Malware is a term used to describe malicious programs that do damage to your computer. Internet Speed Monitor, contrary to it’s name is an example of such software. This type of program gets into your PC without your knowledge and usually installs tracking software to see what websites you are visiting so that it can bombard you with pop up ads and the like. This is the reason some malware is called spyware. Other types of malware include actual virus type programs that will use up all your system resources and slow down your computer’s performance significantly. The worst case scenario is loosing computer data.

Spyware and adware are types of programs that get installed on your computer through a software install or by visiting certain websites and clicking on misleading pop-ups. They gather information about your internet searching habits and transmit that information to advertisers who then assail you ith their ads. Once your computer is infected with these parasites your computing experience will be significantly affected.

Your computer will invariably run much more slowly as the programs use up your system’s resources. Your internet speed will also be reduced as your bandwidth is sucked up by the pop-up ads assailing you. Keeping your computer clean of malware will greatly improve your computing experience.

There are many precautionary steps you can take to protect your computer against malware. First and foremost is to install anti-spyware software and to make sure to update it regularly. Anti-spyware software will catch incoming attempts to install spyware on your computer but it is only as good as the regularity in which you update the software.

Firewalls help as well. Windows XP has a built in Firewall but you need to make sure it is turned on. You can buy more sofisticated firewalls as well.

Operating system updates help protect your computer. If you’re computer is not set up to download these updates automatically, it is a solid idea to do so. These security patches and mini-programs give you additional protection.

The last step is so basic in today’s computing age that I’m mentioning it last even though it is the most important step you can take to protect your PC. Make sure you have high-end anti-virus software installed on your computer. Surfing the internet without anti-virus software is like driving without a seatbelt or sending your children into the word without immunizing them. It is vital to remember to update your software regularly and to run a deep scan of your computer periodically.