Computer Viruses - the basics

This article is intended for the new or casual computer user who wants to know about man made viruses (aren’t they all?) that may plague system files, internet files, hard drives and e-mails and what to do about it.

In its simplest terms a virus is a disruptive computer code period!
 A computer virus almost always repeats itself and spreads by attaching itself to other files. Viruses can be made to host a number of harmful things on any computer from disrupting files to crashing networks. It can even be laying dormant, without you knowing it's there and then attack when least expect it, like right in the middle of downloading a large file or typing a long report.

  It can even be made to open at a certain date, sitting like a timebomb until it's time arrives.  As you can see it can be annoying at the very least.
  I do not want go into all the different types of viruses here because there are so many and more are being made everyday in some dank basement by the Dark Lord.
  However, since so many viruses came from unknowingly opening e-mails I would like to mention some basics here:

  Never open e-mail attachments unless you know for sure who it's from and that it's safe.
Some  mail programs will even ask if you trust the attachment and if you’re sure this you want to do. Your computer software can also scan attachments for viruses.
  The danger is that when the attachment is opened the virus can attach itself to your hard drive and damage files. Not only that, it can search your saved e-mail addresses and send itself out to your friends, business partners and whoever is on the list, masking the message to look like a legitimate one from you. It will probably have an attachment too and when opened will infect other computers.

   Many people like to download music, video, games or other programs from different sites.  If it is a site you dealt with before and trust it may be safe ok, but if you’re not sure you can always run a virus scan on the download before installation. (You will need to check the anti-virus program that came with your system on procedures).  This security measure is necessary because some downloads may contain virtues, spyware or adware – these last two can collect personal information, note your browsing habits and spam your e-mail with unwanted ads.  Some software sites will offer a readme file that shows technical information on the download (if you like tech talk) as well as contact info.
The better sites that offer downloads will test and scan all there software programs before going online with it.  As a last resort you can do an internet search for reviews on that particular company to see if others got burned.

  This may sound scary to some but the fact is in this world anyone who owns a computer will have to look over there shoulders for hidden attacks when working with online.
  That said there are some things should do to prevent viruses from attacking your computer:

* Download the latest virus definition lists ( files that tell your computer what to scan for) that's used for your anti-virus program.

* Check to see if your internet service provider has tools to stop viruses before they can reach your mailbox.

* Always back-up your computer on CD-R disks or other media in case you loose some or all your data.

* You can scan software for viruses before installing it. (See system manual for procedure)


* Set your security settings at the highest level.

* Check your web browser and e-mail settings.

 Doing these things at least every week will help keep your computer up to date on Virus protection and running safely.

Adware: Are Your Business's Computers Secure?

Adware, software dedicated to displaying advertising, can really slow down any business that depends on computers. Adware promoters use some cunning tricks to get you to install their software on your machine. Here's what to look out for.

Adware is, by definition, something reasonable people don't want on their computers. That's why adware can't just come out and ask people to install it. Often, the computer owner is completely unaware of it being installed. But not always.

When adware doesn't want to sneak in through an open window, it will try to trick you into letting it in through the front door. Don't think you could be tricked? Don't be so sure until you've checked out these most common ways people have been tricked into allowing malware to be installed on their machines.


Adware Installation Trick 1: Piggybacking

How it works: malware may come bundled with a legitimate piece of software the user actually wants, such as a game or emoticon. The malware is merely labeled "companion software," without any indication of what it will do.

How to fight it: the fact that adware so often comes bundled with "entertainment" software, most notably the file-swapping program Kazaa, is a very good reason to separate business from personal when it comes to computing. But adware can sometimes comes bundled with non-entertainment software, such as search tools or cracks of legitimate business software. Be very suspicious of any software that comes bundled with other software. Don't installed software that comes bundled with other software unless you know everything that the bundled software does. After all, if the bundled program has anything to do with the program you actually want, why couldn't the software developer just get both programs' functionalities into a single piece of software? Software developers are now very sensitive to malware concerns and will provide a lengthy explanation of just why the bundled software is necessary, in the cases when they actually do need to use bundled software.


Adware Installation Trick 2: Bait and Switch

How it works: since people are getting more and more suspicious of bundled software, the program's developers may simply label it as valuable software, for instance, a browser plugin that supposedly accelerates web browsing (but in reality only shows ads).

How to fight it: again, a suspicious mind is useful in avoiding malware. Ask yourself some questions:

* What will this software actually do? Adware and adware-bundled software often come with very fuzzy claims attached. Sure, it says it will improve your browsing experience, but how? Often, this improved browsing experience just means a browsing experience with more advertising.

* If the software is so great, why is it being given away free? Most commonly, software is only given out free in two cases: if it's OpenSource (designed by a community of developers and not proprietary–OpenSource software is always clearly labeled as such); or simply a come-on for a fuller-featured version of the software. If neither case is true, there's a real chance the software is financed by adware.


Adware Installation Trick 3: Outright Lying

How it works: adware may even be labeled as something else entirely, such as a well-known piece of software or a crucial component of the computer operating system.

