- Always scan for viruses if you run into a problem. It's a very common problem.
- Scan for rootkits, also.
- RTFM.
- Learn keyboard shortcuts as you go along.
- Take your time learning new software.
- Almost all software has bugs. I say almost all, because supposedly some have been very very thoroughly debugged over the years.
- Avoid "bleeding edge" software, unless you need it and don't mind paying a high price for it, if it's closed-source.
- Open source software can be as good as commercial software, but scan for malware and be prepared for some bugs. An excellent example of OSS is here: Open Office
- Some software besides Windows is worth paying for. You also get support typically for a while when you pay for it. You also, sometimes, get free upgrades.
- When you feel more comfortable using Windows, try Ubuntu Linux operating system. You can download it for free and burn the ISO image onto a DVD to install from your DVD drive.
- Do NOT use Windows 3.1, 95, 98 or Me to connect to the internet, no matter how cheap you can get them ! You will get a virus quickly, because these OS'es (operating systems) cannot be patched up to current standards.
- Windows XP, Vista and 7 are all safe to connect to the net, provided you patch them completely and use a good firewall/router.
- Any Linux distribution (version) is safe to connect to the internet with. Yes, Linux on rare occasions has gotten viruses but is far safer than Windows. The malware writers mainly go after poorly patched versions of Windows.
- If you want maximum safety when connecting to your bank or credit union, use only Linux or Windows 7 fully patched. Windows 7 is safer than Vista.
- Linux is a PITA to learn, but has security and other advantages over Windows. Oh yeah, it's free too !
