Disable Autorun

It lets CD-ROMs start automatically when inserted. But that also lets the CD install things you may not want, such as rootkits (see above). In XP, deactivation involves editing the Reg¬istry; you can find plenty of instruc- tions online Disable AutoPlay
Don't confuse Autorun with Auto¬Play, the dialog box that asks what to do with media on a CD and on flash storage drives. Turn it off in XP using Tweak UI In Vista, use the AutoPlay control panel.

Know what's running
Windows runs a lot of background programs than are invisible to you. Task Manager (Ctrl-Alt-Delete to view) reveals them, but you can learn more with Process Explorer . It spells out XP and Vista processes in plain English.

Control start-up
Set the order and priority of what loads at boot-up with Win Patrol Plus.

Call for help
Microsoft will provide free technical support if your question concerns viruses or spyware.