Because of the rampant viruses spreading and infecting computers all over the United States, FTC or the Federal Trade Commission has announced to use fair trade laws so that it could shut down the leading distributors of 'adware' and 'spyware' software. These kinds of software carry spam worms and viruses - which are collectively known as malicious software.

Here are some tips on how you can prevent spyware from dominating your computer:
1. Whenever an active X dialog pops up on your screen, do not click 'yes' unless you know what you're downloading.
2. Do not open suspicious email messages. Neither should you delete these
3. Do not complete web forms inquiring for your social security number, email passwords, driver's license, bank account info and mother's maiden name.
4. Do not install any software unless the source can be trusted completely.
5. Do not give out your email address to people you don't know well.
6. Clear out tracking data such as cookies on your computer.
7. When filling out forms on the internet, use disposable email accounts.
8. Do not join contests or sweepstakes online. These scams are just there to get your personal information.
9. Install software that counter attacks Adware, Spyware, Spam and pop-up ads.
10. You can file complaints regarding unsolicited software with the FTC by visiting their website at www.ftc.gov.

The following are websites that can help you with your concern:
- Spybot
- CWshredder
- Ad-Aware
- WinTask
- McAfree
- Nortno
- Zonelabs

When spyware and adware are installed into your system, without you knowing about it, the computer can be hacked. These software send in pop-up ads that redirect your information to various websites over the Internet. That is why you have to monitor your online activity. If you don't do this, it can lead to either identity theft or credit card fraud.

This why online marketers distribute various software that can be downloaded over the web in order fr them to provide the service the Internet market needs. During the download process, these online marketers earn with every click of the 'agree' button.

The catch to it is if these sites are unsolicited software, it can also affect your system. It may not look it but pop-ads and SPAM contain worms and virus that can completely hack into your computer and destroy your files. If your computer is infected, it may go downhill from there.

Prevention is better than cure. For the system to not crash in the first place, it is better to veer away from sites that offer music sharing, videos, games, screen savers and other programs that can easily be disguised as ways of hacking into your system.

There are solicited software nonetheless and these sites are mentioned earlier. These sites provide you with what you need with not much virus catch to it.

Just bear in mind that the biggest method of giving out spy software is by bundling it for free that can easily be downloaded on popular sites over the Internet. Some PC users are gullible enough to agree on the terms and conditions of these sites. Little do they know that they are already letting the enemy in into their system. Being vigilant and applying the mentioned tips on how to prevent spyware attack is the way to get around this problem.

It's all a matter of knowing what to click and not to click.