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Adware and Spyware

Taken from article at:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Adware_and_Spyware


As technology advances and more people get on the Internet for information, leisure, and business it seems as if keeping your computer free and safe from programs being forcibly downloaded and installed is a daunting task.Not technically fitting into either the virus or spam category we have spyware and adware, which are growing concerns for Internet users.

Both spyware and adware can cause your computer to a crawl. At times these programs may invade your privacy, contain malicious code, and at the very least they can be a nuisance when using a computer connected to the Internet. This doesn't mean that all free downloads are bad or that all pop-ups try to surreptitiously install software. It does mean, however, that you have to pay close attention and see what is being downloaded.

Adware is a program that installs an additional component that feeds advertising, often by delivering popup ads or by installing a toolbar in your browser. It is considered a legitimate alternative offered to consumers who do not wish to pay for software. Programs, games or utilities can be designed and distributed as freeware which is copyrighted software given free by the author.

Today many software developers give their software for free but you will be viewing advertisements when you use the software. This is how they make their money.The advertisements usually run in a small section of the software interface or as a pop-up ad box on your desktop. Some adware may hijack your browser start or search pages, redirecting you to sites other than intended. Imagine your 8 year old daughter opening your browser only to go to a graphic porn site. Worse, the mechanism that feeds the advertising can introduce system anomalies or incompatibilities that cause problems with other programs and can even disrupt the functioning of the operating system. A hijacked start page or toolbar can be difficult to restore to its original settings because adware typically installs itself in a manner beyond the average user's technical capabilities. And worse still some of these programs are even very difficult for experienced users to remove.In a lesser number of cases adware is a legitimate revenue source for companies who offer their software free to users.

Unfortunately, some freeware applications which contain adware track your surfing habits in order to serve ads related to you. When the adware becomes intrusive like this, it is known as spyware. Spyware surreptitiously monitors your computer and Internet use. Some of the worst examples of spyware include keyloggers that record keystrokes or screenshots, sending them to remote attackers who hope to retrieve user IDs, passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information.

One of the surest signs of Adware/Spyware is a slow down in the system.One day you're browsing the Internet as normal. The next day your system is crawling. Or browser's homepage has been changed to some porn site and your desktop is serving up some program you don't recall installing. Other signs of a spyware infection include pop-up ads which aren't related to a Web site you're viewing.You may also see advertisements when you're not browsing the Web. Clicking hyperlinks which do not work (or take you somewhere you didn't expect), a sluggish system, or your system taking longer to load the Windows desktop are all signs that your computer may be infected with spyware.

Licensing agreements that accompany software downloads sometimes warn the user that a adware/spyware program will be installed along with the requested software, but the licensing agreements are not always be read completely by users and if they are the notice of a spyware installation is often couched in obtuse, hard-to-read legal disclaimers

A host of so-called "free" Spyware/Adware removers are available on the internet. Many of them when downloaded only scan your computer and give information about any infection. To remove any infection one has to register and pay. Here is a list of 5 really free Spyware removers which perform a decent job of protecting your system

1) Ad-Aware SE Personal

Lavasoft's free Ad-Aware Personal does a good job of protecting you against adware and spyware that have already resident on your PC. However it does not have the ability to use preventative protection features that are available only in Lavasoft's paid products.

Download at : http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

2) Spybot Search and Destroy

Spybot version 1.4 has on-demand scanning, real-time prevention, and detailed settings. Its available free (donations accepted)

Download at :http://spybot.safer-networking.de/en/download/index.html

3) CWShredder

This is a free speciality spyware remover. Even if if you have Ad-aware or Spybot Search & Destroy, you still can't stop some versions of an insidious and virus-like pest called Cool WebSearch. CWShredder that specializes in removing dozens of CWS variants.

Download and details at: http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract/cwshredder_download.html

4)Windows Defender (Beta 2)

This is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected, and a new streamlined interface that minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive.

Please Note that this program is available free on the Microsoft site and it will run a Windows validation program on your system

Download and details at: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads

5)NoSpyMail

Again a specialty program NoSpyMail detects and blocks Web bug elements in email messages without requiring you to turn off HTML in Microsoft Outlook (versions 2000 through 2003) email client software. The program requires you to have previously installed the Microsoft .NET Framework, which is available through Windows Update or the Microsoft Download Center.

Download and details at: http://www.belshe.com/nospymail/

Disclaimer: Please check the individual company websites for sytem requrements and other details.

A good program to keep is Hijackthis. It lists the contents of key areas of the Registry and hard drive--areas that are used by both legitimate programmers and hijackers. The program is continually updated to detect and remove new hijacks. It does not target specific programs and URLs, only the methods used by hijackers to force you onto their sites. A considerable amount of knowledge is necessary for using this program. It is recomended to consult someone with knowledge befoe using this program.

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