How to fight it: this is the trickiest adware of all, and requires extreme caution. You don't want to start deleting any of your program files, much less your system registry entries, unless you're absolutely sure it's malware. Plenty of overzealous parasite hunters have shot their own machines to bits this way. This is one case where you want to be using an anti-spyware program, and preferably a second anti-spyware program to provide a second opinion.


Getting Rid of Adware

Adware is so tricky that trying to uninstall it by yourself could be like a trip into the Matrix. Luckily, there are good anti-spyware programs that tackle adware as well–after all many adware programs are also spyware since they monitor your internet usage.

True, it may feel like adding insult to injury to have to install more software to get rid of software you never meant to install in the first place. But keeping your computer free of adware is just one new cost of doing business.

Computer Security – It’s Bigger than Spyware and Viruses

Computer security, in basic terms means keeping your computer and the data that’s in it safe and secure.  More of our personal data is stored in or accessed from our computer, now more than ever before.  Yet most people lack even the basic understanding of how to keep their computers safe and secure.  By following just a few simple rules you can dramatically improve the overall security of your computer.

Computer security, in basic terms means keeping your computer and the data that’s in it safe and secure.  More of our personal data is stored in or accessed from our computer, now more than ever before.  Yet most people lack even the basic understanding of how to keep their computers safe and secure.  By following just a few simple rules you can dramatically improve the overall security of your computer.

The first thing to understand is what exactly it means to be connected to the internet.  Your computer connected to the internet is similar to your house in many ways.  There are many ways into your house.  Windows, doors, etc.  The more windows and doors you have, the more ways someone has into your house.  An open door doesn’t necessarily mean you are going to be robbed, but it does improve the chances.  Complicating matters, the ones that you think are locked, may not be because the lock is faulty or even the door itself may have an as of yet undiscovered flaw that would allow an intruder easy access to your home.

Your computer has many windows and doors, not all of which are locked. New flaws are being found everyday, often with the fix not coming until days after.  Just like you wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked, you shouldn’t leave your computer wide open either.  The first two things we will discuss to help with this task are installation of a quality firewall and regularly updating your installed software.

Updating your software is becoming easier these days, especially your Operating System.  We don’t have the time here to go into detail about the many ways to update the many software packages you may have or use, but generally speaking the software manufacturer will provide you a way to do this automatically via the internet.  A good example of this is the Microsoft Windows Update feature.  Be sure to get the updates for everything installed on your computer, nothing is too trivial.

There are two basic types of firewalls and both perform the same functions.  One is hardware the other is software.  A hardware firewall is probably included in your router if you are using one, while you may or may not have a software firewall installed.  To continue our house analogy, a firewall is like building a wall and gate around your home and giving the guard at the gate instructions on who to let in and out.  While this does give a great deal of protection, it is not all that is required.  Someone may know a way around or under your wall, or even be able to coerce the guard into letting them in. 

You yourself may unwittingly allow someone in.  This could happen by simply opening an email or even simply surfing the net.  Spyware, viruses, trojans and the like are ever more adept in their methods of fooling you and your guards.  Emails may come from a trusted friend containing a dangerous virus without them even knowing it.  This is where the next layer of protection comes in, anti-virus software.

Anti-virus software is a large category these days.  Often these packages come as “suites” including a firewall and Spyware scanner.  While most of these programs are very effective in their promised tasks, it is not wise to be lulled into a false sense of security by them.  They are simply one layer in what should be a multi tiered protection plan for you and your computer.  One last important note about anti virus software is to be sure that it updates on a regular basis.  New threats come out daily so check its updates manually to be sure they have happened.

Back to our house analogy, we now have all of our windows, doors and other entry ways locked and fully updated.  We have a wall around our house with a guard at the gate and we have software scanning everything that comes in past the gate.  Sounds pretty good, but there’s one last security hole we need to address, you.

A large percentage of infections are caused by the computer user themselves.  The internet is an ever changing place that requires it’s users to be educated about its use.  I’m not suggesting that you need to be a computer expert to simply read your email.  I am however suggesting that you take some time to educate yourself on some of the dangers that pop up everyday, and the precautions to take in order to avoid them.

In summary, your computer is a powerful machine connected to one of the greatest things ever invented, the internet.  This vast resource can be a dangerous place if you are not properly prepared and informed.  Regular software updates, a good firewall, anti virus software and a little education are the basics in computer security.  Having and understanding these basics will make your computer safer, more secure and more enjoyable.

Protect Your Computer From Malicious Intent

It is a costly procedure to rid your computer of malware once it has invaded. Learn about potential threats as well as the steps you can take to prevent such "infections".

There are many types of malware, malicious software designed to disrupt the normal use of your computer. Some types of malware are simply nuisances to the one sitting behind the keyboard while others can actually harm or destroy the computer itself. Another threat posed by malware is the invasion of your privacy and it has the potential to cause you considerable personal and/or financial harm. Most types of malware get onto your computer via web browsing, instant messaging, or peer-to-peer file sharing. Malware is a self-inflicted injury. You do it to yourself by using the Internet. Many people use the following terms interchangeably but there are definite differences in the types of infections you can “catch” on your computer.

