by Rachelle de Bretagne

Created on: October 18, 2008   Last Updated: November 13, 2008

Would you ever invite a total stranger into your home to look at your personal possessions? Of course your answer will be a clear "No", though thousands of people all across the world allow strangers to see what they do in the privacy of their own homes in their computer usage. It's a relatively new concept that people can tell by the keystrokes you use, the sites you visit and the programs that you download what your on-line habits are. While, for the majority of the time, this kind of intrusion can be harmless, sometimes it's not.

This is when users of computers need to be aware of spy-ware. Spy-ware comes into your computer just as if you invited a stranger into your home. Computer users need to protect themselves, just as homeowners would and simple steps can be taken to avoid spy-ware becoming dangerous to your security.

*Anti Virus programs.
*Spy-ware and ad-ware programs.
*Downloading rules.
*Scanning your system.

Anti virus programs are important and act as an alarm when someone invades your space. Take a look at your anti virus program and ensure that it also scans for spy-ware and ad-ware. Have this running whenever you are on the computer.

Spy-ware and Ad-ware specialist programs look particularly for vulnerabilities. Spybot, Search and Destroy is an excellent program which can be downloaded free, and can be run at regular intervals to check for security problems. Ad-Aware is another program which seeks out those data mining items you may pick up on different websites and in downloads. Both programs are free of charge and effective in their treatment of guarding you from security threats, hand in hand with your anti virus program.

Downloading rules.

Remember that nothing comes without a cost, and that free programs can have drawbacks. Many of these have advertising and spy-ware, and although the program itself may function correctly, can cause a security threat. Download from sites which are responsible and have a reputation to uphold such as Download.com, and be sure to read agreements before installing programs, as often these give warning signs that people scroll through without reading, thinking that everyone does that, rather than being aware of threats.

Scanning your system.

Scan your system regularly and consider what you are doing as being similar to setting your household alarm. You can be safe on-line, though your safety lies in your own hands. Don't allow the stranger in, and your computer and your personal information will remain safe.

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