Seeing that Internet Explorer is the most widely used browser by PC users, that is the browser that most of the authors of spyware, malware, etc., target. So, I suggest that you switch from Internet Explorer to Mozilla Firefox (a free program) for your default Internet browser. This will not only greatly decrease the chances of you getting spyware, but it will also increase your security.

Here are some reasons why Firefox is more secure than Internet Explorer:

• It is not integrated with Windows, which helps prevent viruses and hackers from causing damage if they somehow manage to compromise Firefox.
• There is no support for VBScript and ActiveX, two technologies which are the reasons for many IE security holes.
• No spyware/adware software can automatically install in Firefox just by visiting a web site.
• Firefox doesn’t use Microsoft’s Java VM, which has a history of more flaws than other Java VMs.
• You have complete control over cookies.

Even the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team advises that you not use IE (story).

Another reason why Firefox is a great browser is that you can set it up so that when you click on a link to go to another website, it opens up the new website in the same browser window, but in a different tab, much like Netscape. That way, you can very easily switch back and forth between many browsers by just clicking on the tab for that website, which is located toward the top of the browser (see screenshot below).

(click to enlarge)

For tips on switching from Internet Explorer to Firefox, go here.

To get your copy of Firefox, just click on the download link below: