Your privacy is under serious threat by the constant growth of spyware and it needs your urgent attention to counter it. If you want to keep prying eyes out of your computer then you need to initiate some spyware prevention steps and here are four ways that can help you to do just that.

Now this battle must be waged on two levels. First, you need to find and eliminate the spyware that has already entered your computer system without your knowledge. Second, you need to take further steps to prevent any new spyware from entering your computer.

You can achieve both of these objectives by following these four steps:

1. You need to update your Windows software: The majority of spyware that is written is for systems that run a Windows operating system. Of course Microsoft, the makers of windows, is well aware of this fact and is constantly posting useful information as well as security patches to deal with this growing problem. You need to visit the Microsoft website regularly to download these patches, and learn of the new spyware that is floating around on the net. This will help you immensely to reduce the risk to your computer.

2. You need to set up firewalls: Spyware software can be blocked very effectively when using a Firewall. It provides protection to your computer and checks the authenticity of any and every file that you try to access on the net. The firewall can also be set to detect malicious programs and prevent them from entering your computer. Therefore, preventing spyware and adware files of ever getting the chance to be uploaded to your computer. Now for those using windows XP the firewall already exists in your operating system all you need to do is turn it on.

3. You need to install spyware protection software: At the very first possible opportunity you must download anti-spyware software. This software will make sure that the existing spyware in your computer is detected and erased. It will also make sure that no new spyware enters your system. This is an established solution and should be put into action as early as possible, also for best results you need to keep this software updated regularly.

4. Finally prevention: Remember nothing comes without a price and the simplest way to avoid spyware and adware is to avoid downloading freebies. Any Free stuff you might be thinking about downloading from online sites will most probably lead to spyware or adware unless it is an established and legitimate business that you are downloading from. Also avoid the temptation of clicking on pop-up ads that may appear on your screen, these are known to be hotbeds for malware infections.

Now before you make any anti-spyware software purchases I would visit spywarewarrior.com first, they provide good information on various malware prevention software and also information on the sites and software to stay away from.