Computers need routine maintenance as well as systems checks in order to be in good condition at all times. This can be done by getting the proper software or sending the unit to the shop.
If the individual notices that the computer is not performing as well as before, proper action must be done immediately before everything shuts down. Aside from the potential threat of a virus that can destroy the operating system and the hard drive, another concern should be the spyware and the adware that comes when a website is visited.
Spyware and adware programs can be purchased in the store. With the development of e-commerce, software companies have made it possible to get these things online and have it downloaded in an instant into the computer.
Is there one software program better than the other? Some will say this brand while others will say another depending on how user-friendly and effective it has performed in the past. Here are the top 5 that are free for the person to use so the user should be the judge.
1. McAfee has been in the business of providing security solutions since 1987. The software programs it offers can take care of viruses, spyware, adware and any other threats all in just one package.
Among the different software companies in the industry, this firm does not allow free trials but those who have used it and are still doing so today are satisfied with its products and services.
2. Another leader in the industry is Symantec. This company started 5 years earlier than McAfee and offers customers various versions of its products. Those who are skeptic about the adware and spyware software it has can download the software and try it for 30 days. Those who amazed can then buy the program to continue enjoying its services.
3. Microsoft is one of the biggest software companies in the world. Aside from offering to customer’s operating systems, it also has adware spyware remover, which can be downloaded for free into the computer.
4. The fourth company on the list is not as big as the other three players but is still able to hold its head up high in the market. The program is called Spybot Search and Destroy. From the name itself, the individual can already tell what it can do as well as prevent new threats from ever popping up in the future.
5. Lastly, is Adaware, which also has various versions for personal and commercial use. Those who will just use it to keep the computer safe at home can download the adware spyware remover program for free. If this will be used by a company to protect its assets, a fee will be charged to keep the system running.
The person does not have to be a computer expert to be able to protect everything inside the computer because there are adware spyware remover programs available.
Once it is downloaded and installed, the individual does not have to worry because the software will check the computer carefully as well as receive updates so new threats can be caught before it can do any damage making one sleep peacefully at night. It is up to the customer whether to pay for the system or simply get one that is free.
Showing posts with label adware. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adware. Show all posts
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Friday, July 4, 2008
Free Download Internet Security Software
Internet Security Software: Free Downloads To Secure Your PC
The internet is considered as the information superhighway where you can gather the information you need for school and work. In fact, the internet is so useful that people have begun to use it for businesses.
The internet can even be a great way to entertain yourself with downloadable movies, comics and music. Another benefit the internet gives is that you can do your shopping for your clothes and groceries right in the comforts of your own home. You no longer need to go out to the supermarket or to the mall to buy the things you need. All you need to do is log in to an online shopping website and purchase the items you need.
Unfortunately, useful as the internet may be, it also has its dangers. Since more and more people are purchasing goods and services in the internet, it also paved the way for new kinds of criminals. These criminals will try and get your financial and personal information and use it to steal money from you without you knowing about it until it’s too late.
These people develop programs or softwares that can invade your personal computer silently and will start gathering information for the developer. With these programs, they will have access to your files and know every key you type in your keyboard and every click of your mouse. Sometimes, these programs simply destroy the files inside your computer.
Here are the different programs cyber criminals use to destroy your files, or obtain your personal information:
• Spyware
• Adware
• Viruses
• Spam emails
In order to protect yourself and your PC from the different malicious software circulating the internet, you have to purchase a kind of internet security software. However, since there is a lot of security software available in the internet, you will be confused on which one you should purchase.
This is why there are trial periods for softwares in order for you to determine which software is better. Trial or demo versions of the different internet security software are free and can be downloaded instantly from the company’s website. You can download it for free, install it in your computer, and test it if it would be worth your time and money to purchase the full version of the software.
However, these demo versions can only protect your personal computer at a limited time only. After the trial period expires, the software will be locked and you will need to purchase the full version of the software in order to use it again.
