How to prevent your computer from getting spyware.

The best defense against spyware and other unwanted software is not to download it in the first place. Here are a few helpful tips that can protect you from downloading software you don't want:

• Only download programs from Web sites you trust. If you're not sure whether to trust a program you are considering downloading, ask a knowledgeable friend or enter the name of the program into your favorite search engine to see if anyone else has reported that it contains spyware.
• Read all security warnings, license agreements, and privacy statements associated with any software you download.
• Never click "agree" or "OK" to close a window. Instead, click the red "x" in the corner of the window or press the Alt + F4 buttons on your keyboard to close a window.
• Be ware of popular "free" music and movie file-sharing programs, and be sure you clearly understand all of the software packaged with those programs.