How to Prevent Spyware Installation
Spyware is software that an Internet user inadvertently downloads. The software then takes control of the user's computer. This can happen in a variety of ways. Typical spyware manifestations include hijacking the browser and redirecting it to certain websites, downloading additional software without the user's consent, monitoring a user's activity and changing the computer's settings, including resetting the home page. Obviously, spyware can cause problems, so Internet users need to take steps to prevent its installation.
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Instructions
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Keeping Spyware Off Your Computer
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1
Never download a program from an unknown website. You may see a pop-up ad that sounds appealing and follow it to a website that offers free downloads. Never download software under such circumstances. No matter what the ad or website says about the software, you have no way of knowing exactly what you're agreeing to download to your PC. Many unscrupulous websites use ads and misleading or false claims to entice people to download spyware.
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2
Beware of downloading free software. Even if you're visiting a known site, if it's offering something for free, you may be paying a price by downloading spyware along with the program. For example, a friend might be using software that allows her to insert smilies or graphics into her emails--software she then recommends to you. What she may not realize is that her PC is running spyware in the background, and if you follow her recommendation, you'll end up installing spyware, too.
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3
Never follow a link in an email and download software via the link. Spammers often send links to malicious downloads. For example, the email may claim you will see an exciting video--but first you have to download a software update or a special media player. Instead, you'll install spyware, or possibly a virus or some other type of unwanted, dangerous software.
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4
Use an anti-spyware program. You can download Spybot Search and Destroy for free. (Follow the link in Resources.) It will allow you to run resident protection, and you can also run periodic scans of your computer. Newer versions of Windows itself offer some protection from spyware, but you're better off supplementing that protection with another program.
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Use the Mozilla Firefox browser instead of Internet Explorer. While Firefox won't completely protect you from spyware, it is much less vulnerable than Internet Explorer.
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Tips & Warnings
You may see an ad pop up on your computer that offers a free spyware scan, or that even claims to have detected spyware on your PC. Do not click the ad! If you do, you might end up downloading a program that claims to protect you but is actually spyware itself. You could also end up downloading a free trial of supposed anti-spyware software that will constantly bombard you with pop-up ads to buy the full version. Never download a program from a website to which you did not directly initiate the visit yourself.
