How can I avoid accumulating more softcore spyware?
Use a browser other than the default one on Windows. Despite many helpful changes in the early 2000s, Internet Explorer remains the single most significant entry point into Windows systems for both softcore and hardcore spyware. Changing browsers can help tremendously by removing a major entry point for such spyware. Mozilla Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/) not only follows excellent browser safety practices, but also provides convenient functions such as tabbed browsing, in which new pages are located on tabs instead of separate windows. Also, look into adding a software firewall such as the free Sygate Personal Firewall (http://www.tucows.com/preview/213160.html). While firewalls are aimed more at keeping out hardcore spyware, they also reduce softcore accumulation by increasing overall security.
