Now, before I go any further, I'm not saying that every program you download is going to be crammed full of Spyware, or annoying Adware popups that we all hate. You just need to make sure that the Websites you download software from are reptable companies and ones that you trust.
Granted, this isn't as easy as it seems and that's why it's very important to regularly check your system for possible signs of Spyware. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the word Spyware, let me explain:
Spyware in its basic capacity is a piece of software that when deployed monitors your Internet habits and reports this information back to a third party. It is generally regarded as being unacceptable throughout the Internet world. However, some advertising websites will use it as a valuable marketing aid. The problem is that this whole process of using Spyware is achieved normally without you even knowing. You download and install a program, blissfully unaware that you have also installed a Spyware program too.
Unfortunately the more serious forms of Spyware will record your keyboard keystrokes. So whenever you type something into your Browser this information is being recorded and sent to somebody else. Therefore, if you do a lot of online shopping, and frequently use your credit card, just remember that unless your computer is Spyware free any information you would like to remain private could be compromised.
To stop this from happening you need to check your computer for signs of Spyware regularly. There are lots of programs out there that will do a good job of detecting and removing these parasites from your system. Don't think you will have to spend a lot of money either. In fact, some of the best Spyware removers out there are free. Although, I'm sure they would appreciate a small donation if you find a particular remover useful.
Even if your computer appears to be running fine, its still worth while running a scan just to be on the safe side. Here are some common signs that your computer may be infected with Spyware:
?Your computer appears to have a mind of its own.
?Your Internet connection is extremely slow
?Your Browser sends you to WebPages you haven't requested.
?You receive lots of unsolicited and mainly bounce-back emails.
?Your bank or credit card details have been comprised.
So if your computer is showing any of the above tell-tale-signs. Make sure you use a Spyware removal program immediately before its too late?
Your Computer Is Infected
1) PC Performance – Both Spyware and adware consume your PC's resource like computer memory. A bad spyware infection could dramatically slow your computer's performance including causing your system's to become increasingly unstable. Spyware also can affect your internet connection speed as it takes up bandwidth to communicate information back to its creator.
2) Pop up Ads – It is highly likely that your computer is infected by Adware if you notice more pop up ads appearing than usual. In some cases pop ads start appearing on the desktop even if you have not opened a web browser. Alternatively, search results may appear in a pop up or another browser window relative to the website you are visiting or keyword term you have typed into a search engine.
3) Browser Toolbars – These programs are commonly bundled with free software which the publisher often describes as “advertiser supported.” The toolbar then feeds adverts based on the website you visit. They are usually very difficult to uninstall. “180 Search Assistant” and “Huntbar” are example programs.
4) Browser Settings – Your internet favourites or bookmarks and start page are two main settings which are targeted by spyware authors. Web sites are inserted into your list of internet favourites in the hope that you will visit them. Browser hijackers change the start page which is visited when the browser loads. Any unexpected change to your start page is a sign of infection.
5) Start Up Programs – Some spyware variants will try to add themselves to your Windows start up program list. If you boot up time becomes noticeably slower then review your program start up list to check for applications you are not familiar with and remove them. This program list can be review using the “MS Config” option from the Windows XP Run command.
6) Software Failure – A spyware infection can cause some of your programs to crash or stop working. In particular watch if your Internet Explorer browser refuses to work all of a sudden.
7) Hosts File Changes – The Hosts File is a Windows file that maps the numerical IP Address to the Host Name very much like the address book on your cell phone “maps” your friend's name to their telephone number. Some spyware programs can change these setting so that when you type in “www.yahoo.com” for example you are re-directed the spyware author's website.
Both Godrob & Richard Rogers 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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