Spyware
What is it, How to get rid of it, and keep it off of your PC
What is Spyware?
Spyware is software that installed on your PC used to monitor a user's computer usage. This software is usually installed with or without your knowing it. Most of time the installation of this type of software is mentioned in the End User License Agreement. Most users do not completely read or understand this agreement. It is installed when you install freeware programs as an add on.
Cookies are another kind of spyware. They are text files placed on your hard drive when you go to a web site. Cookies give web sites infomation about your last visit when you return to the site again. They can help web sites display banner ads which you might find of interest. Cookies can also save you time when logging on to a web based account, such as a web email account by storing your username and password.
Not all Spyware is evil, Ad-ware, for example is a small piece of software that helps pay for you using the a a free program. The information that is sent back to its creator's website is only used to help them send you advertisements that you would most likely be interested in.
How to get rid of it
Before I tell you how to get rid of spyware I want to warn you that you may or may not be able to unistall Ad-ware. This is because some programs are supported by Ad-ware may stop running without it.. Do the following to get rid spyware:
1. Scan your PC for virues and trojan horses. To do this boot from an update Antivius CD. I highly suggest that you also use one of freely available online scanners: Trend-Micro's HouseCall , Symantec Security Check
2. Run one or more of the following Adware / Spyware Detection and removal programs: Ad-Ware , Spybot Search & Destory ,Microsoft's Windows Defender. Remember to update and run these programs monthly. For extra protection you can safely use more then one of these programs. Run the programs. twice to make sure that the Adware / Spyware is off your PC. I highly suggest rebooting your PC between runs of the program.
3. If you still have something on your system do the following: writting down or print out a list of any Adware / Spyware Spybot , Ad-Ware, Microsoft's AntiSpyware says you have on your system. Go to SpywareInfo.com , Spychecker, or Sysinfo.org and read up on what ever was not taking off your PC by Spybot, Ad-Ware, or Microsoft's AntiSpyware. These sites should tell you how to get rid of the Adware / Spyware you have.
4. If you still can not get rid of the Adware / Spyware then it time to wipe the PC clean and reinstall Windows. Make sure you back all of your data, and have all of you program CDs / disks before reinstalling Windows. Your PCs owner's manual will tell you how to do this.
How To Keep Of Your PC
The best way to prevent Adware/ Spware from being installed on your PC is to do the following.
1. Scan any program you download for viruses.
2. Go to SpywareInfo.com , Spychecker, or Sysinfo.org and check enter the name of the pram you want to download into the databases search box.
3. Turn the imuization feature on for the Spyware detection program of your choice.
4. Use a different browser instead of Internet Explorer. The reason for this is because of all of the security vulanabilities. I highly suggest Moxilla's FireFox, which cuts down on the security fauls found in Windows, and also offers many great features like: tab browsing, and popup blocking.
5. Read the End User Lience Agreement for the program you plan to install.
6. Install SpywareBlaster. This program prevents Adware / Spyware from being install on you PC in the first plase.