Using software to protect your computer from Spyware and viruses

Anti-virus programs like AVG and Norton will help to protect your computer from a handful of problems. Spyware and Adware are just two of the things a good anti-virus program will protect you against. Spyware will collect your personal information, change your computer's configuration, and place advertisements on your system without your consent. When Spyware downloads a software called Adware on your computer, your bank accounts, email accounts, and other online accounts will be compromised. Hackers are known for creating these types of programs and stealing money right out of your account without your knowledge.

However, not all Spyware and Adware is bad. In fact, many businesses use them to track the types of ads you respond to so they know how to target you easier. Have you ever downloaded something from the internet and had your home page automatically changed to that company's home page? Spyware is the reason why these changes are being made. While they may be annoying, they have been useful tools for many businesses, which is why you sometimes unknowingly agree to them.

Installing a good anti-virus program can help to protect you from downloading Spyware and Adware without your knowledge. Every time there is a registry change or change in your settings, a pop-up will automatically ask you if you really want to make this change. This helps you understand a little bit more about what types of changes are going to be made before you just click on the "install" button.

Be careful when you install programs that have sister programs that piggyback on them. iTunes and QuickTime are known for installing together. If you plan on using videos on your iPod and your computer, you should probably install the QuickTime player in addition to iTunes. If you don't need to videos, using Window's Media Player should work just fine for all your video files.

Before you purchase hardware, like a digital camera, find out what types of programs it will need to install in order to work properly. Some hardware will install 4-5 different programs that you will never use because it is all part of a marketing scheme. If possible, install the program off the internet (if it is free) versus using the disk it comes with since it will automatically install several other programs on your computer. If you can't install it off the internet, you will need to go through the programs and individually delete the ones you will not use from your system. Once you have done this, empty your recycle bin or else they will stay on your hard drive and slow down your system.

To prevent future Spyware, Adware, and computer viruses, follow these easy tips:

• Use a pop-up blocker and never click on the pop-ups. Clicking on the pop-ups will usually cause tracking software to get installed on your computer and your personal information can be compromised. Be sure you set your computer's internet settings to medium or high in order to block the pop-ups from happening. However, this may block your access to certain web sites. If you visit that site often, lower your protection for that site only.
  
• Review the privacy policy before you download anything. Normally the policy will inform you of the software that is going to be installed on your system and what information will be reported back to the software company.
  
• Avoid suspicious web sites like pornography sites. These sites almost always install spyware or viruses on your system and they will quickly cause your system to run slowly and eventually your computer will crash without proper maintenance.
  
• Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. This is the best way to protect your computer from harmful Spyware and Adware.