Some trial versions have full capabilities while others have only limited capabilities. These free software versions can also be very useful. You can try and use these versions until you find the internet security software you want. Think of it as a temporary fix until you find the right software.
So, if you are looking for a way to protect your computer from malicious software at least temporarily, you can try out the free versions of internet security software until you find the software that is right for your computer. You have to find the software that offer full capabilities against the growing threat in the internet today. It should be able to fight off viruses, spyware, adware, spam emails, and hackers.
With the right kind of software, you will be sure that you can surf the internet without worrying about the different malicious software circulating the internet today.
The internet is considered as the information superhighway where you can gather the information you need for school and work. In fact, the internet is so useful that people have begun to use it for businesses.
The internet can even be a great way to entertain yourself with downloadable movies, comics and music. Another benefit the internet gives is that you can do your shopping for your clothes and groceries right in the comforts of your own home. You no longer need to go out to the supermarket or to the mall to buy the things you need. All you need to do is log in to an online shopping website and purchase the items you need.
Unfortunately, useful as the internet may be, it also has its dangers. Since more and more people are purchasing goods and services in the internet, it also paved the way for new kinds of criminals. These criminals will try and get your financial and personal information and use it to steal money from you without you knowing about it until it’s too late.
These people develop programs or softwares that can invade your personal computer silently and will start gathering information for the developer. With these programs, they will have access to your files and know every key you type in your keyboard and every click of your mouse. Sometimes, these programs simply destroy the files inside your computer.
Here are the different programs cyber criminals use to destroy your files, or obtain your personal information:
• Spyware
• Adware
• Viruses
• Spam emails
In order to protect yourself and your PC from the different malicious software circulating the internet, you have to purchase a kind of internet security software. However, since there is a lot of security software available in the internet, you will be confused on which one you should purchase.
This is why there are trial periods for softwares in order for you to determine which software is better. Trial or demo versions of the different internet security software are free and can be downloaded instantly from the company’s website. You can download it for free, install it in your computer, and test it if it would be worth your time and money to purchase the full version of the software.
However, these demo versions can only protect your personal computer at a limited time only. After the trial period expires, the software will be locked and you will need to purchase the full version of the software in order to use it again.
Some trial versions have full capabilities while others have only limited capabilities. These free software versions can also be very useful. You can try and use these versions until you find the internet security software you want. Think of it as a temporary fix until you find the right software.
So, if you are looking for a way to protect your computer from malicious software at least temporarily, you can try out the free versions of internet security software until you find the software that is right for your computer. You have to find the software that offer full capabilities against the growing threat in the internet today. It should be able to fight off viruses, spyware, adware, spam emails, and hackers.
With the right kind of software, you will be sure that you can surf the internet without worrying about the different malicious software circulating the internet today.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Free Spyware Adware Remover
Computers need routine maintenance as well as systems checks in order to be in good condition at all times. This can be done by getting the proper software or sending the unit to the shop.
If the individual notices that the computer is not performing as well as before, proper action must be done immediately before everything shuts down. Aside from the potential threat of a virus that can destroy the operating system and the hard drive, another concern should be the spyware and the adware that comes when a website is visited.
Spyware and adware programs can be purchased in the store. With the development of e-commerce, software companies have made it possible to get these things online and have it downloaded in an instant into the computer.
Is there one software program better than the other? Some will say this brand while others will say another depending on how user-friendly and effective it has performed in the past. Here are the top 5 that are free for the person to use so the user should be the judge.
1. McAfee has been in the business of providing security solutions since 1987. The software programs it offers can take care of viruses, spyware, adware and any other threats all in just one package.
Among the different software companies in the industry, this firm does not allow free trials but those who have used it and are still doing so today are satisfied with its products and services.
2. Another leader in the industry is Symantec. This company started 5 years earlier than McAfee and offers customers various versions of its products. Those who are skeptic about the adware and spyware software it has can download the software and try it for 30 days. Those who amazed can then buy the program to continue enjoying its services.