SPYWARE -- Spyware is a program that has been downloaded, usually unbeknownst to you, because it can be piggy-backed with some other type of desired program, usually freeware or shareware. Once this spyware is secretly installed on your computer it can do such things as change computer settings, track viewed websites, collect passwords, history and private information, and can even record your keystrokes. This information is then sent back to the program’s originator or to a third party. Spyware is extremely difficult to eradicate.

A particularly annoying type of spyware is called adware which generates a tremendous amount of advertising in the form of pop-up advertisements or banners scrolling across your screen. This program can actually track your activities and cause similar ads to pop up hoping to interest you in related products. It can be quite intrusive and distracting but hardly as malicious as other types of spyware.

VIRUSES -- A computer virus, also rides on the coat-tails of other programs when downloaded, and can reproduce and run itself when the host program is executed. It can infect and corrupt files and sometimes causes hard drives to ‘crash’ depending on its design. A virus can infect other computers through the sending of email and/or file exchanges.

WORM -- A worm is a self-contained program that can replicate itself and uses a network to infect other systems on your computer. Depending on how the worm was designed, it can secretly send documents though email and even delete necessary files. Unlike a virus which causes harm to the computer and its files, a worm causes harm to other computers on the network and consumes bandwidth, thus slowing down your environment.

SPAM -- Spam is electronic junk mail, usually unsolicited. It uses up tremendous amounts of network bandwidth. Spam is usually trying to sell you some product or service and is sent to generated mailing lists and newsgroups. Though it cannot cause you or your computer much harm, it is extremely annoying and time consuming to delete. It is estimated that more than 60% of all email on the internet is spam.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? -- Visiting Geeks technicians strongly urge all owners to install an anti-virus software program on their computers. We also recommend at least one anti-spyware program, if not more than one. Depending on Internet usage, you should set both programs to automatically scan on a regular basis. These programs can actually find and remove unwanted “infections” and can also prevent their future installations. It isn’t enough, however, to simply install these programs and think yourself entirely protected thereafter, because new spyware and viruses are constantly being designed. You must update your anti-spyware and anti-virus programs daily in order to pick up on these newest threats.

Though no one program can be relied on to keep your computer completely clear of sypware and viruses, there are many reputable anti-spyware and anti-virus programs available on today’s market. When our customers need an anti-spyware program our technicians install Counter Spy by Sunbelt Software. For those customers with no anti-virus we will install PC-Cillin Internet Security by Trend Micro which even has the added benefit of Parental Control Features.

It is much easier to prevent your computer from being infected with these above-mentioned malware than it is to try to get rid of them, so browse the internet wisely. To clean a computer of unwanted spyware and viruses can be a costly and lengthy process. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” so the saying goes.

Choosing A Free Spyware Remover

These are some of the most powerful and popular spyware removers which are widely available. All of them are completely free for download from their official websites and for personal use.

Advanced Spyware Remover (ASR): This software from Evonsoft protects your system against and removes numerous malwares such as stealthy spyware, aggressive adware, system hijackers, tracking cookies, keyloggers, dialers, etc. It also scans and lists the contents of key areas of the Regis...
These are some of the most powerful and popular spyware removers which are widely available. All of them are completely free for download from their official websites and for personal use.

Advanced Spyware Remover (ASR): This software from Evonsoft protects your system against and removes numerous malwares such as stealthy spyware, aggressive adware, system hijackers, tracking cookies, keyloggers, dialers, etc. It also scans and lists the contents of key areas of the Registry and System. The new version even includes a Quarantine Manager. Available for download free of cost at www.evonsoft.com/download.htm/

STOPzilla (http://www.stopzilla.com/): STOPzilla is very powerful in protecting against phishing and ID Theft. It features Real-Time Spyware and Adware protection, Integrated Cookie and History cleaning, Integrated Home Page Hijacker protection and a Popup protection. The ZILLAsmart technology automatically checks for updates on a daily basis, and support is free 24/7 via live chat, email or a toll free number.

AD-aware Personal (http://www.lavasoft.com/): A product from Lavasoft, this spyware removal software provides advanced protection from known data-mining, aggressive advertising, Trojans, dialers, malware, browser hijackers, and tracking components b detecting known and unknown variants of malware by using the Code Sequence Identification (CSI) technology. It scans fixed and removable drives, memory and Windows registry.

Spy Cleaner Lite (http://www.spycleaner.net/): Programs and applications that automatically install themselves on your system are identified and removed by Spy Cleaner. It scans for traces of recognized adware modules in the DAT files, registry and temporary Internet files. After the search, it provides you with a log file.

Spy-Ad Exterminator Free: The software scans for and deletes, ignores, or quarantines your system’s memory, hard drives, and registry for spyware, adware, worms, hijacks, keyloggers, IE Toolbars, etc. Has up to 20,000 malwares in database, which can be updated online.

