Studies show that unprotected computers can be compromised within minutes. Log on to the Internet without antivirus software or other protection and your computer might fall victim to malware that could damage your system or surreptitiously involve your PC in a vast army of computers used to cause damage on a larger scale.

If you got a new computer this holiday season, you can take a few simple steps to help protect it. For more information, see 5 steps to help protect your computer before you go online.