3. Microsoft is one of the biggest software companies in the world. Aside from offering to customer’s operating systems, it also has adware spyware remover, which can be downloaded for free into the computer.
4. The fourth company on the list is not as big as the other three players but is still able to hold its head up high in the market. The program is called Spybot Search and Destroy. From the name itself, the individual can already tell what it can do as well as prevent new threats from ever popping up in the future.
5. Lastly, is Adaware, which also has various versions for personal and commercial use. Those who will just use it to keep the computer safe at home can download the adware spyware remover program for free. If this will be used by a company to protect its assets, a fee will be charged to keep the system running.
The person does not have to be a computer expert to be able to protect everything inside the computer because there are adware spyware remover programs available.
Once it is downloaded and installed, the individual does not have to worry because the software will check the computer carefully as well as receive updates so new threats can be caught before it can do any damage making one sleep peacefully at night. It is up to the customer whether to pay for the system or simply get one that is free.
If the individual notices that the computer is not performing as well as before, proper action must be done immediately before everything shuts down. Aside from the potential threat of a virus that can destroy the operating system and the hard drive, another concern should be the spyware and the adware that comes when a website is visited.
Spyware and adware programs can be purchased in the store. With the development of e-commerce, software companies have made it possible to get these things online and have it downloaded in an instant into the computer.
Is there one software program better than the other? Some will say this brand while others will say another depending on how user-friendly and effective it has performed in the past. Here are the top 5 that are free for the person to use so the user should be the judge.
1. McAfee has been in the business of providing security solutions since 1987. The software programs it offers can take care of viruses, spyware, adware and any other threats all in just one package.
Among the different software companies in the industry, this firm does not allow free trials but those who have used it and are still doing so today are satisfied with its products and services.
2. Another leader in the industry is Symantec. This company started 5 years earlier than McAfee and offers customers various versions of its products. Those who are skeptic about the adware and spyware software it has can download the software and try it for 30 days. Those who amazed can then buy the program to continue enjoying its services.
3. Microsoft is one of the biggest software companies in the world. Aside from offering to customer’s operating systems, it also has adware spyware remover, which can be downloaded for free into the computer.
4. The fourth company on the list is not as big as the other three players but is still able to hold its head up high in the market. The program is called Spybot Search and Destroy. From the name itself, the individual can already tell what it can do as well as prevent new threats from ever popping up in the future.
5. Lastly, is Adaware, which also has various versions for personal and commercial use. Those who will just use it to keep the computer safe at home can download the adware spyware remover program for free. If this will be used by a company to protect its assets, a fee will be charged to keep the system running.
The person does not have to be a computer expert to be able to protect everything inside the computer because there are adware spyware remover programs available.
Once it is downloaded and installed, the individual does not have to worry because the software will check the computer carefully as well as receive updates so new threats can be caught before it can do any damage making one sleep peacefully at night. It is up to the customer whether to pay for the system or simply get one that is free.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Removal Adware Spyware
Why is there a need for a download adware spyware removal?
It is such a hassle to find personal computers crashing especially if you know that all the care have been given to prevent such a catastrophic event from happening. By all care means every bit of ounce that the information technology department can do they are instructed to do so. The system starts off clean with passwords needed to be able to open and use the personal computer so that not just anyone can access it.
What follows then are that the programs essential to the business and the owner are uploaded and these said programs are double checked to see if they do not have any bogus programs attached to them before they are installed. Even internet usage is limited just to assure non-entry of any programs or any sort of connection that can bring in problems to the existing system.
This may mean that only company email systems and networks can be opened while non-essentials like messengers or online shared programs cannot be uploaded which is actually good for offices so the company is sure that employees are working whenever they are in the office. In reality, it cannot be avoided for employees to use office personal computers to chat or to download files or songs not related to office duties.
Having said that, it is now time to turn your attention to one of the enemies of the cyber industry these days and that is spyware. Spyware came into advent as a result of the booming internet slash computer industry. For of course there will always be those people who will take advantage of something positive and ride on it in a negative manner.
