The term spyware refers to a broad category of malicious software designed to take partial or full control of a computer's operation without the consent or knowledge of the machine's owner or legitimate user. While the terms sounds like it describes some type of software which "spies" on the user, it has come to refer more broadly to software that controls the computer's operation for the benefit of someone else.
Spyware differs from viruses or worms in that it does not usually try to spread itself, nor have a highly malicious effect. A virus may erase a hard drive and a worm may allow anyone to access all of your files. Spyware however, it much more likely to watch your surfing habits, or serve up specific ads based on the pages you browse.
The goal of spyware is to gain use of infected computers for commercial gain. Typically, once you are infected a spyware program may deliver unsolicited pop-up advertisements; steal personal information (including financial information such as credit card number or other banking information); monitor Web-browsing activity for marketing purposes; or even use your computer to send spam or advertisements to another user!
If your system is running Microsoft Windows as its operating-system, you run a much greater risk of being infected than if you were using Linux or Max OS X. Additionally, Internet Explorer is much more susceptible than alternate and much more secure browsers such as Firefox.
Quite often, semi-legitimate programs may install spyware as they install their main program. This is especially common with file sharing and peer to peer applications. When you are installing applications such as these, you should be extremely careful and look for open source, non ad supported options whenever possible.
Once a spyware program has been installed, it is frequently very hard to get rid of. They make sure that they stay no matter what, offing no or a misleading uninstall option, and even making backups of themselves to auto- reinstall if you succeed!
There are many programs and websites dedicated to cleaning your computer if you've become infected. As with anything though, an ounce of prevention will go a long way. Be careful what you install and you should be able to avoid all but the most sneaky spyware programs.
If however it's already too late for prevention -- I suggest you visit some of the more popular Anti-spyware and Anti-virus websites and learn what you can do about your infection.
Though commonly mistaken as a condition of the heart, heartburn is in fact a digestive problem. Manifested by discomfort around the chest and upper back area, heartburn can occur in varying degrees. Heartburn's symptoms may range from a mild irritation to severe pain. On average, heartburn is an incidental occurrence for most people, however, there are those who suffer from chronic heartburn.
What causes heartburn? It is normally associated with improper food intake or with something that does not agree with one's body. Technically though, what causes heartburn is the reflux of gastric acid up to the esophagus. This irritates the lining and causes the pain. It has been pinpointed that a dysfunctional lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle contributes largely to heartburn.
Diet and lifestyle have been pinpointed as some factors which may cause the LES to weaken. Food that is spicy and acidic contributes to heartburn. More so, other habits that may encourage heartburn are smoking and drinking alcohol. Posture is another factor to be considered. Improper posture may cause the weakening of the LES.
If you are suffering from occasional heartburn, your healthcare provider will simply treat you with the common heartburn treatment. Antacids such as Maalox and Mylanta are usually prescribed as medication like this will neutralize the acidity within your stomach. In some cases, other medication will be prescribed to prevent recurrence of the problem.
For those who suffer from chronic heartburn, however, further tests such as an endoscopy will probably be conducted. This is done to further understand and analyze the cause of the chronic heartburn. This will also reveal if there are any other complications connected to the condition.
So how do you avoid getting heartburn? Watch for the foods that seem to trigger a heartburn attack. Different people have different "trigger foods". If you notice that a certain food gives you heartburn, then try to avoid it. In general, spicy food should be taken in moderation. Too much alcohol and smoking can also trigger heartburn so it would be good to ease up on these activities. Also, try to maintain proper posture when walking, sitting, or lying down.
Both John Layton & Jason Rickard are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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