and prevent people from traveling through your network connection to compromise your computer.

6. Use your Web browser’s security features. All Web browsers come with security features. Use them. Set your security to medium, at least, and high if you can tolerate it. Changing your browser’s security settings helps to protect you against the most common threats, and it can alert you if your system is compromised.

7. Enable your router’s security features. Good routers incorporate security features into their firmware. Enable password protection and encryption so people can’t get into your network or steal data as it’s transmitted.

8. Install an anti-spyware program. Viruses aren’t the only threat to network security; spyware can present a major problem, especially in the form of keyloggers that steal your passwords. Install an anti-spyware program to sniff out and protect your PC from this malicious software.

9. Use strong, varied passwords. Using strong passwords is one of the easiest ways you can improve your security. Use long passwords that are a combination of both letters and numbers. Use different passwords for different applications, so that if one password is compromised, you haven’t compromised all of your accounts.

10. Consider a computer network security suite. Both Norton and McAfee offer computer network security suites with a variety of software, including anti-virus, firewall, identity protection and even backup features. These suites work together seamlessly to address a variety of threats, giving you stronger protection than you’d get from a patchwork of different programs.