Sometimes the negative becomes so popular that more and more people will choose to take part in these bad actions. The evil genius behind spyware is a traitor to all its victims who totally unaware of its existence that is not until it messes up a seemingly functional system. There is nothing right at all with collecting information about users without their consent and that wrong thing is what spyware is all about. It is an invasion of privacy in the first place and a totally destructive tool next but then again it is proliferating.
Adware is sort of a spyware spin off wherein online advertisements pop up from out of nowhere and no matter what you press in that dialog box will trigger something to be downloaded into your system without you even knowing you instigated the whole process. There is no way to get out of this sad reality but hopefully the culprits can be tracked down so at least steps can be taken to curb their doings.
What makes the situation worse is that some of these illegal operations are actually tied to legal companies who provide legal programs. Sure there are downloadable adware spyware removals but even these adware spyware removal programs are not one hundred percent effective. Maybe there is one out there that can be very effective but there are so many claiming to be adware spyware removal programs but are con spywares as well.
It is then advisable for everyone concerned to carefully research before finally deciding on what adware spyware removal program to use and once you find the right one stick to that for it is rare to find an adware spyware removal that really works.
It is such a hassle to find personal computers crashing especially if you know that all the care have been given to prevent such a catastrophic event from happening. By all care means every bit of ounce that the information technology department can do they are instructed to do so. The system starts off clean with passwords needed to be able to open and use the personal computer so that not just anyone can access it.
What follows then are that the programs essential to the business and the owner are uploaded and these said programs are double checked to see if they do not have any bogus programs attached to them before they are installed. Even internet usage is limited just to assure non-entry of any programs or any sort of connection that can bring in problems to the existing system.
This may mean that only company email systems and networks can be opened while non-essentials like messengers or online shared programs cannot be uploaded which is actually good for offices so the company is sure that employees are working whenever they are in the office. In reality, it cannot be avoided for employees to use office personal computers to chat or to download files or songs not related to office duties.
Having said that, it is now time to turn your attention to one of the enemies of the cyber industry these days and that is spyware. Spyware came into advent as a result of the booming internet slash computer industry. For of course there will always be those people who will take advantage of something positive and ride on it in a negative manner.
Sometimes the negative becomes so popular that more and more people will choose to take part in these bad actions. The evil genius behind spyware is a traitor to all its victims who totally unaware of its existence that is not until it messes up a seemingly functional system. There is nothing right at all with collecting information about users without their consent and that wrong thing is what spyware is all about. It is an invasion of privacy in the first place and a totally destructive tool next but then again it is proliferating.
Adware is sort of a spyware spin off wherein online advertisements pop up from out of nowhere and no matter what you press in that dialog box will trigger something to be downloaded into your system without you even knowing you instigated the whole process. There is no way to get out of this sad reality but hopefully the culprits can be tracked down so at least steps can be taken to curb their doings.
What makes the situation worse is that some of these illegal operations are actually tied to legal companies who provide legal programs. Sure there are downloadable adware spyware removals but even these adware spyware removal programs are not one hundred percent effective. Maybe there is one out there that can be very effective but there are so many claiming to be adware spyware removal programs but are con spywares as well.
It is then advisable for everyone concerned to carefully research before finally deciding on what adware spyware removal program to use and once you find the right one stick to that for it is rare to find an adware spyware removal that really works.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Adware and Spyware
Knowing the basics of Adware and Spyware
People think that there is actually no difference between a spyware and an adware. Spyware is just a web term used to refer to an advertising supported software, which is otherwise known as adware. These are the pop-up ads that often come out whenever we open a website or download a shareware software. But according to some web experts, spyware is much much more.
Supporters of spyware and adware say that though it can be pretty annoying at times especially if you are really in a hurry, both do give consumers huge benefits. Because the product ads generate income for developers of shareware software, consumers can get them for free. Developers are in turn paid for their work. Of course, if you don’t want to be bothered by the constant pop-ups, you can always pay the licensing fee or the regular fee for the software. If you want it for free, you just have to sacrifice through the spyware.