Disspy Lite: The Disspy Lite scans memory, registry, cookies, files and folders and removes all detected malwares such as keyLoggers, Hijackers, Dialers, Spyware, Adware, Browser Helper Objects, Spyware cookies, aggressive advertising and other malware. All removed files are quarantined for restoration when needed, and users can choose to be alerted whenever a newer database version is available for download. Download available at http://www.h-desk.com/new/Download.12.0.html/

Free Spyware Scanner (www.spyscanner.net): This spyware remover has a huge database of spy components which infects the system, and offers remarkable features such as options for scanning your drives and Registry, updating online, and saving the last, best system set-up as a backup, and the option of saving log file of the scan result and file deletion for future reference.

AdDriller (www.cdmworld.com): AdDriller scans and cleans over 30,000 now malwares. It also includes features such as like active monitoring and HEX Viewers besides removing adware, spyware, malware, Trojans etc, and new features such as scheduling, scan depth, messenger services enable and disable.

Malware Sweeper (http://www.malwaresweeper.com/): This remover not only scans your registry and drives for known adware modules and Spywares, but for your active memory ad components, which are not stored on your hard drive and last only as long as the computer is powered up. It also removes bundled spyware components from Kazaa, Morpheus, audiogalaxy, grokster, Limewire, Imesh, Gnutella.

Another Fine Mess!

I'm in the Anti-Spyware business, and I'm doing a lot of advertising to promote my website, but here I am online and on the phone, giving my personal information to.....who? Strangers basically, Geez!.
I was reading an excellent article today titled “Identity Theft” by Judith Collins at eWeek.com, when it got me to thinking.... I'm in the Anti-Spyware business, and I'm doing a lot of advertising to promote my website, but here I am online and on the phone, giving my personal information to.....who? Strangers basically, Geez!.

The majority of identity thefts occur thru contractors employing people in entry-level jobs that have not been properly screened. Not even Hackers,Phishers or Dumpster Divers account for as many! The ideal location for a Identity stealer would be in a out sourced agency that fails to use adequate screening processes.

I've read many articles lately that state we need stricter guidelines and procedures to insure we have proper security as consumers. A set of universal rules that would be adhered to by all. To even think of the enormous complexity of this project staggers the mind!

So here I am, I want to take a advertisement out at a prestigious magazine that is published in a traditional print paper and online. I may have to deal with people online and on the phone.I give my name, address, phone number, and……my credit card number! EGAD, what am I doing?

Then my common sense and education about matters such as these kicks in and I rationalize that these companies would not be in business if they couldn’t keep their customers happy. But,accidents happen.

So you see my dilemma. I know computer security and Spyware, and the vulnerabilities and strengths when dealing online. Its just a little new to me to trust, when I know the ramifications to me personally if my Identity were to be used for ill-gotten gain.

I know after all these years of being a, OK I admit it, a slightly paranoid online user, that I need to make myself a little vunerable so I can better succeed in my online business.

Ive been where the people who contact me asking for help are; a place in their minds of anger, frustration and helplessness.

But then as I said earlier, common sense and education about Spyware wins over and I take a deep breath and go on.

The California Attorney General has a excellent website for Identity Theft at
http://caag.state.ca.us/idtheft/

Adware tale of the computer hijackers

Adwares are some of the most derided objects in the web alongside viruses, spyware and other malicious softwares and programs. Although adwares are alleged to be the most benign form of spyware they can in fact do damage and yes you can beat them.


When we think of adware, what comes to mind are those annoying and pesky ads that pop up out of nowhere whenever we are surfing the net. Anybody who has surfed through the net has encountered those irritating pop-up adwares advertising everything from computer software down to Viagra. Adwares are some of the most derided objects in the web alongside viruses, spyware and other malicious softwares and programs. Although adwares are alleged to be the most benign form of spyware, most web users hate the blatant and bothersome way of advertising. Most are often tricked into clicking on such adwares and end up unintentionally downloading something far more serious.

What are adwares, anyway? Adware or advertising-supported software is defined as any computer program or software package in which advertising and other marketing material are included with or automatically loaded by the software. Adwares are usually played back after installation. Some malicious adwares upload information about the computer or its user's activities even without the consent of its user. Adwares most often take the form of banner ads that appear on pop up windows or anywhere on the computer screen.

Software applications display these advertising banners whenever a program is opened or through some other triggering mechanism. Most adwares are integrated into a free application. This is a way for the developers to recover the costs of creating such software. A prominent example of this is the Opera browser software, which is a free application but comes with a banner ad. The adware can only be removed once the user purchases and registers his copy of the software. It is also a revenue-generating mechanism. A company can sponsor adwares to capture more visitors and potential customers. Adware as a marketing strategy is just one of the many techniques used by websites to attract more traffic.

However, some adwares are more than just pesky and garish ads. In many cases, adwares accompany a more malicious program, which uploads information about the user collected without permission. The users surfing habits are then tracked; in some cases, the browser home page is altered or redirected to the adware company's sponsoring site. These types of adwares are dangerous since they may jeopardize the computer system's health. Aside from installing malicious software, they may also become an avenue for viruses to invade the system.

