Spyware - is your computer vulnerable?

Does your computer seem slower than it used to be?

Are you constantly inundated with pop-up ads even though you have a pop-up blocker?

Does your browser's home page change for no reason?

If so, you may have been infected with spyware! These non-consentual downloads may be collecting your personal information and are more annoying than anything.

What to do about it? You can try to delete the spyware yourself but the writers of these malicious little programs are very ingenious (if only they'd focus their efforts on something positive) and it probably won't work.

The first thing you could do is visit the Microsoft website and download the beta version of their antispyware software. This is the best anti-spyware program I've used so far.

If you want to change your security settings, select Tools > Internet Options and change settings on the Security, and Privacy settings increase your security level. Also, occasionally delete your cookies and files including offline content.

Another idea is to switch to a different web browser. Visit the Mozilla website to download the Firefox browser. I know this won't work for all of you who, like me, are being forced to use the Microsoft product at work but I have loaded it to my home PC.

I know I'm not an expert, but these solutions have worked for me so far. I guess the best solution of all would be to avoid risky websites that are the source of this spyware but I just don't know how to tell the difference.