Antispyware FAQ's
Question: What Is Spyware?
Answer: In its basic sense, spyware is a term for executable programs that are installed on ones computer without adequate notice, or consent of the user. These programs can track and report the user's computer activities including the collection of personal information. Symptoms of spyware on ones machine include: computer slowdown, changes to ones PC that affect their desktop experience, system security or privacy, use of system resources.
Question: How Does Spyware Get On My PC?
Answer: Spyware may get installed onto your PC in different ways depending on the type. Some of them include:
- It may get downloaded to your computer after you visit a particular website. This is usually installed without your approval or knowledge.
- Clicking on a pop-up advertisement may also install an unwanted program without you even knowing about it.
- Potential hackers may get into your system and place a spyware program onto your computer that can be a potential security threat.
- Users may install various shareware or freeware programs such as games or screen savers. These may contain spyware applications that are then loaded onto your PC.
- Email attachments may contain spyware and when opened they may get installed onto your box.
Question: What Is The Difference Between Spyware And Viruses?
Answer: There are some major differences between viruses and spyware. The purpose of a virus is to intentionally cause computer problems and to actually do harm or damage to your PC. The virus can end up corrupting your hard drive, applications, file structure or operating system. On the other side, the sole purpose of spyware is not to intentionally do damage or harm to your computer. But it does indirectly end up slowing down your PC, or even cause system freezes or crashes. Another difference is that a virus can travel from one PC to another one on a network, while spyware is contained to a single PC. Finally, a major purpose of spyware is to record your personal information which in turn can result in a loss of privacy. Viruses are not concerned in obtaining personal information.
Question: What Kind Of Unwanted Programs Get Installed On My PC?
Answer: There are a number of different types of programs that can get installed onto your PC. Some of these programs include:
- Hijackers - these applications modify your system settings. This happens when you visit a website that downloads a program to your PC and your homepage or search engine changes without your consent. Your ability to change anything within your control panel may also occur.
- Add new toolbar - this is a type of automatic download technology. When you visit a website a new toolbar or searchbar is then added to your browser without your consent.
- Screen scraper technology - this is a type of tracking software that records images of various activity on your monitor without consent.
- Pop-up ads - these are a type of advertising programs that get downloaded to your PC and fail to give you proper notice.
Question: How Can I Get Rid Of Spyware From My PC?
Answer: If you suspect that you have spyware on your computer then there are a few things that one can do. First check your Add/Remove function within your Control Panel. You want to look for unknown programs that you have not installed and then remove them. Secondly, you can run an anti spyware removal program on your PC. These utilities will scan your PC for spyware/adware and report back a complete list of unwanted programs. You can then opt to remove them for good. One of the better anti spyware tools on the market today is XoftSpySE by paretologic. They offer a free download that will allow you to scan your PC to find any unwanted programs that need to be removed.
Question: What Can I Do To Avoid Spyware In The Future?
Answer: There are a number of precautions one can take to avoid spyware.
- Make sure you only download programs from websites you know and trust.
- Set your browsers security and privacy settings to at least MEDIUM. This will allow you to avoid unauthorized downloading. Within the Internet Explorer browser go to Tools > Internet Options > then the privacy tab where you can set it to MEDIUM or even HIGH.
- Install a personal firewall to provide a more secure Internet connection to keep out users you don't want.
- Avoid clicking the "Ok" button on any pop-ads that are displayed. Use the "X" icon in the top right corner of the window instead.
- Do not open unsolicited email or download antispyware programs through spam mail.
- Use antispyware tools, such as XoftSpySE, and make sure to keep them up-to-date.
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