Avoiding Spyware And Malware Attacks

Spyware is more than just annoying - it can cause other programs to not work properly and can cause your computer to become quite unstable. Not to mention the privacy issues it brings up.

These pieces of software are generally installed on your computer without your knowledge or consent. They often can't be removed without some kind of specialized software. If you need to be tricked into installing it, chances are you can't trust the source.

Your first line of defense is common sense. Be careful when you install new software. Only install software from trusted websites, and always read the license agreement. Some companies disclose that they install extra things with their software, but most people don't read the license and never know it.

Before downloading any new software, look for guarantees that it's spyware free. Even so, be on your guard - the file-sharing program Kazaa has been claiming to be spyware-free for years. Anyone who installs this software soon has an opportunity to test this claim.

How can you tell if you have spyware on your system? You may see pop-up advertisements even when you aren't browsing the web. Your homepage may have been changed without your consent. New toolbars are installed on your web browser which you didn't request. Your computer may be sluggish or mysteriously reboot on its own. Though, the last effect is usually a virus.

If you find your system bogged down with spyware, don't give up hope. There are several utilities specifically designed for removing spyware from your computer. They rely on frequently updated databases which contain signature files of all known spyware and adware. They scan all the files on your hard drive and alert you if 'uninvited guests' are found.

Some of these programs are free while others will cost. The paid versions sometimes have additional features, such as automatic scheduled scans. None of them are 100% foolproof however, so it's a good idea to run more than one of them.

Some types of spyware are exceptionally hard to get rid of. They can make changes to settings on your computer that help to "protect" the spyware from being removed. In some cases, you need to manually delete the files to get rid of them for sure.

This is obviously not something you should undertake unless you're quite familiar with Windows and working with system files. You wouldn't want to delete something that renders Windows inoperable.

Once the spyware has been removed from your system, you should run scans on a regular basis to keep it clean. Whether you do this manually or use a program that does it automatically on a schedule is up to you (and your pocketbook).

Of course, you need to always be wary of anything you download. You never know when there is going to be a significant cost to that free software that looks so cool.

About the Author

How can you protect your computer from spyware, viruses, identity theft and other online security attacks? It doesn't take a technical genius to be safe. Learn the insider secrets that will keep your computer safe at http://www.onlinesecuritytoolkit.com

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