Spyware / Adware
In the vast majority of cases, adware and spyware is installed on a users computer without permission. It then tracks usage, reports back, and diplays adverts. It can change your home page or search page, and it usually produces lots of pop-ups. Unfortunately, once installed, it can be very difficult to remove.
It is often distributed along with other programs, or disguised as something useful. Bonzi Buddy, for example, is targetted at children, and he does look fun. This article, however, explains some of the damage he can cause.
The most recent form of spyware actually presents itself as security software but once installed causes even more harm. Sometimes it pops up on a site, offering you a scan, or telling you that you're infected. At other times, someone who already has problems may download it, expecting it to help. Instead, they find themselves in even more trouble!
Beyond displaying adverts, and tracking where you visit, there are types of spyware that install keyloggers or diallers. The former logs your keystrokes when logging into sites, such as online banking, and reports them back. The latter can use your dial modem to make expensive long distance calls. So as you can see, activity can range from annoying to dangerous.
The first line of defense is to prevent unwanted software from installing itself on your computer. Be very careful when downloading screensavers, toolbars etc, as many of these will have spyware bundled in. When downloading software, check carefully as you go through the steps. If it insists that you also install 'extras', check exactly what it is before progressing. Think before you install, and use common sense!
However, if these nasties have already crept onto your system, how do you deal with them? As pointed out previously, please don't download the first anti-spyware software that you come accross, as you may find yourself in even more of a mess. (I've personally seen this happen twice.) There is a list of rogue / suspect products here, and it's a big list!
Recommended products include Ad-aware personal edition, Spybot, Windows Defender, and Ewido. The latter has paid for features, but the excellent scan facility remains free.
If you're still experiencing problems, it's time to get some help from the experts. There are some great security forums listed here, or you may need to pay someone to take a look for you. Once clean, please make sure you prevent the same problems happening again!
It is often distributed along with other programs, or disguised as something useful. Bonzi Buddy, for example, is targetted at children, and he does look fun. This article, however, explains some of the damage he can cause.
The most recent form of spyware actually presents itself as security software but once installed causes even more harm. Sometimes it pops up on a site, offering you a scan, or telling you that you're infected. At other times, someone who already has problems may download it, expecting it to help. Instead, they find themselves in even more trouble!
Beyond displaying adverts, and tracking where you visit, there are types of spyware that install keyloggers or diallers. The former logs your keystrokes when logging into sites, such as online banking, and reports them back. The latter can use your dial modem to make expensive long distance calls. So as you can see, activity can range from annoying to dangerous.
The first line of defense is to prevent unwanted software from installing itself on your computer. Be very careful when downloading screensavers, toolbars etc, as many of these will have spyware bundled in. When downloading software, check carefully as you go through the steps. If it insists that you also install 'extras', check exactly what it is before progressing. Think before you install, and use common sense!
However, if these nasties have already crept onto your system, how do you deal with them? As pointed out previously, please don't download the first anti-spyware software that you come accross, as you may find yourself in even more of a mess. (I've personally seen this happen twice.) There is a list of rogue / suspect products here, and it's a big list!
Recommended products include Ad-aware personal edition, Spybot, Windows Defender, and Ewido. The latter has paid for features, but the excellent scan facility remains free.
If you're still experiencing problems, it's time to get some help from the experts. There are some great security forums listed here, or you may need to pay someone to take a look for you. Once clean, please make sure you prevent the same problems happening again!