| |
Free Anti Virus Software
Choose from options below:
McAfee now
have a free scan online click banner below
|
|
Understanding
Spyware
|
|
by:
Mark
Freeman
|
Spyware is a "malware"
or malicious software that is placed on your computer without your
knowledge. This can happen when you visit online web sites
offering free downloads of games, when you download videos or
music, or any share files, such as when you download that comic e
mail from your friend. Spyware programs are piggybacked into your
machine at the same time you download a file. Spyware is infecting
millions of home computers today.
Spyware tracks your on line computer habits. It knows each site
you visit and what you have looked up on that site. Some spyware
even tracks each keystroke you make, including every bit of
information you fill out on a form, such as name and address, and
credit card information when you make a purchase. This has some in
the online world worried that this can lead to identity theft and
stealing of credit card numbers. Your computer surfing habits and
personal information is then sold to businesses. The spyware
business is a billion dollar industry, with lots of people getting
rich selling your information without your knowledge.
Another problem with spyware is that unless you run anti spyware
software often, you don't know that spyware been installed until
your computer starts to slow down. By the time your computer slows
down due to spyware you could have as many as six or seven
different spyware programs running in the background.
You can get rid of spyware by running any of the number of anti-spyware
programs available on the market today. Run these programs often.
Some suggest that after you run an anti spyware program that you
re-boot your computer and run the software again to make sure
there are no "ticklers". Ticklers are designed to reinstall
spyware.
The best way to avoid spyware is to stay away from downloading
freebies. Don't open unsolicited e-mail, delete it before you open
it. When downloading any software, even legitimate software
programs from the internet read the end users agreement
thoroughly. Some of these agreements will state that they are
installing spyware type software, and by you downloading their
program you are agreeing to let them put spyware on your computer.
If you know this then you have the ability to say yes, or no and
protect your personal information.
|
|