Adwares have come under fire not only because of their annoying presence in the form of pop ups and banners but also in the way they invade the privacy of the user. Trackware and Spyware are just two of the "evil" forms that adware can take. That is why most computer users make an effort to get rid of these adwares. Because of the annoying nature of pop-up adware, most browsers now employ an adware blocking system through the form of a pop-up blocker or adware blocker. Browsers such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Mozilla's Firefox all use pop-up blockers, which instantly block or close any window that is triggered by adware in the sites that the user visits. These steps have significantly reduced the number of irritating adware that pop up every time a site is opened.

Most antivirus programs and utilities now feature an adware search and removal system. These programs indexes known adwares and spywares in the internet universe and searches for it in the user's computers system then subsequently quarantines or deletes the malicious files. Nevertheless, despite the numerous efforts against adwares, they continue to plague web surfers with their showy ads and banners as well as the nasty programs they introduce into the computer system. As the sage of the annoying adware continues, web surfers are also equipped with the best tools and utilities to combat them.

Adware spyware both have nasty intensions

Adwares are some of the most derided objects in the web alongside viruses, spyware and other malicious softwares and programs. Although adwares are alleged to be the most benign form of spyware they can in fact do damage and yes you can beat them.
Adware removal is actually one of the most important aspects of keeping your computer running safely,securely and free from all outside intrusions. There are many people who think that adware and spyware does not indeed cause a great deal to worry about, this could not be further from the truth. The plain fact is that anything that infiltrates the inner workings of your computer must without fail be treated with the upmost distrust and caution.

Adware or spyware by its very nature will mainly be placed on a computer for reasons that are clearly financial. Nine times out of ten this is for tracking purposes in order to give the big companies as much consumer data as possible. They use it in order to gain information regarding your consumer activities and in what ways you carry out your online activities. At the other end of the scale there are those darker entities that have a far more sinister purpose and it is these folk that we truly need to be protected from and keep as far away from our personal computers as possible.

If you wondered just how these nasty adware parasites manage to infiltrate the inner sanctum or your computer then you may be surprised to learn that you yourself were probably the one that invited them in the first place. These hidden programs that are the plague of the internet community actually hide themselves in what most of us think to be some very innocent software's. From instant messengers to free software downloads you can be assured that you are downloading a little more than you first intended to invite.

One of the biggest sources of unwanted scumware are the numerous music download sites that are springing up all over the internet. Does anyone actually wonder why these folk are so kind and so willing to give away such a vast amount of free music programs and software's? Data is worth money and there are plenty of corporations in existence who are more than willing to purchase your data and dig to the inner most soul of your activities.

No matter if you suspect that you have been infected or not it is absolutely vital the regular system scanning is carried out. The cool thing is you do not even have to pay for such scans. Download a scan for free and if you are in the clear you will not have paid anything at all for the service. If however you are infected then you can rest assured that paying a small amount for computer cleansing by far outweighs the risks of having your computer carry a spy who is both watching,recording and submitting your private information for the bad guys to use.

As has been pointed out computer adware / spyware can have some extremely nasty purposes. Don't ignore the possible implications and ensure that you at least get a scan. For those of you who are extremely security conscious why not go all the way and purchase a full blown adware software protector, this way you will never need worry again.

Be safe, Not sorry.

Adware Explained

Adware is another potential threat to your computer if you access the internet. Adware is free software that is installed onto your computer with your permission and can be in the form of software that is used to automatically fill in web forms. In exchange for carrying out this task the installed adware will track your internet activity and show you targeted advertisements. It should be noted that people who use adware have legally opted into this. This is usually done in th...
Adware is another potential threat to your computer if you access the internet. Adware is free software that is installed onto your computer with your permission and can be in the form of software that is used to automatically fill in web forms. In exchange for carrying out this task the installed adware will track your internet activity and show you targeted advertisements. It should be noted that people who use adware have legally opted into this. This is usually done in the fine print of an end user license agreement that you must accept in order to download specific software applications.

Adware usually installs onto your computer along with a shareware or freeware application that you have downloaded. The purpose of adware is to generate revenue for the software developer and this is done by displaying web based advertisements. This can be in the form of pop up windows of banners.

Not all adware is bad and for most people it is just very annoying. So how can you stop this problem? The first thing you will need to do is to ensure adware removal from your computer is to install and adware remover. You can obtain free adware removal software but in some cases in order to successfully remove adware you may have to uninstall the program it came with. Your adware removal software will help to identify these programs. If you decide to purchase an adware remover a brief internet search will provide you with all the information you need on both paid adware remover software and free adware removal software.

In order to avoid the situation altogether make sure to read all end user license agreements before downloading any internet applications. This is probably the only 100% guaranteed way of removing adware and keeping it from being installed again.

Adware is a Pain but you Can Deal with Fast

Adware can do some pretty nasty damage if you let it, most people do not realize the dangers and do not know how to deal with it.
Adware is one of those things that many people simply do not worry about until the ghastly stuff actually does some damage. Yes it can cause damage and sometimes this is too late to fix. The plain facts are that adware or spyware can number one effect your computers functionality and two this can lead to system failure and ultimately data loss.

