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