SolveYourProblem
Article Series: Spyware
Gid Rid of Spyware on My System
5
Easy Steps to Prevent & Eliminate Spyware
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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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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