Adware protection can be achieved by installing anti-adware or anti-spyware software, being careful when visiting websites, enabling pop-up blockers, and avoiding clicking on links in unsolicited emails. Adware can be disguised and hidden behind error dialogs, so users should avoid clicking the “Yes” button unless the creator is known and trustworthy. Users should also be cautious when installing new programs, especially free downloads, and search the internet for information on adware before installing. Sensible web browsing and scripted security programs can also help reduce the risk of adware infections.
Adware protection is mainly achieved by installing software that can help prevent adware installations. These programs are usually referred to as anti-adware or anti-spyware. Some antivirus software can also help prevent adware from being installed, but in many cases this protection is minimal. Adware doesn’t behave the same way as computer viruses, so many antivirus programs don’t recognize them. Adware protection can also be achieved by being careful when visiting websites and by enabling pop-up blockers within browsers.
Many people enable adware without even knowing they are doing it, because adware is often disguised. In many cases, adware programs hide behind error dialogs designed to encourage users to click on the message. Clicking the message authorizes the program to install adware on your computer’s hard drive. The generally accepted rule of thumb is not to click the Yes button in any dialog unless the creator of the dialog is absolutely known and trustworthy. Installing pop-up blockers can often reduce the risk of this type of adware infection.
Another good way to ensure protection from adware is to be very careful when installing new programs. This is especially true if the program is in the form of a computer download. Programs available as free downloads are generally considered to contain adware and spyware. Users should probably avoid freeware unless they are certain that it comes from a trustworthy and reputable source. It is a good idea to search the internet before installing any kind of freeware because if the download is known to contain adware, most of the time, other users have posted this information.
Some of the best adware protection involves sensible web browsing, because adware can be embedded and installed on the page by clicking on links within websites. Some users use scripted security programs to help reduce this type of risk. When scripted protection is used, web pages show only trusted content. A disadvantage of using script protection is that programs are usually very broad and can inadvertently exclude safe page content. To avoid this problem, users typically need to spend some time adjusting how their scripting programs filter content.
Some adware is delivered via email programs, so it’s a good idea to avoid clicking links contained in unsolicited emails. Most people enable spam blockers within their email programs to reduce the number of messages they receive from advertisers, but in many cases malicious emails are able to bypass these filters. It’s a good idea to delete messages that come from unknown email addresses.
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