Now without putting the fear of god into you the data loss scenario is certainly a possibility but in the most extreme of cases. How does this happen? well quite simply if you allow certain spywares to gain access to your pc then over time these and the addition of others can seriously slow down the functions of your pc.

Now if your pc is functioning slow due to adware this means that any product you might purchase to cleanse it will also run at a slower pace. If the spyware or adware remover cannot faction properly due to this lack of efficiency then it may be that a reboot of your computer is the only way to solve the problem. This alas will result in the loss of your personal files and installed software's.

If you have safeguarded your data and made backups then there is really nothing to be concerned about as once you re-load your operating system software the adware will not be lurking inside your pc. Then you can safely re-add your files and add your programs at your leisure. This means the only loss you will incur is a few days of your time undergoing re-installation procedures.

The moral is that buying some adware or spyware protection is really something for the wise amongst us. If you value your files and programs then a small amount of money spent on a security program is nothing when compared to the misery that malware can cause.

Firstly to check to see if you have an adware or spyware problem them simply take advantage of a free scan. If it shows you are indeed infected then remove the problem immediately.

Once this is done and you have some kind of computer guard then regularly scan and put your mind at ease.

Adware scare you much? This gremlin can get anywhere

Adware is one of the scourges of the internet. Ignore it at your peril because it can have some truly sinister applications. Non of us are immune from it and for those that ignore it the outcome could be truly expensive.
Adware is on of those things that most internet users don't even think about until its too late. More often than not the majority of us do not even realise the existence of spyware until the damage has been done. Each and every day thousands of hidden applications are trying to gain access to computers all over the internet.

The amazing thing is that only a small percentage of people protect themselves from this kind of adware parasite and most only seek protection once the damage has been done. There are many ways that spyware and adware can take advantage of those of us who tend to be lacking in the area of computer security. Most times it is just our internet usage details that these nasties are after but at the other end of the scale there are some adware programs that are acting in a completely sinister manner.

If we all treated our computers like our bank accounts then you would not even be reading this article. The sad fact is we do not and every day there are thousands of people that are putting their private details at risk. None of us should have anything in our computers that we do not want and did not willingly invite but I would bet my last paycheque that anyone reading this article has a few unwanted extras lurking in the depths of their P.C's.

It is absolutely essential that you be very aware of the possibilities with the latest of today's scumware. If you are not willing to purchase some internet protection on the grounds that you might be infected then you should at least take advantage of an online scan. These scans are free and easily accessed so to be honest it would be sheer madness to ignore their existence and simply carry on regardless.

Run a free adware scan and the end result will be you are either spyware free or do in fact have a computer stowaway nestling inside your computer. If you are adware free then you can carry on without a care in the world, Your money will still be in your pocket and your computer will be running safely. If on the other hand you do find an intrusion then you can simply spend a little of your cash and rid the gremlin from your computer.

There are many free adware help sites all over the internet and it is very easy to get the latest news on all the recent adware outbreaks. Listen to the experts and weigh up what you have to lose.

If your computer is clean then a free scan will cost you nothing.

If it is infected then just how much do you stand to lose should your data be accessed?

Adware And The Case Against Bundled Software

Bundling software applications together is a practice much abused by purveyors of adware. The potential for sneaking unwanted software into a bundle of desirable software is obvious. The benefits of bundling software aren't so obvious. Isn't it time to consider dumping the practice of bundling software altogether?

Bundled Software: When Is It Not Adware?

If a user wants a piece of software, why can't he or she be allowed to install it separately? If the bundled softwa...

Bundling software applications together is a practice much abused by purveyors of adware. The potential for sneaking unwanted software into a bundle of desirable software is obvious. The benefits of bundling software aren't so obvious. Isn't it time to consider dumping the practice of bundling software altogether?

Bundled Software: When Is It Not Adware?

If a user wants a piece of software, why can't he or she be allowed to install it separately? If the bundled software were essential to the functioning of the original software (excluding generic functions such as install, un-uninstall, and documentation), why wouldn't the developer build its functions directly into the original software?

Sure, sometimes there's a software application that clearly complements another application. But for users who do not want the complementary software, having it just means a bloated install file and a needlessly long installation process.

Does the chance that users will want the bundled software ever outweigh the risk of the bundled software being installed without the user noticing? In the case of adware, the technology community is increasingly willing to put the burden of proof on the adware bundlers:

* Cnet's download.com website recently removed any and all software that comes bundled with another piece of software that shows advertising, regardless of how well informed the user is of the bundled software.

* Affiliate networks such as Commission Junction and Kolimbo have either cautioned advertisers against accepting adware distributors into their affiliate programs or kicked them out altogether.

* Many technology law experts are saying that the click-wrap license agreements that supposedly legitimate adware are not proof of informed consent. Some experts even say that such agreements amount to unconscionable contracts: the burden imposed by adware is so great and the benefit offered so negligible.

