Remove Spyware

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Never Install Untrusted Software

Be wary of installing any free software that you have downloaded from the internet. Check the terms and conditions before installing. Kazaa is a popular software download but comes with all kind of unpleasant programs bundled with it.

Whilst browsing the internet, if any boxes appear unexpectedly asking you to install new software, click No, even if it tells you that you must - another clever ploy.

Use A Personal Firewall

A firewall has become an increasingly important piece of software for home PC users, especially those with broadband internet connections. There are several free software firewalls available to download, such as ZoneAlarm, and if you have Windows XP, it has built in firewall protection but it is not enabled by default. The XP firewall is improved with the release of SP2. Firewall software should alert you to any applications that are trying to access the internet from your PC - and give you the opportunity to block them. If you don't have Windows XP, then look at other firewall products such as eTrust EZ Firewall or Outpost Firewall

Download A Pop-up Blocker

Many pieces of spyware come from windows that popup from the sites you did actually intend to visit. Stop these in their tracks by blocking Internet Explorer pop-ups. Pop-up blockers are available for free with Toolbar add-ons from reputable Search Engines such as Google, Yahoo and MSN. You will also find an integrated popup blocked in Firefox.

Install Windows XP SP2

If you are a Windows XP user, we suggest you get hold of the new service pack. Windows XP SP2 has a range of new controls and security improvements that will mean it is less easy for malevolent web publishers to install their software on your machine. As mentioned above, it also has an improved firewall. We recommend you install this as soon as you can (At time of writing, it is available as RC2 - Ed.)

Use an alternative Internet Browser

A slightly drastic measure, but since many of the Spyware and Adware utilities are designed to hijack Internet Explorer, you may wish to consider changing browsers. Especially as some of the other browsers available are really rather good. We recommend the mozilla based Firefox, which has tabbed browsing and an easy to use interface.
Download Firefox