What is a Spyware and how to avoid it

Spyware is a computer software that is installed on a personal computer without the user's informed consent and performs certain behaviors such as advertising (called adware), collecting personal information, or changing computer configuration.

A spyware can install itself into your computer when you open an email attachment, click on pop-up windows or some link to a program, or download free utilities or games.

Spywares can collect various types of personal information, such as web surfing habits, and can also interfere with user control of the computer in other ways, such as installing additional software, and redirecting web browser activity that can result to slow connection speeds, different home pages, and/or loss of Internet access or functionality of other programs

Spyware and other unwanted software can invade your privacy, bombard you with pop-up windows, slow down your computer, and even make your computer crash. Here are several ways you can help protect your computer against spyware and other unwanted software:

• Only download software from Web sites you trust. If you are not sure whether to trust a program you are considering downloading, do some research first or ask a knowledgeable friend.

• Never click "agree" or "OK' to close a pop-up window in your browser. Instead, click the red "x" in the corner of the window or press the Alt + F4 button on your keyboard to close it.

• Be wary of the popular "free" software, music, and movie file-sharing programs. Be sure you clearly understand all of the software packaged with those programs

• Make sure all your software is updated. If you are using Windows Vista or XP, make sure you have Automatic Updates turned on and visit Microsoft Update to download all the latest critical and security updates

• Adjust your web browser settings. If you're using Internet explorer, consider switching to a more secure browser like Mozilla Firefox. Or adjust Internet Explorer's security settings for the Internet zone to Medium of higher.

• Use a Firewall. While most spyware and other unwanted software come bundled with other programs or originate from unscrupulous Web sites, a small amount of spyware can actually be placed on your computer remotely by hackers. Installing a firewall provides a helpful defense against these hackers.

• Install antispyware software. If you're using Windows Vista or XP, you can use Windows Defender, a free antispyware utility from Microsoft. Other free antispyware software are available such as Spybot Search and Destroy.