Adware and Bundled Software: A Modest Proposal

If the spam arms race is any indication, we may soon face even more aggressive attempts to get adware on our computers. There will be even more tortured arguments that bundled adware is installed with users' informed consent. Why not head off any of those arguments right now? Let's push for an industry standard that reputable developers do not bundle software (with a few highly specific exceptions such as documentation, installation, and error reporting).

In the end, by getting rid of bundled software, what do we have to lose except adware?

adware

Adware Software

Nasties can be Installed on your computer without your consent, spyware software monitors or controls your computer use. Your operating system (like Windows or Linux) may offer free software “patches” to close holes in the system that spyware could exploit. So it tends to be when "ware" is short for "software"; sometimes it's pretty tricky to define exactly what kind of software it includes and what these programs do.

A browser hijacker is software that hijacks browsers (and does some other nasty things). By free software like screensavers or P2P file sharing programs which you download, such as Kazaa. Worse, no one piece of software will protect you from the above.

Companies add adware to their software – usually freeware and shareware – to pay for programming costs. Spyware is a type of software that collects information from your computer and sends it to a third party without your knowledge or permission. For many years now, marketing companies have been taking advantage of us by writing programs and sneaking them into software downloads without our permission so they can force us to view there advertisements for products.

He had hijacked some 500,000 computers, though these computers (known as zombies) could be used for malicious activity they were used to plant adware – or software which caused advertisements to pop-up on the infected computers.

Free

If you are adware free then you can carry on without a care in the world, Your money will still be in your pocket and your computer will be running safely. Have you ever visited a peer-to-peer file sharing site and downloaded games, movies or just about any files from these free sites. The following is a guide on how to remove spyware, adware, and pop-up ads using FREE tools ready to download anytime.

If you are a updated Windows OS user you pull up your task manager system information screen and see that your system is running at 100%, then you are infected with spyware because your system always needs a little free space in order to process information, which is why your system slows down when you have spyware on it. 10 years ago you could probably have run no Internet security applications and still have come out after a browse of the Internet with a virus and malware free computer, but this situation is no longer apparent. Don’t just download programs that are free, or sound too good to be true.

This program is usually bundled with the Kazaa file-sharing program, as well as other free software programs.

Remove

You do not have to deal with this anymore, you can actually remove spyware and adware, and you can remove it for free. The best way to remove spyware and adware are to download spyware removal tools. Here are four methods to remove or simply avoid adware and spyware without spending a dime on the latest "anti-virus" software.

"These fraudulent programs foul machines, undermine productivity and in many cases frustrate consumers' efforts to remove them from their computers. Lawmakers are recognizing the problems and the invasion of privacy that these marketing companies are causing and are working on laws to make them outlawed, but until that day comes the best we can do is educate ourselves about PC security and how to protect and remove spyware from our computer systems. Here are some methods to detect spyware and  adware and remove or merely avoid the adware and spyware and  not outlay a dime on the most recent "anti-virus" software,  such as Spyware Nuker.

There are many software programs available designed to remove Viruses, Spyware, Adware and other nasties from your computer. If your computer get infected with it then you must try to remove it with any good anti- spyware program, some of them can be freely downloaded from the internet.

Anti-spyware

An effective anti-spyware program will detect and remove all possible infected files. The following is a list of the top three players in the free anti-spyware software game:. Microsoft Anti-Spyware is quickly increasing in popularity but is currently in Beta stages.

Two of the biggest things that these Anti-Spyware programs accomplish for you are that they help in protecting your online privacy and they help make your computer run a lot better. Second of all, it’s the most downloaded and used Anti-Spyware program from the Clickbank digital download network. On December 8, 2004 Webroot, an award winning anti-spyware solution provider, released a press release identifying the ten most significant emerging spyware and adware threats.

Being an employee of an anti-spyware  developing company, I guess I know this matter well enough  to point that out. The first thing you will want to do is make sure you have the newest, most up-to-date anti-spyware scanning program on the market.

This article was published using Article Submitter

Adware / Spyware

Adware and Spyware have become familiar terms in the lexicon of Internet jargon. Their definitions range from helpful cookies that many people choose to have on their computer to programs that can actually steal your identity. That's a pretty big area. That's why any information of these important subjects needs to include definitions of exactly what actually encompasses both adware and spyware.
Adware and Spyware have become familiar terms in the lexicon of Internet jargon. Their definitions range from helpful cookies that many people choose to have on their computer to programs that can actually steal your identity. That's a pretty big area. That's why any information of these important subjects needs to include definitions of exactly what actually encompasses both adware and spyware.

Adware is software that provides advertising, usually in the form of pop ups, and gathers general information, by using cookies, through the user's Internet connection. Adware is often packaged with free downloaded programs. By definition, adware, by itself, is not dangerous, but can fall into the annoying category. Adware can generate constant pop up advertising when the downloaded program is running. It can also place cookies on your computer that will provide information about you when you click on the pop ups or log on to the original program download site. If users register the downloaded program, usually games, and pay the registration fee, the adware disappears. If you download a free program, there is a reasonable probability it will contain some form of adware. So far, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Many people happily trade payment for enduring a few pop up advertisements and don't care if their general Internet surfing habits are being tracked. The problem begins when they become intrusive.
That's when adware becomes spyware.

