Many web surfers have given up and just learned to live with spyware.
While spyware might not be particularly harmful to your computer it will still eat up your memory over time, requiring you to do frequent reboots.
In addition, it may hit you with a barrage of annoying popups, advertising anything from erectile dysfunction products to the latest diet fad.
Email is another popular infection route that spyware distributors take advantage of.
Many computer users just accept having a malware-infested pc as a cost of doing business on the internet these days.
This need not be the case if you follow these simple steps: • Be cautious with email • Consider using filtering software • Use antivirus and antispyware programs • Make sure your operating system stays updated Email is still a primary entry point for spyware.
The most popular way a person contracts spyware is by clicking on a link provided to him via an email message.
The link will either take the user to an infected website or will download a harmful program onto his hard drive.
Be smart and don't automatically click on an email, even if it says it's from a friend or says it's something important.
Think before you click.
Another way of avoiding spyware is the use of filtering software.
This type of software isn't just for kids, schools, and/or libraries.
Programs such as CyberControl, CyberSitter, and NetNanny offer different levels of internet filtering, whether it be pornography, adult subjects, or any unrated site.
Using software such as these will greatly reduce your chances of picking up spyware.
There is one other free service that seldom gets mentioned when it comes to content filtering and that is OpenDNS.
This company allows any individual to use their domain name servers (DNS) to do IP address lookups when you type a web address into your browser.
It only requires you to use their two name server IP addresses wherever you enter your DNS settings on your home network; generally, on your router settings.
This is a one-time change you make.
Create an account with OpenDNS and you can configure what, if any, type of filtering you prefer.
It also comes in handy if your internet service provider's DNS service is malfunctioning, since you won't be using theirs.
Finally, you should always be running some type of antivirus and spyware protection software.
You have no excuse today since you can use one of several good free versions.
Try Avira, Avast, or AVG for a free antivirus solution.
Just make sure to check that it is automatically updating its antivirus definitions and running a weekly scan.
For real-time spyware protection you will probably have to pay for a yearly subscription to a well-known antispyware company, such as Webroot or Spyware Doctor; however, if you simply require a good free version to manually run a weekly scan, you can download MalwareBytes or Superantispyware.
Both are great at detecting and removing spyware.
By using these basic steps, you will be able to avoid the vast majority of spyware infestations.
Additionally, be sure to have your operating system's automatic update feature turned on and set to download and install automatically.
Safe computing is up to you.
Just be sure to think before clicking.