Spyware - Prevention, Detection And Removal

It seems that every time some good hearted genius develops a cool technology that benefits man, some miscreant develops a way to use it to the detriment of man. I guess this is a spin off of Newton’s law where for every action there is a reaction. Spyware is one of these reactions.

What is spyware?

Spyware is a software application that is usually attached to a file that you download. Virus protection software will not capture or delete it. The purpose of spyware is to gather information about you and your use computer usage. It may gather keywords, text, account numbers, etc. and send them to another computer. The problems can range from your credit card information or password being stolen and abused to a partly or complete failure of your computer. If a site offers a free download, check to see if it has a “free from ad/spyware” certification. If it doesn’t, there is a good chance that it has spyware or adware attached to the download.

Effects of spyware

Most spyware uses "Hacks" to change your windows settings. Usually computers that are infected with spyware have more then one spyware application installed. All these spyware infections are competing to change some of your computer’s settings. This can cause your system to slow down and may cause some of windows or your programs functions to stop functioning. If a certain functionality is suddenly missing in windows or in any of your installed programs, there is a good possibility that spyware is the culprit.

If enough spyware is clogging up your system, you may notice it slowing down. When this occurs, it is wise to run a spyware check on your computer. Whenever you download something from a free site, a good rule of thumb is to run a spyware check after. There are many free spyware removal tools out there. A search on Google or Yahoo will bring up a ton of references. For a review of some of the best spyware removal tools go to http://burpau.bezoogle.com/pp/anti-spyware/.

Helpful hints to avoid spyware

1. Do not download anything from a questionable site. Run a spyware check and removal application if you do.
2. Avoid clicking on popups. Use Ctrl-Alt-Delete rather than cancel. Clicking cancel or no on an add may still get spyware installed on your system.
3. Try using a different browser. Since Internet Explorer is the widest used, it is the most heavily hit.
4. Use a spyware removal tool.

Paul Burnham is a programmer analyst, internet affiliate marketer and author of information articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Burnham

3 Ways Spyware can Disrupt Your Computer

Spyware is a malicious program that covertly gathers information through an Internet connection on a computer system without the owners knowledge. Spyware applications are typically bundled as hidden components of Freeware or Shareware programs that are downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, these spyware programs monitor your computer activity on the Internet and transmit that information without your knowledge to someone else.

3 Ways Spyware can Disrupt Your System;

1. There are some spyware programs that can track all your online purchases (credit cards). If you use your credit card to purchase a product online you are at risk of a spyware program gaining control of this number and using it for other purchases that you may not be aware of until it's to late. Then you are left trying to figure out what went wrong. By the time you find out, it has cost you a lot of time and money. This Spyware has left you nothing but a big mess to clean-up. This can take from a few hours to a few weeks or even months.

2. Spyware can locate information about your email address. If this happens you are subject to all kinds of problems. Spyware programs can end up sending even more spyware to unsuspecting email users that you have on your personal email file . Thus any spyware you had your own computer will be transfered to those you had on your personal list. This will only compound the problem you had by having to aid in the recovery of all the people in your personal list. It only compounds the problems.

3. Spyware programs can cause a multitude of problems to your computer. Hackers (those behind the seens) can impose a number of problems to your computer. They can gain access to a number of areas in your computer that you have know knowledge of. This may include but not limited to; Keystrokes you use online, exposure to your PC over dial-up or broudband connections, changing browser configurations, install programs without your consent. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses, passwords, and even credit card numbers.

There is a solution to any problem!

You have to recongnize problems on your computer may be caused by spyware. There is hope, you can find online help. You can find a number of online spyware programs. Some let you download a free checks. Some promise the world. There are a multitude of spyware removal programs on the market. Just make sure you do the research and review all the different spyware removal programs out there. Some may even cause more problems than they fix. It's up to you!

Lydia O is an evaluator and reviewer of online products and programs. To find information on this subject and others, please click here: Spyware Reviews or Lydia's-list.com