When adware is expanded to use your computer's resources to steal information, it becomes spyware. Spyware is like the Trojan horse that is discussed on our Virus article. Computer users who are installing a program or swapping files (i.e. music downloads) may also be installing a spyware program whose purpose is to monitor your computer activity and gather your private and confidential information. This includes e-mail addresses, user passwords and certainly any credit card numbers you enter when making a purchase on-line. They can also happily install other spyware programs, hijack your web browser by changing your home page and your browser's search engine. All the time it is sending back information to the bad guys, who will use it for their own advertising purposes, sell it to other bad guys or use it to steal your identity. To do all this, spyware uses your computer's memory resources and bandwidth. This can slow your computer to a crawl, especially if you use memory intensive programs. Spyware is not
good.

Do you have adware and/or spyware on your computer? The chances are absolutely outstanding that you do. This may not be a problem, but sometimes it could be disastrous. Some of the signs that your computer may be infected are:
1. Your web browser looks a little different. New toolbars suddenly appeared. The search engine you use is different. A brand new home page suddenly appeared.
2. Pop up advertisements that aren't related to the web site you are viewing are appearing with disturbing regularity. You click on links that go to nowhere. Ads for pornographic web sites start popping up on your computer. Your "new" search engine produces web sites unrelated to your query.
3. Your Windows desk top takes longer to load than it did in the past. This is because lots of spyware programs have added themselves to the Windows start up procedure and load every time you turn on your computer.
4. Your computer is running slower than normal.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you probably are infected and need to take some action.

There are hundreds of Spyware programs on the market. Most offer a free on-line inspection of your computer to see if any spyware is present. Since their scans always find something, it's a great way to market their product. However, it's probably a good idea to dig a little deeper before making a buying decision.

Some anti-virus programs include adware and spyware elements as part of the basic program. Check yours and see if you have a spyware feature and if it is activated. If it is, and you still are experiencing problems, make sure you have downloaded the latest updates.

At Jamison Software, we look at viruses and spyware as two different problems and have chosen to attack them with two different programs. When selecting a spyware program we looked at numerous reviews and tested several (they all have 30 day free trials) on different computers before making a decision. Spyware and anti-virus programs work basically the same way. They develop large data bases or encyclopedias of known adware and spyware. The computer is scanned against these data bases and the culprits are identified and deleted or placed in a quarantine folder where they can't continue to cause trouble. These data bases are constantly updated in order to keep up with the spyware developers. Good Spyware programs should do two things well. They should maintain great data bases and provide fast, proactive customer service.

Why do we like two programs? Viruses and Spyware are cousins and sometimes there is a gray line between the two. With two data bases, we can sometimes stay ahead of the curve, finding a problem in one program that is actually solved by the other. Here's an example.

We use and highly recommend Spysweeper by Webroot software. One feature of Spysweeper is that it identifies new programs that will start when Windows starts. If no new programs are being installed, this means only one thing-spyware. When that happens, an alert screen appears and there is an option to remove the offending program. Sometimes that procedure is successful and the problem is resolved. However, occasionally the program reappears all by itself in a second or two. We have a virus. That information can be passed on to AVG Anti-virus Systems, our Anti-virus software provider, and within hours an update removing the offender is downloaded and implemented. This happened several times on our test computer (we did not use a firewall to attempt to create just this scenario) and we were very pleased with the results. We also found that Trojan horse files with a .pif suffix were the main culprits.

If you are concerned about spyware, we recommend Spysweeper. We found the data base very thorough and up to date and their customer service team responsive. When we had to upload suspected spyware for their review, they provided detailed, easy to follow instructions.


Buy and Download Software Online - Free Trials Available

4 Necessary Steps You Should Take When You are Online

When you connect to the internet you can harm your PC. That is a fact. The reason antivirus software and other similar products where created is to protect your PC.

It is not your fault that you got viruses, however you should take the precaution methods to stop this from happening again.

Keep PC Clean: It is important that your PC stays clean if you use the internet. Clean from the 'bad, harmful objects' that are also known as spy ware, adware or viruses.

There are many different types of harmful objects but luckily there exist also cure to keep your PC protected.

A must use Software: The two most important software you must have are an antivirus and an anti adware. There is no need to purchase 30 different kinds of anti spy ware software...

However you must choose two software which will protect your PC. These will work in the background automatically. Some anti adware products also heal spy ware not just adware.

Schedule Maintenance: The software will block spy ware and adware. However you should also use the software when you are offline. You should scan your
PC using both software at least once every three weeks. That will clean any harmful objects. These objects can make a lot of harm to your PC.

Safety Measurements: We already mentioned that you need two software to keep ongoing protection on your PC.

If you download software/movies/images/videos or any other thing from the internet it is recommended that you scan those items. Before opening them right click on them and use your antivirus to scan them.

Go to Control Panel to turn on Firewall. Firewall is also an ongoing protection which is very important.

Once you have your software installed these protect your PC and you get back the freedom you deserve. Remember that prevention is better than cure.