For one, read licensing agreements that come with free software. Many will name programs that tag along. For more details on what such programs do, try typing their names into a search engine or a spyware database like SpywareGuide.com's.

Also, keep Internet Explorer security settings at medium or higher so prompts will warn you of so-called drive-by downloads. Read those prompts carefully. Alternative browsers like Opera or Firefox or even alternative platforms like Linux computers can reduce risks greatly.

Some spyware bypasses such prompts entirely by taking advantage of known flaws with Internet Explorer or the Windows operating system. Be sure and get the latest security updates from Microsoft Corp.

Users should also scan their systems regularly using one of a number of spyware scanners and removal tools, many of which are available as freeware. Be sure to obtain the latest definitions before running a scan, and try more than one because the tools vary in what they catch.

Dell Inc. and the nonprofit Internet Education Foundation recently launched a spyware education campaign so check there for additional details.

31-oct-04 7:41 AM