Most people are now familiar with the threat that viruses pose to their PCs, but an invasion of another type of unwanted software, commonly referred to as spyware, could be equally destructive.
Spyware is a general name for a large group of unwanted software that is downloaded and installed in the computer without the knowledge of the computer user. This type of software could range from rather innocent cookies, which keep track of what websites one has visited, to software that records key-strokes, and then sends this information back to the people who installed it, to enable them to extract information such as passwords, credit card numbers and other very sensitive personal information.
The large majority of spyware that is commonly installed on peoples computer is what is termed adware. This is most often a piece of information in the form of a cookie, which enables the sender to display advertisements on the computer in the form of pop-up ads. These ads can become quite annoying, but are generally not harmful to the operation of the computer.
Another type of cookie that is very common keeps track of the website one has visited, thus enabling website operators to display ads to the person browsing their site, specific to the type of preferences that person browsing the sites has displayed in the past. Such cookies allow the websites that you frequently visit, to remember your preferences, your name, user ID or other information, which may identify you as a returning frequent visitor. This type of personal information is generally stored in a specific subdirectory or folder on the hard drive and can be relatively easily removed, either by yourself or by your web browser, which may have a delete cookies button in one of the menu options.
Some more invasive types of software that can be installed on your computer without your knowledge are capable of changing your computer settings or preferences, such as installing toolbars, or modifying the default website setting in your browser. Usually these types are referred to as spyware and are much more difficult to remove. The most obvious signs of a spyware infection may be the sudden appearance of pop-up ads for items or sites you have no interest in at that time and are not related to what you are doing, such as gambling or adult sites.
Frequently spyware and related nuisance software is introduced to your computer during installation of software that you actually want, but then somewhere hidden in the installation procedure is a message, or if you are lucky a button to select the option to install it. However most of the time this option is so well masked or tucked away at the end of the installation process, that most people do not notice it and then inadvertently install this spyware as well. Toolbars and unwanted utilities are an example of this.
It is therefore strongly advised during installation of software for certain tools, utilities or other applications, such as browsers, free software, audio or video software or other such specific applications, to pay particular attention to any selection options, such as boxes with tic-marks or radio-buttons, and make sure you know what you are installing. If you are not sure that you want that option, or you are suspicious about it, make sure to de-select the option. You can safely do this, since if you are presented with an option to deselect it, it is not a requirement for the proper operation of the software anyway.
The most dangerous type of spyware, also referred to as malware, is installed on the PC without any warning at all. This is the type of software that could collect keystrokes from your computer (key-logger), to be used for credit card fraud or even identity theft. Another type could be dial-up software which uses a modem dialer to dial out to some number that charges outrageous fees for being connected etc.
Many of these types of software have components installed in obvious places, such as the Program Files folder, but then also have components installed in much less obvious places such as the Windows system files or the registry where they are very hard to find or recognize. Therefore if you were to remove the software from the Program Files folder, it would re-install itself and re-appear when the system is rebooted. For most people the only way to get rid of this nuisance software is to avail himself or herself to the assistance of either very specialized people or software, which is designed to do this for you.
It is therefore recommended that next to your anti-virus software, you also install an anti-spyware or anti-adware program on your computer, and make sure that the software provider also updates this software regularly. Letting such programs do their work on a regular basis will keep your computer clean and could prevent some nasty experiences, something we all could live without.
Bill Stafford has been operating a computer sales and support company for over 20 years. For more information and tips for your PC or the Internet, visit his site at: http://inforesources.wordpress.com/
Spyware: A Digital Violation of Your Privacy Rights
I dont usually mind some advertising when Im surfing the web. A lot of it can be garish and distracting, but I understand that websites need to pay their bills so that they can keep offering their content online, where I can view it for free. However, there is one form of Internet advertising that is simply impossible for me to tolerate. I am talki...
How to Remove a Starware Toolbar
Depending on what ISP (Internet Service Provider) you use to access the internet, each has its own toolbar. The function of a toolbar is to facilitate website searches, block or allow pop-ups, and track your most recent searches. Some toolbars have more specialized tools than others, but they all function in a similar fashion.One problem with acces...
Strange E-mails Without Attachments Are Not Necessarily Harmless
Even e-mails from trusted sources cannot be trusted these days. What we never know is whether the PC of the trusted source is infected with e-mail worms and spam bots sending out these e-mails without the consent of the PC owner. So your e-mail may come from a trusted source but is the source still trustworthy? By that I do not imply that your best...
Home Computer Security
Home computers are a favorite target for intruders. This is because home computers are normally not very secure and are easy to attack. With high speed Internet connection, intruders can quickly find and then attack computers. Home computer security takes top priority in this context. There are several methods to secure your home computer.Installin...
Which Computer Spy Software Should You Choose?
Computer spy software, the subject and product is surrounded with controversy about privacy, but should that be the case? The software was not designed in order for you to be able to steal passwords, but it was made to insure that those that are the most vulnerable, our children, are safe on the Internet amid a world of sexual predators.There are s...
Learn the Spyware Removal Basic Tips!
Spyware is now a big threat to internet users. And getting enough spyware knowledge is the best defense. The first thing you need to do is to educate yourself how a spyware gets into your computer.You also need to learn how and where to check for it. Then, be familiar with the basic spyware removal process by inspecting your tasklist or using spywa...
Slow Computer? Spyware Can Slow Your Computer Big Time!
Slow Computer? Tell me - How Slow Can It Go?Ill tell you this - Ive had some SLOW computers. My first computer was a Gateway 4DX2-66 with something like 22 MB of Ram - that was an upgrade! I know thats slow enough then I put that computer online. Before taking that machine online, I was able to keep it moving with weekly defrag sessions. Not p...