Tips on Understanding the Dangers of Spyware and Adware

By: Paul Wilson

Money is the very crux of adware and spyware. These pose several problems and are a security risk.

Adware is a program that displays advertisements on the computer whether you want them or not. They are not just connected to particular websites or free software but are programmed to start up whenever your computer is switched on.

Programs like Eudora mail client display advertisements in lieu of charging registration fees for use of software. It helps developers recover program development costs. Kazaa the file sharing application comes bundled with at least three ad-ware programs. Two of them serve ads to the desktop while another redirects the user's browser to a search engine with advertiser sponsored web results. Well known ones are: BroadcastPC; Comet Cursor; GeoWhere; Network Essentials, 123 Messenger, Direct Revenue, and so on.

Unfortunately, other guises of adware are spyware and malware.

Spyware is a program code that relays information about you and your work without your permission or knowledge. Some just "spy" on you conveying your Internet habits to marketing companies, while others are "thieves" they access credit card information as well as other sensitive files. In plain terms, it is malicious software that can intercept or take control of a computer's operation without user knowledge or consent. Termed as "malware" the redefinition of spyware, the programs can:

Steal personal information and the address book.
Flood the browser with pop-ups.
Spam the system.
Slow down programs and connection.
Hijack the browser and redirect the user to a "con" page.
Uses the computer as a server to broadcast porn.
Can cause a crash.

Spyware reaches a computer through innocent web pages, game demos, MP3 players, search tool bars, and other downloads like free software. It installs itself and leaves a mark on the windows registry. It can hog the computer resources such as memory and hard drive and cause a crash or lock up. Keystroke-logging spyware can steal passwords and credit card information for thieves.

To protect the files one has to:

Use anti adware and spyware programs. Examples: Spybot, Search & destroy, Pest Patrol, and Lavasoft's Adware.
Keep windows as well as Internet explorer up-to-date by applying the latest security patches.
Maintain the security level of the Internet Explorer at medium. Users must not lower the security level.
Use firewalls and web proxies to block access to web sites known to carry spyware.
Install layered protection.
Update the antivirus program. An up-to-date program will stop spyware as well as Trojans.
Install a startup monitor to protect your system.
Never accept "free" as being free---check out free software and downloads, there will be a hidden surprise or catch.
Never download software from warez sites. Pirated software is always distributed along with adware and spyware.
Use Spy checker to determine if the download has spyware. This can be accessed from the free computer securities pages.

An anti-spyware coalition has been instituted by Microsoft, Earthlink, McAfee, and Hewlett-Packard. They are working towards anti-spyware legislation and putting protection systems in place. A survey shows that 87 percent of users know what spyware is and of this 40 percent through firsthand experience. Protect yourself and your work; keep your system free of adware and spyware.

Author Bio
Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for www.1888SoftwareDownloads.com, the premier website to find Free Software Downloads including free anti-virus software, free spyware detection software, free toolbars, free chat software and more. He also freelances for www.1888FreeOnlineGames.com.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

Custom Search

More Software Information:

Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4
Group 5
Group 6
Group 7
Group 8
Group 9
Group 10
Group 11
Group 12
Group 13
Group 14
Group 15
Group 16
Group 17
Group 18
Group 19
Group 20
Group 21
Group 22
Group 23
Group 24
Group 25
Group 26
Group 27
Group 28
Group 29
Group 30
Group 31
Group 32
Group 33
Group 34
Group 35
Group 36
Group 37
Group 38
Group 39
Group 40
Group 41
Group 42
Group 43

Can Predictive Dialing Make Telemarketing at Next Level?

The best way for a business to increase your sales is through telemarketing. With telemarketing campaigns, a business can reach millions of potential customers who are using the phone. However, the biggest obstacle for the company is the creation of a call center, where activities can be performed effectively.

Importance of VPN Reviews

VPN acronyms for virtual private network, it is form of private network which functions on already existing public infrastructure through following tunneling protocols in order to a secured tunnel.

Field Service Management Software Would Help Your Business Grow Substantially

Business operation refers to the activities that are involved in the day-to-day functions of the business that is conducted for the sole purpose of generating profits.

Best Way to Integrate Your Online Business with Magento E-Commerce Platform

Magneto is a most advanced features attracts on-line stores merchant across the world. If you are thinking to launch your shopping site on line then magento is the perfect e-commerce solution for your business. Magento development basically recommended for medium and large business.

Expert Ways of Hiring Mobile Development Company

There is a widespread need in the present day corporate houses to opt for illustrative and problem solving mobile apps. The same has given rise to businesses outsourcing the development task to various offshore centers.

What are the Benefits of Independent Software Testing Services

Software testing process is an analysis performed to check the quality of products or services as well as to provide all valuable information to the stakeholders.

The Primary Things To Be Considered In A Mobile Application Development

Not so long ago, PC was one of the greatest achievements in the history of humankind. People find it as a quite useful device. It was adopted in offices by businesses and in homes by individual users

Manage Your Business Through Top-Notch Android POS Apps And Software

The new breakthrough in the POS industry is the tablet point of sale systems. Tablets, especially tech giant Apple’s iPads have evolved the traditional point of sale systems.

Avast Antivirus Technical Support Is Extremely Convenient

Avast technical support is a convenient way to get your PC repaired as getting in touch with the technicians just requires you to give them a phone call. Once you do that, they will ask you for your permission to gain remote access to your PC so that the diagnosis and the resolution of the problem can be done suitably.

Iphone Application Development — Simplifying Different Aspects Of Life

Over the past few decades, mobile phones have become an essential part of people's life. It would not be wrong if we call a mobile phone similar to portable computers as they well-equipped with number of additional functions and range of applications.

How Predictive Dialer helpful in Call Centers and how IVR Invention in Telecommunication Industry?

Predictive Dialer is a very useful device for many call centers, and makes outgoing calls automatically and eliminates the need for manual dialing, currently being used frequently in many business purposes.

Backup software For Your Windows Computer

Backing up your files is probably the most important thing to do regularly, regardless of whether you are running a small office or just keeping track of your personal stuff. Having lost all my data in my Windows XP computer, I know the pain of losing all my documents and photos.

Bookmark Managers: Programs vs. Web Services

The rapid development of the World Wide Web in recent years has led to an explosive growth of information on the Internet. Our contemporary lifestyle would be unimaginable without access to such a super-abundant cornucopia of valuable information and web surfing has now become an everyday occupation for even the most diverse sections of society.