This is just my quick site on how to stop SPAM and protect you system from MalWare. SPAM is any commercial unsolicited email and MalWare is software that tracks or stores your movements on the web or your computer.
Yes, you have it because if you surf the web (even reading this page) you just got it. Sorry, I don't have my own server and I sure like this free web hosting service but they got you, not me. You should have just gotten a "cookie" that can track you viewing on the web. What one, I don't know. Depends on who paid Tripod this day, week, month, or year.
So, what can you do? Fight back!!
Here are some links to the programs that I use to help with this. Yes, I get them too.
Start with a GOOD virus program. Pay the money, go get it. Everyone carries it. Then, make sure you read the instructions and have the program check for updates EVERY DAY!! Those of you with broadband might check more that once a day (I check 4 times a day, but that's me). Dial-up users, check every time you get on-line!
And then download and install the Microsoft's Windows Defender (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=435bfce7-da2b-4a6a-afa4-f7f14e605a0d&DisplayLang=en) It's Free, but still in beta so you will have to check back with the site once they ever decide to release it as done. Don't worry about it being beta, I've not had a problem yet and it will save you many problems. Microsoft says it will stay free also.
BE CAREFUL!!!!!
Ok, your not done. You'll never be done because the next time you surf you can get it again. But these products will help. You will want to run them outside of the schedule that you created every so often just as a safe guard. Ok, you don't have to but it would make me feel better if you did. Please also remember to use Windows Update or it's new big brother, Microsoft Update to keep your computer patched. Microsoft releases updates the second Tuesday of each month. Better yet, just setup your computer to download and patch your system for you. Open the Control Panel and look for the Security Center, they make it real simple to understand.
While your there, turn on the Windows Firewall if you have no other device on your network. It may not be the best, but something is better than nothing. What you need to do is go and buy a router that will do NAT. What is NAT you ask, some big fancy word that will help protect your computers. Just make sure you buy one with this, as a sales person (if you ever find one). Want to move to the next level, buy a firewall for your system and turn off the cheap Microsoft one.
Also check out my page to see a current status of the web and malware, just click here. If you do, I'll feel even better.
The Microsoft name has been used without permission and Microsoft is the sole owner of the name and everything having anything to do with them and their products.