Five Steps To Prevent Spyware From Installing On Your Computer
December 1st, 2008

Spyware, Adware, and other unwanted or malicious software can invade your computer at any time. You can be bombarded with pop-up windows, your PC can start to run really slow, or your PC can even crash. You want to make sure you are protecting your computer and your privacy when you are browsing the net. You never know what type of information you might be sharing with the wrong people.

Step 1: Use a firewall all the time

Most spyware and unwanted software usually come in bundles with other programs. There is some that comes from actual web sites or is put on your computer by hackers. A great way to keep this from happening is to install a firewall. Most computers that run Windows already have a firewall in them and needs to be set to on. This can keep hackers from getting into your computer and downloading spyware to get your information. A firewall can help block viruses and worms for getting into your computer. It will cause the system to ask for permission to block or not block connection requests. A firewall can also create a security log that will record successful and not successful connection attempts on your computer.

Step 2: Update your software regularly

You always want to make sure all your Windows updates are up to date. Also make sure the updates for your actual computer's manufacturer are as well. All you need to do is go into your setting and make sure you have checked the box for automatic updates. This will allow Windows to update whenever it is necessary with out having to disturb you from your work. Many computers also have Big Fix that will let you know when your computer or Windows has updates for you to download.

Step 3: Adjust Internet Explorer security settings accordingly

At any point in time you can adjust your Internet Explorer's security settings. This will allow you to decide how much or in the case of spyware, how little information you are willing to take from a web site. You want to keep your Internet zone setting to at least medium for it to be effective. To check or change your Internet Explorer security settings go into Internet Explorer. Click on tools in the task bar and then click on Internet Options. A box will come up on the screen and you will then select the Security tab. You will be able to adjust your setting as you like and even add trusted sites that you go to most. Most times the default is set at medium, so you will only have to adjust it if you want it higher.

Step 4: Download and install anti-spyware protection

Make sure that your anti-virus protection is up to date and offers anti-spyware protection. If not you can download something useful from a trusted site and install it on your computer. You want to be sure that you have the full version. Many programs that are available for free are limited to what they give you. It is better to pay for the appropriate program that will keep your computer safe. Make sure you run the software regularly to keep the unwanted programs out of your PC.

Step 5: Surf and download more safely

Be sure you always know and trust the sites you are downloading from. Even the most seemingly harmless downloads can contain spyware. Don't download anything you aren't sure of. The best defense from spyware is not installing it in the first place. If you aren't quite sure if a program is safe or not type it into your search engine and see what comes up for results. If it is spyware you will find out then. Make sure you read all the information that pops up when you are downloading a program. Read the security warnings, license agreements, and the privacy statements associated with any type of software you are installing. Never click on "agree" or "OK" to get rid of a window. Make sure you click on the X in the corner of the windows title bar. You can also press Alt + F4 buttons or right click in your task and close the window from there. Many times no matter where you would click it will cause the program to download. If you cannot touch the box at all you are better off

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