Last week (11/5/03) I warned you about Spyware, Adware andMalware and how to get it off your system. Did you know thatyou can also prevent it from getting there in the firstplace? I'm talking about a fr*ee way to do it, at least with Internet Explorer.

With your browser open go to Tools/Internet Options thenhit the "Security" tab and the "Custom Level" button.

You'll see a list of settings, the first of whichis "ActiveX Controls and plug-ins". You can specify what .dll files you will allow on your system.

Here's a good setup:

"Download signed ActiveX controls" - Prompt. You willbe asked before a website tries to put Gator, Comet Cursor,or other adware on your system.

"Download unsigned ActiveX controls" - Disable. These kind of .dll files don't tell you who they're from and are usually always spyware trying to sneak its way in.

"Initialize and scr*pt ActiveX controls not marked as safe"-Disable. This category includes spyware, worms, and otheronline nasties. Keep 'em out!

The rest you can leave as is.