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TEN STEPS TO COMBAT SPYWARE

The Internet is full of spyware. Therefore, this post is based on the top ten best recommended steps to combat spyware. Onguardonline.gov informs us that spyware is a software installed on your computer without your consent to monitor or control your computer use. Clues that spyware is on a computer may include a barrage of pop-ups, a browser that takes you to sites you don’t want, unexpected toolbars or icons on your computer screen, keys that don’t work, random messages, and sluggish performance when opening programs or saving files. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all.

The good news is, according to Onguardonline.gov, that consumers can take steps to lower their risk of spyware infections. The following are the top ten recommended steps to fight spyware:

1. Update your operating system and Web browser software regularly (updates offer free patches).
2. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly.
3. Download free software only from sites you know and trust (free software is appealing but it can carry spyware).
4. Don’t install any software without knowing exactly what it is (read the end-user license agreement before downloading).
5. Minimize “drive-by” downloads.
6. Don’t click on any links within pop-ups.
7. Don’t click on links in spam or pop-ups that claim to offer anti-spyware software.
8. Install a personal firewall to stop uninvited users from accessing your computer.
9. Back up your data (save your important files to a CD, DVD, or external hard drive).

It is important to keep our computers free of spyware because we input a lot of personal information on our computers. You wouldn’t like for someone to steal your identity and use it for personal gains. If you follow the above steps, you will enjoy a safe Internet experience.