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.

This type of software is often installed without a user's consent and often can't be uninstalled without special tools. When distributors use tricks and deception to install uninvited software, trust is destroyed.

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.

What are the signs of a spyware infection? Odd pop-up advertising, a new homepage when you didn't change it, new toolbars that you didn't install or your computer is responding slowly or rebooting randomly all of a sudden, to name a few.

If you do get infected with spyware, there are ways to get rid of it. A number of companies make software designed to get rid of it. These programs will scan your computer and check through their database of known spyware for any matches. These databases get updated frequently as new forms of spyware are found.

Many are free, though sometimes the paid versions have more automation features such as removing spyware on receipt rather than requiring a manual scan. None will find every piece of spyware on your system, since they rely on a database which has to be populated according to someone's judgment. And, one man's spyware is sometimes another's welcomed advertiser.

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.

Needless to say, this should be performed only by skilled users. Deleting the wrong files can damage your programs and even your operating system.

Once you've got rid of any spyware on your computer, you can help keep it clean by running a scan on a regular basis. Whether this is scheduled, or you do it manually is up to you.

And of course, always be aware of the risks before you accept any free offers for software on the internet. You never know what the real cost is for that free program.

By: Paul Wilcox

How can you keep yourself safe from spyware, viruses, identity theft and other online security attacks? You don't need to be a technical genius to be safe. Learn the insider secrets that will keep you safe at www.onlinesecuritytoolkit.com

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