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set the protection programs to continuously monitor your computer and to automatically download and install software updates.

2. Practice safe browsing. That is, be alert when browsing the web and avoid questionable websites and their software. If a site is offering a software download that looks too good to be true (like free, full-version commercial software), it probably is. The price you will pay for downloading it will not be money, but rather malicious software embedding itself into your computer.

Some programs work with your browser to help identify dangerous websites and prevent downloads from those sites.

Spyware Blaster is a free program recommended by PC World. It adds the URLs of known risky sites to your browser's list of restricted sites, preventing installation from these sites. It works with Firefox, Opera and Internet Explorer browsers.

McAfee SiteAdvisor is also recommended by PC World. It is installed as an IE toolbar or Firefox plug-in and warns you about potentially dangerous sites. When you use a search engine, it adds color-coded icons to the search results indicating which sites are safe and which might not be safe. If you do a lot of surfing these are worth checking out.

3. Use a secure browser. Even without the above programs, one browser is just more secure than others. That is the Firefox browser. It historically has had many fewer security weaknesses than the others. It will even tell you if the site you are visiting is a suspected forgery, and it can be set to warn you if the site is trying to install an add-on.

4. Keep all your software updated. Hackers exploit weaknesses in any program that accesses the internet, so check for and install updates regularly (or set the programs to do it automatically).

Remember, new spyware is born regularly and none of the above is guaranteed to keep you spyware free. Vigilance is the key to reducing the risk.

Learn more about this author, Melissa J Luther.
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