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The main reason people keep getting viruses and spyware on their computers is that they're actually installing it themselves without realizing it. Malware (that's the umbrella term for such software) doesn't just sneak in and install itself most of the time - it needs to fool you into letting it in.

Outlined below are the five most common ways people accidently infect their computers. By using the accompanying information, you should be able to drastically cut your computer's infection rate.

1) No security software, or out of date security software.

Unless you're a computer whiz who could, if necessary, manually remove a virus from every nook and cranny of your computer, despite all of its efforts to operate with perfect stealth in your machine, you need security software. Norton, Panda, McAfee, and AVG are just a few of the many antivirus programs available to keep your computer safe.

Don't assume for a minute that you can let your guard down once you have security software installed, though. You'll also need to keep that software up to date. New viruses and other threats are coming out all the time, and your security software needs to know to look out for them, thus your software needs to get regular updates from its host company. Security software usually updates automatically by means of a product subscription which you may need to pay yearly for. Without updates, you'll only be protected from old viruses, not new ones.

Security software, even when up to date, can not protect you from everything. Your security software listens to you before it does anything, just as your private police force wouldn't disregard your orders. Therefore, if you download a program like "Antivirus 2009," an example of a virus disguised as security software, and permit it to be installed by clicking an "okay" button, your actual antivirus program will not prevent that installation. However, it will likely detect the virus you just installed the next time you do a scan.

In order to be safe from viruses and adware, you must keep both yourself and your security software informed and up-to-date.

2) Falling for email scams and emailed viruses

Some viruses invade the email address book of the infected computer and mail themselves out automatically to everyone in the address book. If this happens to one of your friends, you may get what looks like a friendly email from that person in your inbox, inviting you to click a link or open an attachment. If you have not discussed getting an attachment

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