There is however another downside to it. Spyware, from the name given to it, is actually used as a tracking device in your computer system. These tracking devices will look into your surfing habits, your chatting logs and even the number of times you open your email. If designed or programmed the right way, it can discover just about everything else in your system.
And because the program runs in the background, there is no way that a person can control the kind of information that he or she sends out.
These kinds of programs were actually originally used by parents or people in the business sector who wish to track down and put on record web activity. It is actually beneficial but not when people are not aware that they are being tracked down. This is often the case when people download software over the Internet. As mentioned before, it is used by companies to advertise their products and in turn help the developers of software keep their costs down so that they can afford to offer their programs for free.
Although privacy issues indeed come into play, there is nothing illegal about it. In fact, its use is prevalent all over the World Wide Web. There are however some areas that people who value their privacy will object to. Because of this, people are given the option to refuse the software.
There is really no way that one can avoid adware and spyware as these programs are packaged with the software that you will be downloading from the Internet. The most that you can do is to avoid downloading from the internet and to refuse any file downloads that you did not personally authorize. It is also good to only view websites that have a good reputation or those that have anti-spyware and adware programs installed in their pages.
People think that there is actually no difference between a spyware and an adware. Spyware is just a web term used to refer to an advertising supported software, which is otherwise known as adware. These are the pop-up ads that often come out whenever we open a website or download a shareware software. But according to some web experts, spyware is much much more.
Supporters of spyware and adware say that though it can be pretty annoying at times especially if you are really in a hurry, both do give consumers huge benefits. Because the product ads generate income for developers of shareware software, consumers can get them for free. Developers are in turn paid for their work. Of course, if you don’t want to be bothered by the constant pop-ups, you can always pay the licensing fee or the regular fee for the software. If you want it for free, you just have to sacrifice through the spyware.
There is however another downside to it. Spyware, from the name given to it, is actually used as a tracking device in your computer system. These tracking devices will look into your surfing habits, your chatting logs and even the number of times you open your email. If designed or programmed the right way, it can discover just about everything else in your system.
And because the program runs in the background, there is no way that a person can control the kind of information that he or she sends out.
These kinds of programs were actually originally used by parents or people in the business sector who wish to track down and put on record web activity. It is actually beneficial but not when people are not aware that they are being tracked down. This is often the case when people download software over the Internet. As mentioned before, it is used by companies to advertise their products and in turn help the developers of software keep their costs down so that they can afford to offer their programs for free.
Although privacy issues indeed come into play, there is nothing illegal about it. In fact, its use is prevalent all over the World Wide Web. There are however some areas that people who value their privacy will object to. Because of this, people are given the option to refuse the software.
There is really no way that one can avoid adware and spyware as these programs are packaged with the software that you will be downloading from the Internet. The most that you can do is to avoid downloading from the internet and to refuse any file downloads that you did not personally authorize. It is also good to only view websites that have a good reputation or those that have anti-spyware and adware programs installed in their pages.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Beware Spyware
Spyware and Adware are not only an ever increasing nuisance for computer users everywhere, but also a booming industry. According to Webroot Software, Inc., the distribution of online advertisements through spyware and adware has become a $2 billion industry.
The aggressive advertising and spying tactics demonstrated by some of these programs, require an equally aggressive response from a seasoned eradicator. Sunbelt Software is such a company. A leader in Anti-Spyware, Anti-Spam, Network Security and System Management tools, they gave consistently remained on the cutting-edge of anti-spyware programming since 1994.
One of their more notable software applications is CounterSpy 1.5. CounterSpy is designed to detect and remove spyware that is already in your computer system. Additionally, it provides real-time protection while preventing browser hijacking and changes to your computer’s Registry.
Other notable features include:
¨ Detection and Removal of Tracking Cookies – while it is true that applications like Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta are free, they do not include the ability to detect and remove tracking cookies like CounterSpy does.
¨ History Cleaner - erases any traceable trails left on your computer as you surf the Internet.
