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Protect your computer from Spyware
www.info-on.us/Spyware/
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Spyware is software that runs on a personal computer without the knowledge or consent of the
owner of that computer. The Spyware then collects personal information about the user or users of
the infected computer. The personal information collected is usually the name of the user; the
users email address, Websites visited, online shopping habits, as well as various other information
about the user.
Spyware is also sometimes known as Scumware, and Adware. Although Adware is slightly
different in that the makers claim that the users are aware that they are collecting information
about the user. Sometimes this is true, other times it is not. Many times these terms are used
interchangeably because many feel that they present the same problems. This however goes to
the definition of what Spyware is, making it sometimes difficult to combat from a legal standpoint.
This is generally due to how Adware works in that the user downloads a program that they feel is
useful for some reason and, that program also collects user information as described above.
Although the government is currently taking steps to protect users from these programs it is a slow
process because of the current definitions.
Once this information is collected, the Spyware then can send your personal information to
advertisers that will then send you targeted advertisements through annoying popups, and spam
in your email. They can also hijack your web browser and redirect you to a page that they want
you to see with their advertising targeted to you through your personal information. This redirecting
is sophisticated enough to notice what you are attempting to purchase on one site and can redirect
you to another site with the same or similar products so that you make the purchase through them.
In addition to the problems of "stealing" your personal information, Spyware runs in the
background on your computer using up valuable system resources. This is a major cause of your
PC "running slow."
The statistics are 9 of 10 computers connected to the internet are infected with some type of
Spyware. This could probably be taken a step further to say all PC's connected to the internet are
infected with some type of Spyware. The reason for this is because all of the best Anti-Spyware
software on the market today can only stop software that it knows or recognizes as Spyware.
These Spyware killers work in a way similar to Anti-Virus software and need to be updated on a
regular basis to be effective.
Spyware is also a large cause of popups occurring on your computer as well. Popups are
messages that "pop up" onto your computer screen generally through your internet browser.
These popups can be reduced and at times stopped completely by using a web browser other
than IE (Internet Explorer) such as Firefox by Mozilla.org and Opera located at:
http://www.mozilla.org/
http://opera.com/
Both are adept at stopping popups from occurring. If you choose to use one of these browsers be
sure to periodically check for updates to get the best protection available.
One of the ways to defend against Spyware is to use a third party firewall. Although the current
version of Windows XP comes with a firewall it is not effective at stopping Spyware as of this
writing. Third party firewalls can block unwanted traffic from passing to and from the internet to
your computer. Some of the better third party firewalls listed below are:
•Kerio Personal Firewall
•ZoneAlarm Firewall
•Sygate Firewall
Kerio Personal Firewall can be downloaded from its Website at the following URL:
http://www.kerio.com/us/kpf_download.html
Although they have a limited free version it does not provide the same level of protection as the
paid version does. I would recommend the paid version of their firewall at $45.00. Next there is
ZoneAlarm which is perhaps one of the more recognized firewall around. You can get the free
version for non business users at the following URL:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/
znalm/freeDownload.jsp
business users can get the paid version here
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
Sygate also has a good firewall that is available for $39.95 available at the URL:
http://smb.sygate.com/products/spf_pro.htm
Firewalls are effective at stopping many Spyware programs as well as other potential problems but
they are not a cure all. To be more effective you will want to use Anti-Spyware software along with
your firewall.
Some of the top Anti-Spyware programs are Webroot Spy Sweeper which you can buy for $29.95
and Spyware Doctor also $29.95, Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition which is free. Also free is Spybot
Search and Destroy. All are good and considered some of the best at Spyware detection and
removal. All four of these programs can be downloaded at download.com at URL:
http://www.download.com/spyware-center/2001-2023_4-0.html
You can also use the above URL for additional information about Spyware.
Also available now is the Microsoft beta version of its Spyware blocker.
Unfortunately there are also some very unscrupulous people out there who will purposefully cause
your computer problems if you use their software. This software will often "miss" or "overlook"
some Spyware leaving it unsuspectingly on your computer. Worse yet, some of these supposed
Anti-Spyware programs will actually place Spyware onto your computer as well. Some of these
programs are Spyblaster, Spyware Assasin, as well as many others. The best way to check to see
if you are using an Anti-Spyware program that fits into this category is to visit The following URL:
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
If you are using any of the programs in this listing you should remove it immediately and use one
of the known good programs such as the ones I listed above to check your computer.
You can also keep up to date and learn more about the on going threat of Spyware by visiting the
following websites.
http://www.ftc.gov/infosecurity/
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/workshops/spyware
[http://spywareinfo.com/]
http://spywarewarrior.com/
Copyright © Keith Erwood, 2005 All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Keith Erwood, is an author, and head consultant and owner of Dyanmic Network Technologies a
computer consulting and services business located in New York City.
Visit us at Dynamic Network Technologies
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Erwood
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Protect your computer from Spyware
www.info-on.us/Spyware/
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