Spyware is computer software that is installed on a user’s computer without his or her informed consent. Such software isn’t neutral. What can it do? The dangers include monitoring the infected computer, collecting personal information, installing additional unwanted software, redirecting browser activity, modifying computer settings, and deactivating programs. Other problems include identity theft and stealing revenue from affiliate programs. Once such an intrusive program seizes control of your computer it can do just about anything, for example redirect your phone calls and incur heavy long-distance charges. You can probably guess what the Loverspy program was guilty of.
While some laws such as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act protect against such abuse, you probably should invest in an anti-spyware program, either stand-alone or part of other protective software such as anti-virus software. In a recent study over 60% of surveyed users’ computers was infected, and more than 90% of users with infected computers were unaware of the problem.
Spyware often invades the computer via Microsoft’s Internet Explorer. Version 7 has been toughened against such intruders. However, many experts feel that you still need an anti-spyware program to fight against such poison. Because Linux and Apple Macintosh do not give ordinary users unrestricted access to the computer operating system, they are less likely to be infected. These dangers are reduced but not eliminated.
Anti-spyware programs abound. Microsoft offers Windows Defender which is available with the Vista operating system. It is part of the Windows Live OneCare system. The marketplace offers many competitive products, some of which are free. In many cases an introductory version is free but the full product is not. The investment may be worthwhile.
You have two choices on how to run these programs. You can scan all incoming network data and stop any spyware before it gets installed on your computer. Or you can scan your system for any of these installed programs. If you go with the second option, and most people do, make sure that you scan your computer on a regular basis. Because spyware writers are clever and continuously update their garbage, you will have to update your anti-spyware software regularly. Some versions offer automatic updating, others require you to install the updates manually. You have to be careful, some of these programs mask themselves as anti-spyware. An ad that claims your computer is infected may actually get you to install spyware on your computer, and pay for that privilege.
About the Author:
Over the years Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet. As you can tell from his wine websites including www.theitalianwineconnection.com he is quite a fan of fine wine, but always in moderation. He teaches various and sundry computer courses including Linux and Windows operating systems at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his new website http://www.linux4windows.com teaching you how to download and run Damn Small Linux even on that outdated Windows computer which has been gathering dust in the basement.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – What You Need to Know About Popular Software – Anti-spyware Software
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