If you use a computer then there are certain things that you have to be educated about. Spyware is one of those things. Malware is a classification of malicious software programs that cause harm to your computer and effect the way it operates. Without the help of security programs, like antivirus firewall software and spyware blockers, your computer can be easily infected by these malware programs. Over time the malware will start to cause major problems and could render your computer useless.

How You Get Malware

Having your computer infected with malicious programs is not too hard. All you need is an internet connection. Many people are misled to believe that as long as they do not download files or open email attachments then they are safe. Furthermore, most people think it is okay to download files and open email attachments from people they know. All of this is wrong.
Malicious programs get on your computer through many means. You can get them through downloading files and opening emails, but you also can get them through visiting websites. Files and email attachments are not safe no matter who they are from. Your friend may be unaware their computer is infected and when they send you that file they won't know it is infected and neither will you until it is too late. The truth of the matter is that most people who have malware on their computer have no idea where they got it from because it can infect your computer through anything you do online.

Are You Infected?

It is fairly easy to tell when something is wrong with your computer. You will usually notice that it is not acting normally. You may notice it takes longer to start up. It will run slower. You may notice it freezes up a lot. You may see pop up ads at odd times. You may notice that you keep getting sent to websites you didn't want to visit when you are online. You may notice emails in your sent folder that you did not send. Malware can do many things to your computer and you will usually have some clue that something is not right.

Blocking Malware

One of the best defenses that you have against malware is to keep it from ever getting on your computer. The best way to do this is to use spyware blockers. Spyware blockers are simple programs that detect spyware when it tries to download on your computer. You are giving a warning and the malware program is stopped from doing you harm.

Spyware blockers can be purchased for a reasonable price. They are usually very small programs that do not take up much room on your computer and that do not use a lot of resources to operate. They are automated so you never have to mess with them once you install them. Spyware blockers run on their own - so there's nothing that you'll have to remember on a day to day basis. You may need to give approval for updates so the program can stay current with all the new malware that is introduced each day (this is a very, very good idea), but other than that the program is pretty much automated. It keeps you protected all the time.