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AntiSpyware / Adware Tips
Spyware is a general term used for software that performs certainbehaviors such as
advertising,collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of yourcomputer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent.
These unwanted software will make changes to your computer that canbe annoying and can cause your computer slow down or crash. These programshave the ability to change your Web browser's home page or search page,or add additional components to your browser you don't need or want.These programs also make it very difficult for you to change your settingsback to the way you originally had them. These types of unwanted programsare also often called spyware.
Last Updated - 2nd January 2007
There are a number of ways spyware or other unwanted software can geton your system. A common trick is to covertly install the software duringthe installation of other software you want such as a music or videofile sharing program. Whenever you are installing something on yourcomputer, make sure you carefully read all disclosures, including thelicense agreement and privacy statement. Sometimes the inclusion ofunwanted software in a given software installation is documented, butit may appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement.
How do You detect Spyware ?
If your computer starts to behave strangely or displays any of thesymptoms listed below, you may have spyware or other unwanted softwareinstalled on your computer.
- You see pop-up advertisements all the time. Some unwanted softwarewill bombard you with pop-up ads that aren't related to a particularWeb site you're visiting. These ads are often for adult or other Websites you may find objectionable. If you see pop-up ads as soon asyou turn on your computer or when you're not even browsing the Web,you may have spyware or other unwanted software on your computer.
- Your settings have changed and you can't change them back to theway they were. Some unwanted software have the ability to change yourhome page or search page settings. This means that the page that opensfirst when you start your Internet browser or the page that appearswhen you select "search" may be pages that you do not recognize.Even if you know how to adjust these settings, you may find that theyrevert back every time you restart your computer.
- The Web browser contains additional components that you don't rememberdownloading. Spyware and other unwanted software can add additionaltoolbars to your Web browser that you don't want or need. Even ifyou know how to remove these toolbars, they may return each time yourestart your computer.
- Your computer seems sluggish. Spyware and other unwanted softwareare not necessarily designed to be efficient. The resources theseprograms use to track your activities and deliver advertisements canslow down your computer and errors in the software can make your computercrash. If you notice a sudden increase in the number of times a certainprogram crashes, or if your computer is slower than normal at performingroutine tasks, you may have spyware or other unwanted software onyour machine.
To remove spyware
- Use Spyware removal tools.
- Run the tool to scan your computer for spyware and other unwantedsoftware.
- Review the files discovered by the tool for spyware and other unwantedsoftware.
- Select suspicious files for removal by following the tool's instructions.
- Update your software
If you use Windows XP, one way to help prevent spyware and otherunwanted software is to make sure all your software is updated.First, visit Microsoft Update to confirm that you have AutomaticUpdates turned on and that you've downloaded all the latest criticaland security updates.- Adjust Internet Explorer security settings
You can adjust your Internet Explorer Web browser's security settingsto determine how muchor how littleinformation youare willing to accept from a Web site. Microsoft recommends thatyou set the security settings for the Internet zone to Mediumor higher.- To view your current Internet Explorer security settings:
- In Internet Explorer, click Tools and then click InternetOptions.
- Select the Security tab
- If you're running Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and you useInternet Explorer to browse the Web, your browser security settingsfor the Internet zone are already set to Medium by default. InternetExplorer in Windows XP SP2 also includes a number of featuresto help protect against spyware and many other kinds of deceptiveor unwanted software.
- Don't know which version of Windows your computer is running?Find out.
- Use a firewall
While most spyware and other unwanted software come bundled with otherprograms or originate from unscrupulous Web sites, a small amountof spyware can actually be placed on your computer remotely by hackers.Installing a firewall or using the firewall that's built into WindowsXP provides a helpful defense against these hackers.- Surf and download more safely
The best defense against spyware and other unwanted software is notto download it in the first place. Here are a few helpful tips thatcan protect you from downloading software you don't want:
- Only download programs from Web sites you trust. If you're notsure whether to trust a program you are considering downloading,ask a knowledgeable friend or enter the name of the program intoyour favorite search engine to see if anyone else has reportedthat it contains spyware.
- Read all security warnings, license agreements, and privacystatements associated with any software you download.
- Never click "agree" or "OK" to close a window.Instead, click the red "x" in the corner of the windowor press the Alt + F4 buttons on your keyboard to close a window.
- Be wary of popular "free" music and movie file-sharingprograms, and be sure you clearly understand all of the softwarepackaged with those programs
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Disclaimer: The Anti Spyware Tips / Informationpresented and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors anddo not necessarily represent the views of TipsAndTreats.com and/orits partners.