Spyware is a type of software that installs on your computer without asking you. Small computer programs can be downloaded onto your computer from the Internet and install themselves without your knowledge.
A favorite trick is to install spyware when you are installing another program. Generally spyware comes from free programs offered on the Internet. These free programs are called freeware, or shareware. Technically, the spyware company has your permission, although the legal issues are not clear.
Like most folks, you download a free program in hopes of finally receiving something free in life. Then you click to install the freebie, but there is a small stomp in your waythe license agreement. Just like any brave soldier, you click the I Agree button without actually reading the long set of words. And thus the spyware has legally invaded your home.
Normally spyware main agenda is to report your PC activity to a third party and/or pop up advertisements on your PC. I am certain you have had the experience of random bombardment of annoying pop ups! This is how the creators of spyware software make their money. Then there are a lot of spyware applications that simply collect useful data for advertising companies to learn more about your Internet behavior.
The there are the black-hat spyware programs that have no remorse for their malicious behavior. They gather email addresses, passwords and even steal credit card information off your computer. The producers of such black magic use your personal information for their own use or sell it to evil doers like themselves.
Do I Have Spyware?
Here are some signs of spyware:
1) Constant random pop ups
2) New toolbars or icons appear on your browser and desktop
3) Both your computer and Internet connection moves drastically slower
4) Your browser constantly goes aloft with advertising with sites.
5) Settings have changed on your PC even when your kids are not home
6) Advertising appears everywhere on your computer
If you have any of these issues, seek help quickly.
Ok what can I do?
1) Download a well respected firewall program for your computer. If your computer is not on the endangered list, then you already a firewall built-in. Double-check to determine if the firewall is enabled. The popular antivirus programs have built-in firewalls too.
2) Stop clicking on the pop up advertisements. This decreases the amount of advertisements you may receive.
3) Stay away from free downloads. There is no such thing as free! Make sure to do some research first to determine the legitimacy of the software.
4) Keep your Windows and Browser up to date. Microsoft offers free security updates. Make sure that you update regularly.
5) Use a quality anti-spyware program.
Never click on or purchase spyware cleaning programs that come from spam email or from popups! These are so-called spyware cleaning program are themselves spyware! Make sure that you buy spyware cleaning software from a reputable company or youll end up making your problems worse!
Once you have spyware cleaning software installed, run it often and regularly and delete any programs the software finds.
We are glad to have Isaiah Henry has our spyware removal geek at RemoveSpywareandAdware.com. He works hard to give users the necessary info like the review on Spyware Doctor.