¨ Secure File Eraser - a powerful deletion tool that can completely eliminate all files you want removed from your computer including images, music, movies and applications.
¨ PC Explorer - allows you a look into files and areas that are normally inconvenient to access, such as your startup programs, browser helper objects, and ActiveX programs that are being downloaded or used.
¨ Support for Older Operating Systems – includes Windows 98SE, Windows ME, and Windows NT.
The aggressive advertising and spying tactics demonstrated by some of these programs, require an equally aggressive response from a seasoned eradicator. Sunbelt Software is such a company. A leader in Anti-Spyware, Anti-Spam, Network Security and System Management tools, they gave consistently remained on the cutting-edge of anti-spyware programming since 1994.
One of their more notable software applications is CounterSpy 1.5. CounterSpy is designed to detect and remove spyware that is already in your computer system. Additionally, it provides real-time protection while preventing browser hijacking and changes to your computer’s Registry.
Other notable features include:
¨ Detection and Removal of Tracking Cookies – while it is true that applications like Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta are free, they do not include the ability to detect and remove tracking cookies like CounterSpy does.
¨ History Cleaner - erases any traceable trails left on your computer as you surf the Internet.
¨ Secure File Eraser - a powerful deletion tool that can completely eliminate all files you want removed from your computer including images, music, movies and applications.
¨ PC Explorer - allows you a look into files and areas that are normally inconvenient to access, such as your startup programs, browser helper objects, and ActiveX programs that are being downloaded or used.
¨ Support for Older Operating Systems – includes Windows 98SE, Windows ME, and Windows NT.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Beware Internet Explorer Plug-Ins
Just what is Intelligent Explorer? For your safety, you really need to know
I recently hit, by mistake, what I thought was an Explorer upgrade option. It turned out to be a pop-up appearing legitimate but really was not. It uploaded a product called Intelligent Explorer on my machine. What a nightmare!
I did some research on the web and found messages like this one from a BullGuard Antivirus Forum,
"PLEASE HELP!!! I HAVE A SPYWARE, TROJAN AND HIJACKER ON MY COMPUTER. I HAVE RUN BULLGUARD, CWSHREDDER AND AD-AWARE. ALL HAVE PICKED UP THE VIRUSES AND SAID THAT THEY HAVE BEEN MOVED/REMOVED BUT WHEN I LOG ONTO THE INTERNET THAT DAMN INTELLIGENT EXPLORER TOOLBAR IS SHOWING"
Another message from spywareinfo Forum goes something like this:
"Hey I'm having issues with something called Internet explorer toolbar - Intelligent explorer. I can’t find a way to remove it from my comp and I really don’t want to reinstall windows. I've used spybot, ad-ware, and cw shredder but nothing seems to work."
It appears that Intelligent Explorer allows other software to be downloaded to your machine and this is where the problem occurs. What is even more remarkable is that by downloading Intelligent Explorer, their license grants them the right to install software add-ins on your computer at their will. Take a look at what the software license for Intelligent Explore says (go to http://www.ieplugin.com/terms.html to read it all):
"You grant to us the right, exercisable by us until you uninstall the Software or this agreement is otherwise terminated, to provide to you the Service of downloading and causing to be displayed advertising material on your computer, through ‘pop-up’ or other display while you use your browser. You acknowledge and agree that installation of the Software may automatically modify toolbars and other settings of your browser. By installing the Software you agree to such modifications."
The company, IBC incorporated, is incorporated in Belize. I really can't believe this license!
One end user found highly objectionable pop-up advertisements generated by this software bundled with Intelligent Explorer in the form of extreme pornography.
I have yet to break this.
Intelligent Explorer is a plug-in, which can create a new home page, as well as start up and endless loop of pop-ups. You can remove the view bar, but then starting up Internet Explorer will cause it to reappear. I asked some friends to help, and no one could tell me what to do.
