Price Computer Support

 

· Use a firewall:

While most spyware and other unwanted software come bundled with other programs or originate from unscrupulous Web sites, a small amount of spyware can actually be placed on your computer remotely by hackers. 

If you are using any version of Windows XP make sure you turn the firewall on. I you are using a commercial software internet security package (like Norton Internet Security) It wants to turn off the windows fore wall in favor of its own firewall. This is OK, but take setting it up or you will block yourself out of the internet by having settings too high. I you are behind a router you have a hardware firewall built into it, but you need to set it up properly so it doesn’t block ports needed to get to the internet or make your favorite chat program from working. If you don’t understand what I just said, you probably should see some help in setting this up.

 

· Update your software

 

If you use Windows XP, one way to help prevent spyware and other unwanted software is to make sure all your software is updated. Get into the habit of not saying “remind me later” when windows alerts you that an update is ready.

 

· Adjust Internet Explorer security settings

 

You can adjust your Internet Explorer Web browser’s security settings to determine how much—or how little—information you are willing to accept from a Web site. Microsoft recommends that you set the security settings for the Internet zone to Medium or higher.

 

· Install antispyware protection

 

There are two type of spyware software. Proactive (prevents it from getting into your computer) or reactive (trys to remove it once your infested). You need proactive. Examples of proactive programs are Spy Sweeper, Trend Micro Anti-Spyware, Spyware Doctor…etc there are a lot to choose from but get one that PREVENTS spyware from getting into your computer in the first place 

  

Microsoft currently offers antispyware beta software for download; more information is available on their Windows Defender (Beta 2) site.

 

I’ll discuss what to do if you do get infected with Spyware in one of my next Blogs. If you have any PC Related questions write to me at ask_wayne@pricecomputersupport.com and I’ll try to answer as many as I can in my Blogs

 

Wayne

BTW: Not too sure what’s going on with the formating of this Blog. No matter what I do it keeps getting worse….Gremlins or maybe it’s Spyware…(Grin)