How many types of viruses outhere and how do you protect your computer against them? thanks?

hey steve thanx 4 the ur answer but i'm not lieing.....my dad is trying to find a way out to see my mom's grave on thanksgiving and i am trying to ask my brother if when he comes down if he will take us....mom ret in peace 4/18/1964-10/10/1999

How many types of viruses outhere and how do you protect your computer against them? thanks?antivirus scan

hundreds of thousands to a million or more. you protect from them with a good anti virus. and keep it up to date. good luck.

How many types of viruses outhere and how do you protect your computer against them? thanks?computer security

There are infinite types of viruses out there and there are constantly new ones popping up. Best bet it to have a current subscription to virus protection software such as norton or mcafee.
If you cant afford a paid for antivirus its advisable you get a free one, I actually think the free ones are quite effective. There are only a few types of malware but there are many viruses (hundreds if not thousands) that fall into each category

some types include keyloggers, dialers, trojans, worms, joke programs and screen grabbers, there are more than these but a google search or a visit to any security website will give you more information

a free antivirus I use is Avast and its one of the best free programs around - www.avast.com. You will need a few antispyware programs as well as some catch things that the other doesnt, download.com has links to a lot of them if you need one or two

hope this helps
There are 1000's of viruses. You need to install a firewall and an antivirus program. Windows has it's own firewall but it isnt that good. Google for free firewall and antivirus programs or go and purchase one. For a free firewall I recommend Zone Alarm and free antivirus AVG.

Do not go on the net without a firewall, use the windows firewall until you get a better one.