What is Spyware?
Spyware programs track your browsing habits
and use tools to gather personal information
from your computers without your knowledge.
The information gathered may include your name
and email address and can then be used to bombard
you with online pop-up advertisements or Spam.
Usually the information sent is benign in nature,
mostly concerned with general marketing information
(e.g. spending habits) rather than specific
information like credit card numbers.
How did it get into my computer?
Many free programs available on the Internet
come with spyware or adware. When installing
these programs, you may not be informed that
a spyware or adware is being installed also.
Is there any difference between Adware and
Spyware?
Generally, there is little difference. Spyware
usually gathers more personal information than
adware.
Is Spyware harmful?
Generally, spyware and adware can be annoying
because of Browser Hijacks, Pop-Up Advertisements
and it could slow down your computer. However
spyware and adware might open to door for viruses
to infect your computer so you should be careful.
- Browser Hijacks
Sometimes, you cannot immediately surf to
your intended website as your browser will
be redirected to another website where there
is advertisement before being able to access
your intended website. Sometimes you may have
to try a few times before succeeding.
- Pop-Up Advertisements
While you you are connected to the Internet,
you may encounter random Advertisement web
pages that pop up on your browser. see Advertisement
web pages pop up at random intervals. These
Advertisement pop-ups may contain pornographic
materials or hyperlinks to various websites.
- Slow Down Your Computer
Some spyware or adware may be poorly written,
containing bugs and causing your computer
to malfunction. After sometime, this could
impact your computer's performance and you
will need to restart your computer.
How can I prevent Spyware from getting into
my PC?
Do not install any software that comes with
spyware or adware. If you are unsure, read the
terms and conditions or any other information
provided.
Be wary of any free software that you may download
from the Internet. A lot of these types of software
include a spyware or adware program. Some examples
of software that include a spyware or adware
are Kazaa and Messenger Plus.
While browsing the Internet, if any boxes appear
unexpectedly asking you to install new software,
and you are unsure, click No.
How can I remove Spyware or Adware?
Removing spyware or adware requires applying
a combination of solutions as no one solution
seems fully capable currently.
- Install Spyware removal program
Here some spyware/adware removal programs
that are recommended by top download websites
like CNET:
- Some Related Links
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