Modem Hijacker Potentially most costly spyware. Modem hijackers are also referred to as diallers. Diallers normally install themselves to your computer via a virus infection or from warez, mp3 or adult websites. A dialler is a small piece of software that will dial long distance, premium rate phone numbers when you're not at your PC. These phone numbers are normally for adult chat line services located in Russia, China, South America and Phillipines. I have personally seen unlucky victims receive $2,000 bills for one month of telephone calls.

How do you remove spyware from your PC? Thankfully several responsible companies have made it their mission to help eradicate menace of spyware. You'll need 2 - 3 programs to remove spyware from your PC. The first of these is Ad Aware which is a free download. The second application is Spybot Search and Destroy which is also a free download. Last but not least I'd recommend also getting yourself a copy of CrapCleaner 1.0. These applications can only remove spyware already on your PC - they cannot protect your PC from being cluttered with new spyware.

How do you stop spyware infesting your PC? 1. Do not click on links offering free movies, competitions, prize draws, free software or anything that looks suspicious. If it looks like a dog, smells like a dog and walks like a dog... well it's a dog.

2. Install firewall software. This is absolutely critical for Broadband or Highspeed users. All computers connected to Internet today should have firewall software installed - regardless of your connection speed.

3. Make sure your antivirus software is updated. Good antivirus software can find and delete most harmful types of spyware.

If you'd like more information on fighting spyware drop by www.affiliate-advocate.com for our spyware fighting guide.

Antivirus software can only protect your computer from viruses trying to infect it via email, CD-Rom, floppy disk, Word documents or other types of computer files. Antivirus software alone will not keep your computer 100% safe. You also need to use firewall software.

Firewall Software The use of firewall software by home computer users is a relatively new occurence. All Internet connections are a two way process. Data must be sent and received by your computer. This data is sent through something called ports. These are not physical things rather aspects of way your computer communicates online.

Firewall software watches these ports to make sure that only safe communication is happening between your computer and other computers online. If it sees something dangerous happening it blocks that port on your computer to make sure your computer stays safe from person who is trying to hack into your system.

An easier way to understand a firewall would be to picture your computer as an apartment complex. At front door of this complex there is a security guard. Every person who enters complex must pass this security guard. If security guard recognizes person entering as a resident he allows them to pass without saying anything. If, however, person entering complex is unknown to him then he will stop that person and ask for identification. If they have no business being at apartment complex he escorts them from building.

If you are not currently using firewall software your computer will get hacked into - that's a guarantee.

PopUp Blocker You can get a good popup blocker at no cost. An easy way to do this is to install either Google or Yahoo toolbar. Both of these come with popup blockers built in. Popups are not necessarily dangerous but are a nuisance and using either of these toolbars will make your life that bit easier.

A simple rule for practicing online security is: "If in doubt then don't". If you don't recognize file, email address, website or if your gut feeling says "no" then don't click that button.