This is what I did:
I bought a copy of a program called XoftSpy and it removed the software. It took two scans and a reboot to do it. This is not an advertisement for this product. They advertised it was free, which it was to run, but then I had to buy it to actually fix anything. It cost me $40 and I am sure that there are freeware products out there as well, but that is what ended the nightmare for me. Other spyware products I have seen out there include spybot, NoAdware, Spyware Eliminator, Pal Spyware Remover, and Spyware C.O.P.
Let the buyer beware!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
What Is Adware and What Can You Do to Prevent It from Affecting Your System?
Adware is used as a supplemental program in some cases. Adware can be used as a part of an internet program and used as a way of letting you use a service without paying for it: rather than using a program with limited features and rather than paying the full cost of the program, you can choose an ad-supported version. The adware used will track the sites you visit and ads that are related to your interests will be shown to you during your session.
Of course, that is an example of your consent to having adware installed on your system. Another possibility is that you install software and don't fully read the part of the user agreement that suggested that third-party software was included to see how the software was used on your computer.
This third-party software is typically adware. With it, the person who wrote the software can collect money from advertisers who will be able to know which users might be interested in their products.
For many people. However, adware quickly becomes an annoyance. In addition to feeling uncomfortable that they are being watched – associating the feeling with being spied on and the adware with spyware – they just want to be able to go about using a program or surfing the internet without a steady stream of advertising or even advertising pop-up windows slowing them down.
As a result, they start looking for ways of removing adware from their computer.
Removing adware from your computer can be done by installing ad-blocking software. Removing adware, in many cases, can also be done with the installation of anti-spyware programs.
But why settle for removing adware when you can make efforts to keep it from getting on your computer to begin with? Rather than dealing with adware and having to find ways of removing adware from your system, consider doing the following:
· Read the licensing agreements that come with software programs that you are thinking about installing. If a mention is made of third-party software that will track the way you use the program or the software is listed as ad-supported, do not agree to the terms of service and choose an alternate program. In many cases, the user agreement or licensing agreement are available to you before you download and install the software;
· Choose the free but feature limited software or pay for the program rather than using the advertising supported version to avoid installing adware on your system;
· If you think that you are getting adware or spyware on your system and you have been using Internet Explorer as your web browser, consider making the switch to another browser that contains ad-blocks;
· Make sure that the security patches for your computer's operating system as well as your anti-spyware and firewalls are up to date.
In easer words, the best means of removing adware from your computer is to not install it in the first place. Taking control of your computer is not only the best way of preventing adware but also some of the more dangerous security threats including spyware, trojans, worms and viruses. Once you have the right software installed you can now Surf the net with more confidence, privacy and therefore with more security.
Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com
By: kirby
Of course, that is an example of your consent to having adware installed on your system. Another possibility is that you install software and don't fully read the part of the user agreement that suggested that third-party software was included to see how the software was used on your computer.
This third-party software is typically adware. With it, the person who wrote the software can collect money from advertisers who will be able to know which users might be interested in their products.
For many people. However, adware quickly becomes an annoyance. In addition to feeling uncomfortable that they are being watched – associating the feeling with being spied on and the adware with spyware – they just want to be able to go about using a program or surfing the internet without a steady stream of advertising or even advertising pop-up windows slowing them down.
As a result, they start looking for ways of removing adware from their computer.
Removing adware from your computer can be done by installing ad-blocking software. Removing adware, in many cases, can also be done with the installation of anti-spyware programs.
But why settle for removing adware when you can make efforts to keep it from getting on your computer to begin with? Rather than dealing with adware and having to find ways of removing adware from your system, consider doing the following:
· Read the licensing agreements that come with software programs that you are thinking about installing. If a mention is made of third-party software that will track the way you use the program or the software is listed as ad-supported, do not agree to the terms of service and choose an alternate program. In many cases, the user agreement or licensing agreement are available to you before you download and install the software;
· Choose the free but feature limited software or pay for the program rather than using the advertising supported version to avoid installing adware on your system;
· If you think that you are getting adware or spyware on your system and you have been using Internet Explorer as your web browser, consider making the switch to another browser that contains ad-blocks;
· Make sure that the security patches for your computer's operating system as well as your anti-spyware and firewalls are up to date.
