Scammers have multiple ways to get you to install their programs, and your best defense is to know what to look for and remain vigilant. Here are the most common ways I have seen malware spread:

Email attachments - Malware writers will use phishing emails to trick you into downloading an executable file. These emails are designed to look like official communications from your bank, employer, lawyer, or a shipping organization. They can also look like ordinary correspondence from your friends or family. They will contain an attachment that looks like a PDF, Office, movie, or picture file. If you click on the attachment, it will automatically run a program to install malware on your computer.

Be very wary of email attachments! If you are not expecting something, or the wording in the email seems even the slightest bit off, stop before you click. Just opening the email doesn't usually run the file, clicking on the file is necessary. And, if you ever click on an attachment and your system pops up with a warning asking if you want to run a program, don't give it the permission to run!

Pirated software - The internet is full of sites offering something for nothing - downloadable, pirated versions of expensive software, games, movies and music. Malware can be embedded in pirated software in a number of ways. One common method is to bundle the malware with the pirated software, so that when you download and install the pirated software, the malware is installed alongside it without your knowledge. The malware may be disguised as a legitimate part of the software, or as a file that you need to install in order for the software to work properly.

Fake tech support schemes: This is one I have discussed often, but not in the context of infecting your system with malware. Scammers typically use social engineering tactics, such as phone calls or pop-up messages on the computer, to trick you into believing that your computer is infected with a virus or other security threat. They then offer to help by providing remote access to your computer and installing software that is supposed to fix the problem.

It's much easier to avoid installing malware than to remove it from your system. In the past, I would use technician's cleaning tools to remove malware, but, at this point, if I believe a system is infected with malware, it's just safer to back everything up, wipe the system, and then do a fresh reinstall. If you think your system has been infected with malware, you should schedule a drop off for me to clean it up!

On a much more serious note, a thief with your phone's passcode can really wreak havoc. Make sure to use a strong passcode, and keep it safe from prying eyes.

Fake reviews continue to be a problem - they are getting better, and people are getting worse at spotting them. Truthfully, these days I often turn to Reddit for my product reviews.

Microsoft's Edge is a decent enough browser, but it includes a lot of settings you might want to turn off.

WiFi problems? You might be able to improve things just by moving your router.

I'm asked to help people with "cord cutting" all the time, and Roku is, by far, my favorite stand-alone streaming device.