9 Tips to Keep Spyware Off Your Computer

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You’ve got a brand new computer. You set it up with visions of high-speed downloads and fast computing. However, before too long, you notice that performance on your shiny new computer is beginning to lag. Spyware could be the culprit.

Spyware and adware are programs that are installed on your computer (often without your knowledge) that send information to advertisers or return advertising to you. Spyware can slow your computer until it is almost unusable and only reformatting the drive can get things going again.

Here are some tips to protect yourself from spyware:

Read User Agreements Before Clicking Yes – Legitimate companies will have user agreements that indicate what other software will be installed if you agree.
Be Careful of Advertising That Looks Like Windows Warnings – Some advertisements are disguised to look like Windows warning dialog boxes. Clicking the box will install spyware on your computer.
Pay Attention to legitimate Windows Warnings – If you have installed and configured security software, you will get warnings of attempts to install spyware or adware.
Install Spyware and Adware Scanning Software – Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy are free programs that will scan for spyware/adware on your computer.
Be Careful with Your Web Browsing –Websites with adult content are more likely to install spyware, without warning.
Keep Your Version of Windows Updated – The programmers who develop spyware often look to exploit security flaws in MS Windows. As these flaws become known, Microsoft will update the OS to fix the security hole. Keeping your version of Windows up-to-date will ensure that you have the latest protection available.
Be Careful When Installing Shareware and Freeware – Be careful of where you download freeware and shareware. Popular and established software sites will generally scan the download files to ensure they are spyware free.
Install a Firewall – Installing a firewall adds another layer of protection from unwanted intruders and spyware programs.
Improve Your Security Settings – There are many ways to increase the security for operating systems and browsers. Take the time to learn how security works and make the necessary adjustment to your settings.