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Avoiding Spyware
Spyware can invade your privacy, bombard you with pop-up windows, slow down your computer and even make it crash. It's not pleasant - but there are a number of precautions you can take to prevent spyware being installed on your computer.
1. Download and install anti-spyware protection
Microsoft offers a free anti-spyware program, Windows Defender, to Windows users. Other software providers offer similar products - any reputable computer software supplier can recommend the most suitable one for your system.
2. Keep your software up to date
Make sure the software on your computer, particularly the operating system, is up-to-date. If you're running Windows, you can download updates from the Microsoft security site. You can use this site to allow your PC to receive updates from Microsoft automatically, so you won't have to remember to download them.
3. Surf and download safely
Most spyware is installed when people surfing the net don't realise what they're agreeing to. Follow these tips and you're less likely to be caught out:
- Only download programs from websites you trust. If you're not sure whether a particular program is safe, you can enter the name of the program into your favourite search engine, to check if anyone has reported that it contains spyware
- Read all security warnings, license agreements and privacy statements associated with any software you download
- Never click 'OK' or 'I agree' in a pop-up window on the internet unless you are sure what you are agreeing to
- Be wary of 'free' music and movie file-sharing programs and make sure you understand the software that comes packaged with these programs
