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What is Spyware?
Spyware programs are hidden intrusive programs that launch constant pop-up ads on your computer while tracking your usage and steal personal information. They use the same technologies as viruses and drag down the performance and stability of your computer. Learn more about spyware...
How do I get Spyware?
Spyware finds its way to your computer through hidden programs installed by free downloads and by deceptive web pages that trick you into installing it. If you machine is not properly configured, just visiting a web page or clicking on a link in an e-mail will install spyware
List of Spyware Programs
This is a list of spyware and popup blockers that ARE SPYWARE, DO NOT INSTALL SpyWiper, AdWare Remover Gold, BPS Spyware Remover, Online PC-Fix, SpyFerret, SpyBan, SpyBlast, SpyGone, SpyHunter, SpyKiller, SpyKiller Pro, SpywareNuker, TZ Spyware-Adware Remover, SpyAssault, InternetAntiSpy, Virtual Bouncer, AdProtector, SpyGone, and SpyAssault.
Safe Programs: Ad-Aware, SpyBot, Google
Tool Bar, Panda Scan,
Stinger, and SpywareBlaster
Identifying programs and Files
How do I avoid Spyware?
Rules to Surf By: Remember...
- Nothing is Free, know what you are installing on your computer
- Research any free downloads and read the privacy policies
- Always close pop up windows by clicking on the outermost X
- Use "Control-Alt-Delete" to kill Internet Explorer (iexplore.exe) when a web site
starts cascading browser windows.
- If a web site offers to make a configuration change for you, don't do it
- Set Internet Explorer 6 to block
third party cookies
- Never Click on a link or attachment in spam message
How do I know if I have Spyware on my machine?
- If you are getting heavy pop-up, pop-under's every time you click on a link or open a page
- If your computer is running slow, acting funny but you don't have a virus
- if you have any mystery programs running in the System Tray
- If your browser's homepage keeps going back to the same site even after changing it
- If you have installed any music file sharing programs or gone to any aggressive freebie sites
How do I remove Spyware?
8 Simple steps to Identify and remove any programs that have been inadvertently added .
- Look at icons running in the system tray (lower right corner of screen)
- Look at programs auto launching in the start-up folder (Start> All Programs> StartUp)
- Look at installed programs (Start> Control Panel > Add Remove Programs)
- Research what is installed: Search the name in Goggle, read about what the do and who is complaining) You will not recognize all legitimate programs. You must search to se if they are A. Mainstream applications, B. Sub applications for mainstream programs (these are still needed), C old, un-need, intrusive or spyware application.
- Keep reading until you are sure of what it is and remove the "C" type programs
- Delete temporary internet files: In Internet Explorer: Go to Tools> Internet Options> General and click on "Delete files" and "Delete Cookies".
- Delete program loaders:Go to Tools> Internet Options> General >Settings>
View Objects. Delete any thing with a spyware name or code name Example:"{C53HJ8D42653MHitd8670Jrao}"
- Reboot and run SpyBot and Ad-Aware
Finish By running SpyBot and Ad-Aware
How do I find out if a download is safe?
You can search for spyware programs at spywareguide.com but the results are misleading. Many spyware programs are included as part of legitimate software and you think you are only installing one program.
- Read the privacy policy carefully
- Search Google using the (name of software) + spyware
- Go to the site of the company making the software
Pop-up Blockers
I do not recommend a dedicated popup blocking program unless it alerts you when it blocks a pop-up. Pop-up blockers only mask the symptoms of spyware on your machine. It is better to stop the pop-ups rather than just block them.
ADVANCED SECTION
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