Next, download and run Ad-Aware to remove spyware, adware, and other troublesome programs http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/. Then download SpyBot Search & Destroy http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html. By using Ad-Aware and SpyBot you will have excellent protection against files that are often missed by virus protection.

To check for and eliminate browser hijackers, download and run CWShredder at http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract/cwshredder_download.html.

With above programs simply run a scan and follow prompts to remove any infected files or unwanted programs. Once that is done, upgrade your operating system, or download any needed patches, then reboot your computer.

These steps won’t solve every problem, but they will fix a large percentage of things that cause your computer to act up.

Perhaps if firewalls were renamed, “personal identity insurance,” more people would realize need to own it! So, does Windows firewall do job? While it will block incoming attacks, it will not block programs already installed on your computer from sending information out.

Many downloads you agree to will have spyware attached, and spyware often “phones home” with information about user. Windows XP firewall will not stop this which is why computer experts suggest that for maximum protection you should go with a full firewall protection like ones offered by Zone Labs, Norton and McAfee in lieu of XP’s.