One of the main reason why viruses/Trojans/Spyware etc is so prevalent is down to the Windows operating system. Microsoft over the years has put so little thought and resources into security that many back doors are left open for malicious programs to prosper. Microsoft is never usually proactive with all these threats and usually only produces software patches to plug the holes after they're well known.
If you want to run a clean system then one of the most important things you can do is to download the security updates from Microsoft on a regular basis (at least a few times every month if not once a week). For details of how to do this please check out the LearnMoney guide to defeating Spyware and Viruses by clicking here.
Every now and then Microsoft introduces what they call a Service Pack which is almost a mini rewrite of the operating system fixing not just bugs but also some serious security problems. Service Pack 2 for Windows XP has just been released and is a must download for anyone using XP. However Microsoft also has a history of releasing software too quickly which often contains bugs and causes general problems. It's therefore good advice not to download the Service Pack just yet, wait a few weeks so that the initial problems can be sorted out first. Also before you download it make sure you backup any important data you have.
Free Video Trading Lessons
Here's a website that's offering free video lessons on trading as well as other help and information. It's US based and tends to look at shorter term trading more than longer term investing but we've been pretty impressed with what's on offer.
http://www.realworldtrading.com/index.cfm?section=lessons
Detailed Traded Options E-Book
Charles Cottle is one of the best authors on Traded Options around and has published an excellent free options e-book. It's very detailed and is not for everyone but for traders and investors who use options and have an advanced grip on them the book is a must read.
http://www.cashflowheaven.com/cws.pdf
