To start off, we thought it would be best to address one of the main evils of modern day computing - the wickedness and immorality that is Spyware and Adware.

With Microsoft’s recent claim that over two thirds of computers don’t have any Spyware or Adware protection, it’s clearly something that needs to be addressed. Thankfully, protecting yourself is generally straightforward and painless.

Follow these simple steps and you’ll find your computer will be faster, won’t shut down or freeze as easily, and generally do the things you want it to do.

• Install the software – there are a plethora of programs out there, some good, some bad and some that will infect rather than cure. The most effective are Ad-aware, Spybot Search and Destroy and Spyware Blaster. All three are free and having all of them increases your chances of eliminating threats.
• Stay updated – Simply having them is not enough so make sure you check for updates regularly. Prevention is always better than cure.
• Avoid unsavoury sites – Those sites you stumble across with a thousand pop-ups and those offering freeware programs such as screensavers and games are often jam packed with threats. Having the latest updates for your browser and operating system will give you a good idea of which sites you can trust.

Sadly, the battle against Spyware and Adware will be always be ongoing. By following the simple steps above, however, you give yourself a good chance of staying clean.

For a more detailed overview of this menace, go here.