Only You Can Prevent Spyware from Destroying your Computer
by Randall Cox
Spyware gets on your computer without you even realizing it. Spyware is malicious software that works behind the scenes on your computer and collects information about the websites you visit, your keystrokes and some other information that you would prefer to keep confidential. Spyware usually causes your computers performance to deteriorate rapidly. You may also find a lot of things going on on your computer you have never seen before. There programs designed to remove this spy ware. It’s preferred that to never get it on your computer to start with.
What Should You Do?
First of all, you need to be careful and avoid clicking links on sites that you know nothing about and be particularly careful if these links are in popup advertisements. Never click on a popup advertisement. There is a very real possibility that this one click will install spyware on your computer and you will never know it.
Prevention
Preventing spyware on your computer in the first place is the first step in making sure you do not acquire spyware. Spy ware is usually set up to automatically download more spy ware every time you connect to the internet. It multiplies. I know you have seen popup ads with a button that says click on this to close the advertisement. Dont click that button because it may instead actually install spyware on computer. Click the X to close out the window instead. That will make the window to close without providing a chance for any spyware installers to go to work.
Email Safety
Never open an email attachment without scanning the attachment with spy ware and virus scanning program even if the attachment is from someone that you know. It could contain something to install a virus or spyware on your computer.
Before You Accept
How many times do you read the agreements when we install software. Especially freeware or shareware. You usually just click the I Accept button and move on with the installation. Creators of spyware know this also and they actually put clauses in the agreement that by clicking the I Accept button you agree to install their spy ware on your computer. Reading all of this can be bothersome and time consuming but it would be wise to read all agreements of any software you install. If you don’t have the time use an anti-spy ware program to scan the before you actually install it on your system. You’re At Risk 24 Hours A Day
If you have high speed internet and do not dial up then your internet is always open and on. Never operate your computer without your firewall on. This firewall will also help protect against your computer sending viruses or spyware from behind it to the rest of the world. Windows XP Service Pack 2 has a built in firewall. If you are using some version of Windows prior to XP, there are third party personal firewalls that are reasonably priced and have built in antivirus and spyware protection. Additionally set your Internet Explorer security settings at medium or higher. If they are not set at least at this level you can acquire spyware by just visiting a web site. In fact, if you want better protection against spyware, download and install Mozilla Firefox and make it your default web browser. It has a good deal greater protection against viruses and spy ware. Sponsored By Adware Alerts.com