| Everyone seems to be asking these days: why | | | | Spybot (safer-networking.org/en/index.html) |
| is my computer so slow? Well, the answer to | | | | and Ad-Aware (lavasoftusa.com/software |
| that question is usually that it's loaded | | | | adaware/). These two free programs will |
| with programs called spyware and adware. | | | | search throughout your computer, find the |
| Spyware and adware are programs installed, | | | | spyware and adware and allow you to |
| usually without your permission, on your | | | | quarantine and delete it. To be completely |
| computer so companies can show their | | | | safe, be sure to run and update both of these |
| advertisements, log what sites you visit so | | | | programs twice a week. This will get rid of |
| they know what products you're interested in | | | | all spyware and adware currently on your |
| and record keystrokes on your computer so | | | | computer and bring your protection level up |
| they know what you're talking about. Below | | | | to 95%. |
| are 3 easy steps to take to start protecting | | | | |
| and eliminating your spyware and adware | | | | Finally, be sure to use a firewall. A |
| problem on your home computer. | | | | firewall is just what it sounds like, a |
| | | | "wall" between your internet connection and |
| First, stop using Internet Explorer! I know | | | | your computer. If you have a high speed |
| you may be shocked, but Microsoft's internet | | | | broadband connection, a firewall is a must. |
| browser has more holes in it than Swiss | | | | Most Windows XP systems have a built in |
| cheese! The best alternative is Mozilla's | | | | firewall that you can simply enable (check |
| Firefox, available for free download at | | | | Microsoft's help files if you don't know how) |
| Mozilla.org. After installing the browser, it | | | | but if you're looking for more protection but |
| will automatically transfer your bookmarks | | | | don't want to pay, simply download Zone |
| favorites and settings over to Firefox. Also, | | | | Alarm's free firewall at tinyurl.com/7cn6a. |
| please make sure Firefox is your default | | | | Zone alarm's firewall may take awhile to |
| browser. Using Firefox will reduce the amount | | | | configure, but it is worth it in the long |
| of spyware and adware on your computer by | | | | run. With a properly configured firewall, |
| 75%. | | | | your protection level is now at 100%. |
| | | | |
| Secondly, download these two free programs: | | | | Good luck and be safe! |