The Top 12 Signs
That Your Computer Has Spyware.
Spyware: What is it and how do I get rid of it?
Have you ever downloaded a program from the
Internet? Have you ever given your personal information to a
site that promised that you would get something for free? Well,
you would not be the first person to do it. Everyone loves to
get “free” stuff and even if you gave false information about
yourself, chances are your computer is now a victim of the
request. There are many free Spyware removal programs that claim
to eliminate Spyware. After evaluating many packages and reading
the reviews by various magazines there are only three free
versions worth mentioning. They are:
·
Spybot Search and Destroy
·
Ad-Aware by Lavasoft
·
Microsoft Spyware Removal
Spyware is a small program that is installed on
your computer when you download programs or request free
information. This program invades your privacy and is used to
collect certain information about you. Some of the major
companies that distribute Spyware are Gator, Comet Cursor, KaZaA
(Bonzi is bundled with this software), Real Networks
RealDownload, Netscape/AOL Smart Download, Aureate, BonziBuddy,
Double Click, Xupiter, Lime Wire, and Virtual Bouncer.
Spyware gathers user information and activity
without the user's knowledge.
Spy software can record your keystrokes, the
complete web site address that you are visiting, your computers
Internet address (IP address), a unique computer identifier that
the publisher assigned you, passwords, credit card numbers,
sensitive information, where you surf, and chat logs, and it can
even take random screenshots of your activity. Basically,
whatever you do on the computer is completely viewable by the
spy. You do not have to be connected to the Internet to be spied
upon. The next time you go online the information is passed
through to the publisher.
Another result of a Spyware infection is unwanted pop-up ads.
Have you ever noticed that pop-up ads seem to display items that
you are interested in? Some of the Spyware companies, including
Gator, track your more frequently visited sites and feed you ads
for similar products. Some ads even come through your computer
without you being in Internet Explorer. The Spyware software
contacts the publisher and the publisher pushes an ad to your
desktop.
Here are the 12 signs that your
computer has spyware:
1.
When you start Internet Explorer or FireFox, your default home
page changes to something else.
2.
You go to a site and you get a message that your computer is
being scanned for viruses.
3.
You get pop-up ads, even when you are not using the Internet.
Some of them have your name in them.
4.
You want to search for something and after you type in the words
and press Enter, or click on the Go button you are re-directed
to another site.
5.
Items appear in your Favorites list and they were not there
before.
6.
Your computer runs real slow and the applications or windows
open real slow. They look like they are being painted on the
screen. If you are familiar with Task Manager and you open the
application you notice that there are many processes running
that you have not seen before.
7.
When you type in the name of a site to go to, you wind up on a
different site.
8.
A toolbar appears that you did not install yourself, or a
toolbar appears at the bottom of the screen.
9.
You notice that your hard drive light or cable modem lights
start to blink very fast and often.
10.
You answered yes in a box to help the vendor do research. This
research could be surfing the Internet, or how you use a
program.
11.
You suddenly receive emails with a common theme. For example,
coupons for a specific product.
12.
Spyware has become more intelligent and not detectable. You
should scan your computer at least once a week.
There are free spyware programs that were mentioned above, and
there are paid versions. Most vendors that have a paid version
are usually proactive in their prevention methods and they keep
their product up-to-date.
The two software packages that I recommend are SpySweeper and
Spyware Nuker. More information on both of these products can
be found on my site:
www.yourpcguide.com/spyware.htm
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