Most common individuals like me have no idea of the dangers that spyware brings? Well, allow me to warn you. They are on nearly all computers that use the Internet, especially if you enjoy the free resources of the Internet. Some creators of spyware do not care about your PC security or privacy. Spyware is their intelligent tool to make money at the expense of your privacy being destroyed.
A favorite trick is to install spyware when you are installing another program. Generally spyware comes from free programs offered on the Internet. These free programs are called freeware, or shareware. Technically, the spyware company has your permission, although the legal issues are not clear.
Like most folks, you download a free program in hopes of finally receiving something free in life. Then you click to install the freebie, but there is a small stomp in your waythe license agreement. Just like any brave soldier, you click the I Agree button without actually reading the long set of words. And thus the spyware has legally invaded your home.
Normally spyware main agenda is to report your PC activity to a third party and/or pop up advertisements on your PC. I am certain you have had the experience of random bombardment of annoying pop ups! This is how the creators of spyware software make their money. Then there are a lot of spyware applications that simply collect useful data for advertising companies to learn more about your Internet behavior.
Spyware can also gather email addresses in your address book, as well as passwords and other information off your computer and transmit it without your knowledge.
How do I know if I have spyware on my computer?
Here are a few tips that may point to a spyware problem:
1) Pop ups even when you are not browsing the Internet
2) Icons and toolbars just magically appear
3) Both your computer and Internet connection moves drastically slower
4) Your browser constantly goes aloft with advertising with sites.
5) Settings have changed on your PC even when your kids are not home
6) Advertisement windows are everywhere
If you notice one or more of these problems, you definitely have spyware installed on your computer.
Do what?
1) Download a well respected firewall program for your computer. If your computer is not on the endangered list, then you already a firewall built-in. Double-check to determine if the firewall is enabled. The popular antivirus programs have built-in firewalls too.
2) Never click on popup advertisements. If you click, they will know that you are a real person, and you will just get more.
3) Stop downloading free porn, games and videos. If its free, its probably a trick! If you must considering downloading freeware, read the license agreements.
4) Keep your PC up-to-date. It is wise to keep your automatic update feature turned on.
5) Use reputable antispyware software.
Never click on or purchase spyware cleaning programs that come from spam email or from popups! These are so-called spyware cleaning program are themselves spyware! Make sure that you buy spyware cleaning software from a reputable company or youll end up making your problems worse!
Allow the antispyware program to run on a scheduled basis, like every night when you are not usually on the computer. At RemoveSpywareandAdware.com, we are honored to have Isaiah Henry as researcher on how to remove spyware. He has written on the likes of XoftSpySE. Visit RemoveSpywareandAdware.com for free information.
