Spyware and what to do about it.

We have all at one time or another seen the problems that Spyware can do to a computer.

The computer gets slow
The internet is slow
Popups appear all over the place
Unwanted software installed

Some people even get large long-distance bills from "Dailers" that install themselves

And the list goes on….

The best way to combat the problem is not get it in the first place. Now that is, I know, easier said then done. But here are a few tips:

Do not install any freeware you are not 100% certain about.
No free Screensavers
No Kazza or Kazzalite
No Limewire
No file sharing application PIREOD.
No third party Internet Explorer toolbars. None ever. Except  perhaps Google, Yahoo or MSN but that is it!!


Install
Mozilla Firefox which is the best alternative to Microsoft’s IE. Now I do not want to knock IE as it is a great piece of software. You can do a lot with it. But unlike Swiss cheese where you want the holes, you do not want them in IE. So only use it where it is necessary. E.g.: When you go to do your banking and Firefox is not allowed. Only use it then.

Install
AVG AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition - trusted by 80 million users
Antivirus and antispyware protection for Windows available to download for free.

Install
ESET NOD32 The fastest, most effective technology available to protect you from viruses and spyware without slowing you down while you work or play. ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4 ThreatSense scanner is even smarter and faster, while adding removable media security, new diagnostic and recovery tools, and more advanced heuristics.

Install
 Microsoft's Antispyware software. It is only in the "Beta" stage but we have found it does a nice job. The only negative thing about it is that you will see a lot of Message Balloons appear above the "System Tray". If they appear while you are installing software then in general it should be fine. But still read the Message in the Balloon window. Sometimes it catches software that wants to install itself in the background.

Do not search for free music, or adult related materials. If you do so, you will end up with Spyware on your computer.

In general, keep in mind that if you need your computer for business, do the following:
Only go to sites you trust.
Do not use it for personal use
Do not install any software that is not needed for business. (The computer will work fine without that Screen Saver, It will. And you will save yourself a lot of money and time)
Run your antispyware and antivirus software regularly.

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