| The most frustrating part of having Spyware on | | | | you know and trust. It can be appealing to download |
| your computer is the sheer feeling of helplessness | | | | free software like games, peer-to-peer file-sharing |
| that is invoked. Your computer slows down, it no | | | | programs, customized toolbars, or other programs |
| longer does what you instructed it to, it seems to | | | | that may change or customize the functioning of |
| have a mind of its own. You effectively have lost | | | | your computer. Be aware, however, that some of |
| control of your computer. Spyware (also referred to | | | | these free software applications bundle other |
| as Adware or Malware) is software that is installed | | | | software, including Spyware.-Don't install any |
| on your computer without your consent. Spyware | | | | software without knowing exactly what it is. Take |
| software monitors or controls your computer use. It | | | | the time to read the end-user license agreement |
| may be used to send you pop-up ads, redirect your | | | | (EULA) before downloading any software. If the |
| computer to websites, monitor your Internet surfing, | | | | EULA is hard to find - or difficult to understand - |
| or record your keystrokes, which, in turn, could lead | | | | think twice about installing the software.-Minimize |
| to identity theft.Here are some of the symptoms | | | | "drive-by" downloads. Make sure your browser |
| that indicate Spyware is on a computer:-a barrage of | | | | security setting is high enough to detect unauthorized |
| pop-up ads-a hijacked browser - that is, a browser | | | | downloads, for example, at least the "Medium" |
| that takes you to sites other than those you type | | | | setting for Internet Explorer. Keep your browser |
| into the address box-a sudden or repeated change in | | | | updated.-Don't click on any links within pop-up |
| your computer's Internet home page-new and | | | | windows. If you do, you may install Spyware on your |
| unexpected toolbars-new and unexpected icons on | | | | computer. Instead, close pop-up windows by clicking |
| the system tray at the bottom of your computer | | | | on the "X" icon in the title bar.-Don't click on links in |
| screen-keys that don't work (for example, the "Tab" | | | | spam that claim to offer anti-spyware software. |
| key that might not work when you try to move to | | | | Some software offered in spam actually installs |
| the next field in a Web form)-random error | | | | Spyware.-Install a personal firewall to stop uninvited |
| messages-sluggish or downright slow performance | | | | users from accessing your computer. A firewall |
| when opening programs or saving filesFollow these | | | | blocks unauthorized access to your computer and will |
| precautions in order to help prevent Spyware | | | | alert you if Spyware already on your computer is |
| installation:-Update your operating system and Web | | | | sending information out.You may freely reprint this |
| browser software. Your operating system (like | | | | article provided the author's biography remains |
| Windows or Linux) may offer free software | | | | intact:John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans |
| "patches" to close holes in the system that Spyware | | | | who help UK homeowners find the best available |
| could exploit.-Download free software only from sites | | | | loans via the website. |