Avoid getting spyware

Now with today's Internet there's no way to avoid totally getting spyware, but here's a few tips to reduce the amount that affect your computer.
1. Don't install any software from the Internet unless you are absolutely sure it won't infect your computer. This includes freeware, free greeting cards, free screensavers, free music, on-line games, extra toolbars, little add-ons, etc. Even if the file comes from a friend, you still must be sure what the file is before opening it.
2. Don't click on any links in an E-mail unless you are absolutely sure that the web site won't infect your computer. This is especially true with viruses because they are sent mostly though E-mail.
3. Surf with Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. Firefox has extra security and pop-up fighting features that will prove invaluable over and over again.