What can you do to prevent your computer from being infected with spyware? The first step is to educate yourself about spyware. All computer users should be aware of what spyware is and be familiar with the signs that spyware has been installed on their machines, and then take the appropriate steps to delete it.

Spyware is computer software that is installed without the users consent to take control over the user's interaction with the computer. It secretly monitors the user's behavior and can interfere with installation of additional software. When your computer becomes infected with spyware it can do many harmful things and your computer may begin to behave strangely. Often it will start to act sluggish with a barrage of pop-up ads. Settings may get changed automatically and you can't change them back, resulting in slow connection speeds and redirect web browser activity accessing websites blindly that will cause more harmful viruses. Your web Browser may contain components that you didn't download. And there maybe be a sudden or repeated change in your computer's Internet home page and/or new and unexpected toolbars or icons on the system tray at the bottom of your computer screen. Also you can expect random error messages and/or keys that don't work on your keyboard. On a more serious level...it could actually turn to Identity theft by stealing your personal information.

So in an effort to protect your Computer and your Identity, Here are some key spyware prevention tips that you should follow:

Never download or run e-mail attachments unless you know what they are. Avoid opening and reading unsolicited emails. Be careful of E-mail attachments or Internet downloads that end with ".exe" or ".dll". Only download from web sites and people you trust.
Often times Spyware is installed as a component of freeware and shareware applications. It can be appealing to download free software like customized toolbars, peer-to-peer file-sharing programs, games or other programs that may change or customize the functioning of your computer. But be careful, because as I mentioned some of these free software applications actually bundle other software, including spyware. Whenever you install something on your computer, make sure you carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement. Sometimes the inclusion of spyware is documented, but it may appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement.

Use a Fire wall

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