10 Fail proof Tips to prevent you from downloading Spyware

June 16, 2011 Computer Safety Tip

Every PC owner should be well aware of the dangers of malware, adware and spyware. The developers behind these parasites do not discriminate, and releases their malwares to spread equally across the Web. Fortunately for users, there are various ways they can protect their PCs and avoid catching any of these disgusting bugs.

Read the EULA. Many users have developed a bad habit of simply clicking through the license agreements when installing software. Malware developers bank on this and take advantage of this fact by hiding their own contingencies into the license agreement. This gives the appearance that the user, in actual fact unwittingly gives consent to having the scareware and malware installed on his PC. Take the time to read the text carefully, and you will be more likely to determine whether you are installing legitimate software.
Activate Security Settings. Users are well urged to turn up the browser security on their browsers to the highest level they can handle. This would usually be to medium, or medium high. This will ensure your browser will ask for permission to download anything, and this will force the user to be more cognizant about what type of software will be downloaded to the machine.
Make use of a browser other than Internet Explorer. As it stands, Internet Explorer is today’s most popular Internet browser. This fact makes IE a prime target for hackers. As a result, a lot of hackers may develop spyware which only affects Internet Explorer and not any of the many other free browsers available today. Should you experience a constant headache with infections, consider changing your browser.
Update your Operating System. Updating your OS as frequently as possible will allow you to gain the benefit from the many security tweaks which will strive to make your PC more efficient and proficiently safe to run and operate. Microsoft keeps up to date with security holes, and updates their patches often.
Install a Firewall. It’s been determined that Firewalls offer a fantastic defense against virus, adware and spyware infections. This is a necessity for any PC.
Don’t click popups. There really are a very few popups which are genuinely safe. It will be best simply not to trust any unsolicited popup message you get.
Install Antivirus Software. There really is a myriad of genuine and freeware antivirus applications. These applications in effect prevent any malware from even touching your system. Some great suggestions for free antivirus programs include Avira Antivirus and Spyware Search and Destroy.
Deny ActiveX controls. If your browser security settings are set high enough you will receive notifications about when an ActiveX control requests to be installed. Unless 100% confident about the ActiveX, do not install it.
Never open a suspicious email. It’s common knowledge that spammers and hackers sometimes take control of your contacts’ email accounts and sent their harmful filth through this way. If you receive a suspicious email, simply rather do not even open it.
Trust your instincts. It makes sense that there won’t ever be any site in existence which will simply scream: “Get your harmful malware here!” So be discerning, suspicious and keep your PC safe!