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Spyware / Adware
What is Spyware / Adware?
Spyware is a general term used for software that performs certain behaviors such as advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent. Spyware is not damaging to your computer in most cases, such as some viruses, but can cause many annoying problems. Once installed, spyware can transmit your personal information to marketers and in turn download advertisements to your PC 24 hours a day. It can also hijack your browser settings such as your home page or search page.
How do I know if I have Spyware / Adware?
- You see pop-up advertisements even when you're not on the Web.
- The page your Web browser first opens to (your home page) or your browser search settings have changed without your knowledge.
- You notice a new toolbar in your browser that you didn't want, and find it difficult to get rid of.
- Your computer takes longer than usual to complete certain tasks.
- You experience a sudden rise in computer crashes.
How do I avoid Spyware / Adware?
Maintain Current Windows Updates
Windows Updates are most crucial to having a secure, virus free, and spyware free computer. Learn more about windows updates at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com or contact Microsoft at www.microsoft.com if you have any questions about windows updates.
Maintain Current Antivirus Software
Always keep an updated antivirus program running on your computer, even though at this time most anti-virus software doesn't specifically search for and clean spyware.
Utilize a Popup Blocker
A popup blocker can be found to avoid advertisements that can lead to Spyware / Adware. A popup blocker is included with GOIN XL, Microsoft Windows Service Pack 2, or a free web-bar can be downloaded from www.google.com.
Avoid strange links and advertisements
Links to spyware can be deceptive. For example, a Web site that is trying to push spyware onto your computer might open a window that looks like a Windows dialog box and then trick you by installing spyware when you click a Cancel button to close the dialog box. Sometimes, spyware publishers will put a fake title bar in an empty window, and then install spyware when you try closing the window.
Avoid Freeware / Shareware / Trial Software
Some Freeware and Shareware are known to include Adware. In most cases, you agree to this Adware by using a company's Freeware, Shareware, or a Trial product.
Avoid Optimization Software and Other Web Utilities
In our experience, many users become infected with Spyware from downloading generic and free optimization software and other free web utilities from the internet.
How do I remove Spyware / Adware from my computer?
Microsoft has published articles (see link below) advising that spyware removal tools such as Ad-aware (www.lavasoftusa.com), and Spybot (http://www.safer-networking.org) may help. However, in the case of an advanced stage infection, GOIN recommends only having your computer repaired by a qualified service technician.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/expert/honeycutt_spyware.mspx
Unfortunately, GOIN cannot be responsible for your attempted use or misuse of any software solutions mentioned herein. Furthermore, due to the enormous variability of spyware programs, we are unable to provide detailed telephone technical support regarding spyware / adware issues.
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