In easer words, the best means of removing adware from your computer is to not install it in the first place. Taking control of your computer is not only the best way of preventing adware but also some of the more dangerous security threats including spyware, trojans, worms and viruses. Once you have the right software installed you can now Surf the net with more confidence, privacy and therefore with more security.
Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com
By: kirby
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Is "Malware" Malicious
According to Wikipedea "Malware" is: "software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent."
In today's technology tip we have some definitions of the names you might have heard for various kinds of malware.
computer viruses - a computer program that can copy itself onto a computer without the permission or knowledge of the user (complete wikipedia definition). Viruses could be introduced to your computer from a disk, flash drive, CD.
computer worms - Similar to a computer virus but a worm can "Self replicate" itself to other computers throughout a computer network without any user involvement (complete wikipedia definition).
trojan horse - Just like the mythological Trojan Horse, these programs appear to be useful free downloads but when you download them to your computer you also download other unwanted and malicious programs onto your computer (complete wikipedia definition). Trojans could thus be used to install all kinds of malware onto your computer.
spyware - Malware that is downloaded to your computer with the purpose of tracking or recording the user's activities without the user's consent (complete wikipedia definition). Such malicious software could be used to log keystrokes to get passwords, or just track internet search histories to target pop-up advertisements.
adware - Some free downloads from the internet will ask the user for consent to install spyware software on the users computer as part of the download agreement (complete wikipedia definition). Such software is usually refered to as adware instead of spyware since the user has given consent to be tracked in exchange for some free software.
web cookies - These are usually harmless bits of text that are downloaded automatically whenever you open a website. (complete wikipedia definition) The cookie is used to track your visits to a specific website. The cerators of websites use cookies to gather data about who and how often their website is being accessed.
How to clean malware off your computer?
For starters, here's a popular free download for finding spyware on your computer: Ad-Aware from Lavasoft: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/
They have a free version that you can try.
Then there's the anti-virus software you can buy. Here's a review of the Top Antivirus Software from PC World:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,124475/article.html
You might want to consider protecting your personal computer with these products. If you already have some antivirus software you might want to check it's expiration date.
In today's technology tip we have some definitions of the names you might have heard for various kinds of malware.
computer viruses - a computer program that can copy itself onto a computer without the permission or knowledge of the user (complete wikipedia definition). Viruses could be introduced to your computer from a disk, flash drive, CD.
computer worms - Similar to a computer virus but a worm can "Self replicate" itself to other computers throughout a computer network without any user involvement (complete wikipedia definition).
trojan horse - Just like the mythological Trojan Horse, these programs appear to be useful free downloads but when you download them to your computer you also download other unwanted and malicious programs onto your computer (complete wikipedia definition). Trojans could thus be used to install all kinds of malware onto your computer.
spyware - Malware that is downloaded to your computer with the purpose of tracking or recording the user's activities without the user's consent (complete wikipedia definition). Such malicious software could be used to log keystrokes to get passwords, or just track internet search histories to target pop-up advertisements.
adware - Some free downloads from the internet will ask the user for consent to install spyware software on the users computer as part of the download agreement (complete wikipedia definition). Such software is usually refered to as adware instead of spyware since the user has given consent to be tracked in exchange for some free software.
web cookies - These are usually harmless bits of text that are downloaded automatically whenever you open a website. (complete wikipedia definition) The cookie is used to track your visits to a specific website. The cerators of websites use cookies to gather data about who and how often their website is being accessed.
How to clean malware off your computer?
For starters, here's a popular free download for finding spyware on your computer: Ad-Aware from Lavasoft: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/
They have a free version that you can try.
Then there's the anti-virus software you can buy. Here's a review of the Top Antivirus Software from PC World:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,124475/article.html
You might want to consider protecting your personal computer with these products. If you already have some antivirus software you might want to check it's expiration date.
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