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Spyware is software that is installed on your computer without your knowledge or permission. This often happens when you download free software, but it can hijack a ride on other files as well. It then does pretty much what the name implies: it spies on you. It may transmit information about your web surfing habits, create pop-ups or hijack search pages, among other things.

Following a few simple tips will help keep your computer safe from prying eyes.

1. The most important thing to do is install and use an
antispyware program and a firewall. The all-in-one computer protection suites like Norton or McAffee include spyware and virus protection as well as a firewall. You do need all three for complete computer protection so, for
simplicity's sake, it is worth buying one of these. Another good program is AVG Internet Security by Grisoft, Inc. The choice really is yours.

If you don't want to pay for software, it is possible to cobble together the same protection from free sources, but be careful. What better way to infect a security-conscious
person's computer than with a fake security program? It's perfect. You think you are protecting your computer when in reality you are infecting it. Research any program you consider using before downloading anything.

* Firewalls:

Windows machines come with a firewall installed. You can find it in the Security Center portion of the Control Panel. Make sure it is turned on if you do not have another firewall running. This program is functional, but not very robust. You really should use something else.

A good free firewall program is Comodo Firewall Pro. This program has been recommended by PC World, and the independent testing site
Matousec has rated it as the top firewall. If you want an alternative to the Windows firewall try this one, but only run one firewall at a time. Otherwise they could cause conflicts that might actually reduce your protection.

*Antispyware Programs:

Windows Defender is a free download from Microsoft. According to the Microsoft website, it "protects against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software." I used a beta version of this software when it was called Microsoft Antispyware and found it to be quite good.

AVG Anti-Rootkit by
Grisoft, Inc. finds and removes rootkits. Rootkits are one of the worst kinds of malicious software and often not detected by other protection programs. This program is a great addition to your spyware protection efforts.

Where possible,

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