What is spy ware?
Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spy ware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spy ware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spy ware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers.

 

What is ad ware?
Ad ware is a program that creates pop-up ads on your computer or supports banner ads on websites. Ad ware is often bundled with popular free downloads. This software also tracks your web browsing and use the information to send targeted advertising relating to your browsing habits. These ads pop up on your computer screen even if you are not on the internet. A lot of companies make money by offering free software in exchange for sending advertisements to your computer.

 

How does spy ware/ad ware get on my computer?
One popular way that spy ware gets on your system is downloading free software from the internet. When you download free software or file sharing software such as kazaa or imesh. Spy or Ad ware is often included in the installation package. You can also get spy ware through an infected website or pop up advertisement. If you don’t have your browser security settings set correctly, a website owner can set up an automated download of a spy ware program without your knowledge. Spy ware can infect your computer just by visiting the site or viewing a pop up ad.

 

How do I remove spy or ad ware
It is not a good idea to remove spy ware yourself as spy ware programs are not designed to be easily removed and usually do not uninstall completely. Most spy ware embed their components all over your hard drive and registry, two important things that help your computer function properly. To Remove spy ware you will have to download and install a spy ware removal tool. A few recommended free spy ware removal programs include,

 

How can I prevent spy/ad ware from coming back?
Once spyware is removed from your computer you must keep an updated version of spybot or ad-aware to lower the chance of being re infected. You should check for available updates and scan your computer every time you access the internet. Another way to prevent spyware is changing internet browsers. Internet Explorer users are most vulnerable due to many security holes in the software that make it easier for the makers of spyware to exploit and sneak spyware on your system without your knowledge. A few free browsers that prevent browser hijackers, virus downloads and cookie controls are Mozilla, Opera, Netscape or Avant. Increasing Internet Explorer security is another way to prevent spyware. The default settings for internet explorer are not very safe and can allow malicious codes to get through security flaws. There are a few things you can do to make Internet Explorer safer. First, you want to be sure that you have the latest security patches from the Microsoft website to repair all security holes they have reported. Another thing you can do to make IE more secure is to install a pop up blocker since most spyware is installed through third party popup ads and having a pop up blocker offers more protection.

What are the effects of spy ware?
Yes spy ware can cause your computer to freeze or lock up, run extremely slow and edit registry information for important files, make it harder to remove. Some common spy ware annoyances are BonziBuddy, Comet Cursor, Gator and Weatherbug. It is a good idea to read licensing agreement prior to downloading any free software from the internet. There is also a site called spy checker http://www.spychecker.com/ , that will link you to the company’s privacy statement so you will know what information is being collected and how it will be used.

 

What is a browser hijacker?
A browser hijacker is a malicious program or programs that resets web browser settings including favorites and default home page. Some hijackers also produce pop up ads for pornography, add dozens of bookmarks to internet explorer’s favorite folder, and can redirect users to porn sites if they mistype URLs. Sometimes you can change your home page back to your default or previous home page, but often that doesn’t work. Not matter how many time you change your home page back to the original page, the hijacker can change your registry settings and files placed on your hard drive to redo your settings everything you reboot your computer. Programs like spybot or ad-aware can detect and remove hijackers, and also prevent them from attacking your browser again.

 

What is a dialer?
A Dialer is a program that may come bundled in fun software, themes, or screen savers. If you are online when the dialer is installed, it will disconnect your current internet connection and dial into porn sites in other countries. When you receive your phone bills, it will show you being billed for services and it can be costly.

 

What is Malware?
Malware is defined as malicious software or software designed to damage or disrupts a system such as a virus or a Trojan horse. Malware can also put programs called backdoor on your computer. Trojans and backdoors can be used to hijack your computer, even as far as hijacking your mouse and keyboard. These programs are very difficult to remove because they bury their activation process into different sections of the registry. They are sometimes hard to detect using spy ware or antivirus programs.

 

What are tracking cookies?
Tracking cookies share information across unrelated websites and record personal information about your browsing habits and it increases the amount of spam you receive.