Tips on Understanding the Dangers of Spyware and Adware
Money is the very crux of adware and spyware. These pose several problems and are a security risk.
Adware is a program that displays advertisements on the computer whether you want them or not. They are not just connected to particular websites or free software but are programmed to start up whenever your computer is switched on.
Programs like Eudora mail client display advertisements in lieu of charging registration fees for use of software. It helps developers recover program development costs. Kazaa the file sharing application comes bundled with at least three ad-ware programs. Two of them serve ads to the desktop while another redirects the user’s browser to a search engine with advertiser sponsored web results. Well known ones are: BroadcastPC; Comet Cursor; GeoWhere; Network Essentials, 123 Messenger, Direct Revenue, and so on.
Unfortunately, other guises of adware are spyware and malware.
Spyware is a program code that relays information about you and your work without your permission or knowledge. Some just “spy” on you conveying your Internet habits to marketing companies, while others are “thieves” they access credit card information as well as other sensitive files. In plain terms, it is malicious software that can intercept or take control of a computer’s operation without user knowledge or consent. Termed as “malware” the redefinition of spyware, the programs can:
- Steal personal information and the address book.
- Flood the browser with pop-ups.
- Spam the system.
- Slow down programs and connection.
- Hijack the browser and redirect the user to a “con” page.
- Uses the computer as a server to broadcast porn.
- Can cause a crash.
Spyware reaches a computer through innocent web pages, game demos, MP3 players, search tool bars, and other downloads like free software. It installs itself and leaves a mark on the windows registry. It can hog the computer resources such as memory and hard drive and cause a crash or lock up. Keystroke-logging spyware can steal passwords and credit card information for thieves.
To protect the files one has to:
- Use anti adware and spyware programs. Examples: Spybot, Search & destroy, Pest Patrol, and Lavasoft’s Adware.
- Keep windows as well as Internet explorer up-to-date by applying the latest security patches.
- Maintain the security level of the Internet Explorer at medium. Users must not lower the security level.
- Use firewalls and web proxies to block access to web sites known to carry spyware.
- Install layered protection.
- Update the antivirus program. An up-to-date program will stop spyware as well as Trojans.
- Install a startup monitor to protect your system.
- Never accept “free” as being free—check out free software and downloads, there will be a hidden surprise or catch.
- Never download software from warez sites. Pirated software is always distributed along with adware and spyware.
- Use Spy checker to determine if the download has spyware. This can be accessed from the free computer securities pages.
An anti-spyware coalition has been instituted by Microsoft, Earthlink, McAfee, and Hewlett-Packard. They are working towards anti-spyware legislation and putting protection systems in place. A survey shows that 87 percent of users know what spyware is and of this 40 percent through firsthand experience. Protect yourself and your work; keep your system free of adware and spyware.
Author Bio
Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for www.1888SoftwareDownloads.com, the premier website to find Free Software Downloads including free anti-virus software, free spyware detection software, free toolbars, free chat software and more. He also freelances for www.1888FreeOnlineGames.com.
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Simple Steps – Protect your Computer Online
By: Nam Sss
So you’ve bought your computer and want to get online? It’s not as simple as connect the wire and off you go these day’s. The internet is a weird and wonderful place as long as you can control what you do.
That’s why you need to protect yourself. These can be done in a number of very simple steps. This article will get you started but you should always try to be smart when your surfing the net!
Step 1: Anti-Virus Scanner
Whether you’re connecting to the internet or not, you need an Anti-Virus scanner. Your computer can become infected with “viruses”. These are little files or codes that have been written to ruin your computer! That’s why they must be stopped!
There are many programs out there that can help, but it’s best to trust only the mainstream programs as these are used widely and updated regularly.
Recommendations:
AVG Anti-Virus Free
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
Avast antivirus
http://www.avast.com/
Step 2: Firewall
Ok so your thinking what is a “firewall” sounds scary right? Well it’s not really. It is again another line of defence against the number of ways your computer can be attacked. In simple terms it blocks other computers and programs from connecting to you and playing with your stuff. Think of it as an internet wall of fire, where you allow what can pass through.
Software – Again there are many programs available to protect you, Recent Microsoft Windows machines come with Windows Firewall, which can be described as basic at best. We do recommend you go for mainstream again.
Hardware – A firewall can also be included as part of your hardware, like an internet router “that’s the box that sits between your pc and the internet line”. This is the best and recommended way to have a firewall. As it blocks intruders before it gets to your pc.
Recommendations:
Zone Alarm
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp
Step 3: Be AWARE!!
Simply put watch what you download and accept to save to your PC, sometimes people can send you files in e-mails. They look ok but when you run them they will install something onto your PC and leave you upset and distraught. Always scan something that has been downloaded before opening it and never open/run programs that have been sent in an e-mail from unknown sources.
Step 4: Go for it
That’s pretty much it to get you going. If you think something doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t. Hopefully this will get you going to start with, wait till you find out about spy ware and Trojan’s!! Good Luck and Safe Surfing
Author Bio
Nam
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