You usually get infected because your security settings are too low.

Here are a number of recommendations that will help tighten them, and which will contribute to making you a less likely victim:

1. Watch what you download! (Yes, I'm yelling this at you!)

Many freeware programs, and P2P programs like Grokster, Imesh, Kazaa and others are amongst the most notorious, come with an enormous amount of bundled spyware that will eat system resources, slow down your system, clash with other installed software, or just plain crash your browser or even Windows itself.

2. Don't be a Click-o-holic

I had to make this reference in my list and give it high priority because my own mother is a click-o-holic. If she sees it, she clicks it. MSN Emoticons, Pop-ups, Banners - those flashy new banners saying "Shoot the Duck" or the boxing banners "3 Punches for a KO", etc. These are JUST ADS! They are clever ads, because they get serious attention, but nonetheless, simply ads to a site to sell you something. Poker sites, gambling sites, even adult sites are often the result of such clicking.

Even worse are the new animations you can attach to HTML emails. Try getting 30 in a single message... People new to MSN that click everything - I'm talking to you too!

3. Unsafe Browser Settings

Go to IE > Tools > Windows Update > Product Updates, and install High-Priority Security Updates listed.

If you're running Windows XP, that of course includes the Service Pack 2! If you suspect your computer is infected with Malware of any type, we advise you to not install SP2 if you don't already have it. Once you are sure you have a clean system, it is highly recommended to install SP2 to help prevent against future infections.

It's important to always keep current with the latest security fixes from Microsoft.
Install those patches for Internet Explorer, and make sure your installation of Java VM is up-to-date. There are some well known security bugs with Microsoft Java VM which are exploited regularly by browser hijackers.

Open IE and go to Internet Options > Security > Internet, then press "Default Level", then OK.

Now press "Custom Level."

In the ActiveX section, set the first two options ("Download signed and unsigned ActiveX controls) to "Prompt", and ("Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe") to "Disable".

Now you will be asked whether you want ActiveX objects to be executed and whether you want software to be installed.

Sites that you know for sure are above suspicion can be moved to the Trusted Zone in Internet Option > Security.

So why is ActiveX so dangerous that you have to increase the security for it?
When your browser runs an ActiveX control, it is running an executable program.

It's no different from double clicking an .exe file on your hard drive!

Would you run just any random file downloaded off a web site without knowing what it is and what it does?

4. Install Javacool's SpywareBlaster

It will protect you from most spyware in it's database by blocking installation of their ActiveX objects.

Download and install, download the latest updates, and you'll see a list of all spyware programs covered by the program (NOTE: this is NOT spyware found on your computer)

Press "Enable All Protection", and you're done.

The spyware that you told Spywareblaster to set the "kill bit" for won't be a hazard to you any longer.

Although it won't protect you from every form of spyware known to man, it is a very potent extra layer of protection.

Don't forget to check for updates every week or so.

5. Install Spybot Search & Destroy

Let's not forget that Spybot Search & Destroy has the Immunize feature which works roughly the same way. Another feature within Spybot is the TeaTimer option. This option immediately detects known malicious processes wanting to start and terminates them. TeaTimer also detects when something wants to change some critical registry keys and gives you an option to allow them or not.

6. IE-SPYAD

IE-SPYAD puts over 5000 sites in your restricted zone, so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all. Another good hosts program is mvpshosts. This little program packs a powerful punch as it blocks ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and many hijackers. For information on how to download and install, please read this tutorial.

*It is important to note that all of the above programs/files can be run simultaneously on your system. They will work together in layers, so to speak, to help protect your computer. However, the following suggestions are designed to only run one of each. It is not a good idea to run more than one firewall, and one anti-virus program. Running more than one of these at a time can cause system crashes, high system usage and/or conflicts with each other.*

7. Use a Firewall! (Yelling again)

It is critical that you use a firewall to protect your computer from hackers. We don't recommend the firewall that comes built in to Windows. It doesn't block everything that may try to get in, and the entire firewall is written to the registry.

As various kinds of malware hack the Registry in order to disable the Windows firewall, it's far preferable to install one of the excellent third party solutions. Three good ones that are free are ZoneAlarm, Kerioand and Sygate.

8. Get an Anti-Virus Program

An Anti-Virus product is a necessity. There are many excellent programs that you can purchase. However, we choose to advocate the use of free programs whenever possible. Some very good and easy-to-use free antivirus programs are AVG, Avast, and AntiVir. It's a good idea to set these to receive automatic updates so you are always as fully protected as possible from the newest virus threats.

9. Use NoAdware!

Finally, how can I post an article to protect your computer without recommending the site's own product, NoAdware.

Noadware 4.0 is constantly updated to identify the latest threats to your privacy. The software will scan your PC for different Spyware, Adware, Dialers, and Web Bug traces. These items not only create nuisances in the form of popups, system slowdowns and crashes, but many items actually record personal information about you, such as credit cards, social security numbers, or other sensitive information.

Protect your investment. Happy and safe computing!!