Admin

Spyware - Can see what sites you visit and relay this to a server. It can also steal your personal info (credit cards, phone number, ect). Also gives you new toolbars or a new homepage (IE extremely vulnerable). Causes system slow downs or can even render them useless (unless you re-format).

Adware - Causes pop-up's even if the site you are visiting does not support pop-up ad's. Can be embedded in other files downloaded off the net (movies).
First, you need to know how you are going to get on the net. By this, I mean browser. Most would recommend switching from IE (Microsoft Internet Explorer) to something more secure and safer like Mozilla Firefox or Opera. But the main reason people don't switch is because they can't. I take this into consideration, and try and send aid to them. But, even with a new browser, you will still be exposed. So I will also suggest ways to make these more secure, and to take care of whatever makes it past your first line of defense.
Now we start.
The first thing you should get if you have IE or Firefox is McAfee' Site Advisor. This handy little program/extension will tell you if a site is known to have spyware, excessive pop-ups, spam e-mails, or if the site is known to be a scam. This also will add an icon next to search results for all major search sites (Google.com, Yahoo.com, ask.com). This icon will tell you if the site is good or bad. All this is color coded, so it is easy to tell what is good, and what is bad. For now, it only works with IE and Firefox, but they intend to someday support other browsers.
Now, I will be showing you some key extensions for Firefox, so if you don't use Firefox, skip down.

• NoScript - This script blocks all Java Script. Java Script is what causes pop-ups, some embedded objects, and other java executable content. This blocks all javascript, so when you go to a site, like yahoo, you will need to allow JS for the site in order for it to work. A slight annoyance, but it is worth it when you are surfing with safety.
• Stealther - This handy extension allows you to surf the net with out leaving a trace. No cookies, history, cache or anything.
• Adblock - This extension does just what it's name imply's, It blocks ads. Most ad's are harmless and should NOT be blocked, but other ad's can spawn pop-ups or just be annoying by playing a sound that forces you to either refresh the page or turn your speakers off. But when you go to block an ad, think about what you are doing, are you blocking it because it is annoying or because you don't support any of the sites that have ad's. Always keep in mind ad's are usually the main source of income for the web site's owners.

Now, as I said before, even with all the safety taken by fixing up your browser, some spyware or adware can still make it to your system. The list that follows includes some removers and more blockers.

• Spybot S & D - This is the most recommended free spyware removing tool. This program includes an update features that will keep you up to date.
• Spyware Blaster - This app.is also free. This is not a spyware remover tool, what it does is block it from the begging. No mater what browser you use, you should still use this.
• Ad-Aware Personal - This app. unfortunately is not 100 % free. This is however a free version. This tool removes adware on your computer.

Now just because you have all this protection, it does not mean you can surf the net nor worrying about spyware or adware. You should ALWAYS know what sites you visit and if they are safe or not. Only you can prevent spyware or adware from infecting your computer. When using the programs suggested above, always keep them updated. I recommend scanning once a week for the first month. After that if you feel that you are protected well enough, scan about once a month.