Spyware? What is Spyware? What do you do about Spyware?
Spyware and Adware are terms used for programs, scripts, or other sinister forms of gathering information about you the user.
Spyware and Adware programs gathers information about you without your knowledge. Spyware or Adware can end up on your computer in a number of ways and from a number of sources.
Advertisers along with other industries sometimes rely on information gathered from Spyware and Adware to focus their products and services upon users of their websites.
Some spyware programs collect general type information like what Internet browser you use or your windows versions or your browsers capabilities and some spyware collect more harmful and specific information like your usernames and passwords, maybe even your banking information and more. Some spyware can hijack your internet browser and take you directly to a website will some spyware or adware just monitor your internet surfing and gather your shopping habits so they can target ads to pop up on your screen.
Most users don't know when they are infected by a spyware program or an adware program, you can get infected without even knowing it by clicking on pop up ads, installing free programs, downloading music files and so on but there are signs to look for and steps you can take to protect yourself from spyware and adware and protect your privacy on the Internet.
Some Spyware or Adware signs are:
- Your PC running slower than usual
- You get popup ads and do not know where they are coming form
- Your home page changes
- Your search settings changed
- Span emails sent to you
- Your browser runs slower
- Toolbars added to your browser
- Lights blinking on your modem or router constantly
Spyware removal software or Adware remove software is a must for all internet users or any computer connected to the internet or intranet connected to the internet.
Spyware and Adware are similar but different.
Spyware applications are programs hide on your PC's hard drive without your knowing. Spyware can allow hackers to track your every move while you are on the internet and even when you are not on the internet. They can track your Instant Message programs such as MSN Messenger or Yahoo. Spyware can get your credit card number or passwords for your banking information. This is just but a few of the things Spyware can do to unknowing internet users. Are you infected by Spyware?
Adware applications are installed onto your PCs hard drive by Internet advertising companies, adware usually shows itself in the form of pop-up ads one after another. You may notice icons or shortcuts on your desktop or in your start menu that you never seen before - adware - you can find this adware signs in many locations on your computer.
Take Action, Get the Software
Free Spyware and Adware Programs
Trial / Free Spyware and Adware Programs
The options expressed here are only a guideline, as with any IT related situation you will need to have the experience to handle the job or get someone to do the job for you.
A list of experienced IT Professionals are listed at List-Local IT Related directory.
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