Malware is a general term used to describe any kind of malicious code that attempts to enter your computer secretly with one of the following intentions:

• Cause harm to your computer
• Damage your files
• Steal you personal information like email ids, financial information etc.
• Track your internet behavior
• Show advertisements and websites without consent

Malware includes viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware and adware. Most users, at some point of time have been victims of attacks from such malicious software. It is a challenging task to prevent such tasks as new malware are being created everyday. However, if you follow some simple tips, you should be able to secure your computer from assaults of malware:

1. Install a good anti-virus software:
   
   Anti-virus software offer the most comprehensive defense mechanism for your computer. You can buy an anti-virus or opt for downloading a free tool. As soon as you install it, it is recommended that you update it for the latest virus database and then perform a complete scan of your system using the anti-virus tool. You must repeat the process at least on a weekly basis.

2. Install a firewall:
   
   If your computer is on a network or connected to the internet, a firewall is an absolute necessity for your computer. It will prevent any malicious code that tries to break entry into your system.

3. Ensure that your operating system is patched:
   
   Updating your Windows operating system helps you patch up loopholes and vulnerabilities that are discovered by hackers on a daily basis. By ensuring that you receive all critical updates by visiting the “Windows Updates” site, you will ensure that your computer is better protected from malware.

4. Use Anti-spyware in addition to anti-virus:
   
   It is a good idea to install a reliable anti-spyware in addition to an anti-virus tool. An anti-spyware tool helps prevent spyware and adware infiltration. You must however be careful and make sure that the software you install is actually an anti-spyware and not an imposter.

5. Pay attention while downloading:
   
   It is a safe internet practice to be aware of what kind of files you are downloading. Be very careful if you find .exe and .dat files which may look harmless but may be harmful to your system. An example of one such virus is the iexplore.exe virus. It is always safe to avoid websites which look dubious and may contain pirated software content as they are likely to be loaded or infected with spyware or virus.

6. Clean your Windows Registry:
   
   Many spyware such as mirar and other malware add so many hidden and embedded entries to your Windows registry that it makes it virtually impossible to remove them. Registry cleaners will come to the rescue in this case as they will help you perform a deep registry scan and get rid of such entries and ensure complete spyware removal.

7. Be careful during installation process:
   
   It is very important to keep track of the installation process and read the complete text before clicking on the NEXT button. If you pay attention you will see that malicious software might make an attempt to enter your system stealthily during an installation process. If this happens, you must stop the installation immediately to prevent spyware infection.