| "Adware"
and "Spyware" are terms used to describe certain kinds
of software applications:
- Adware
is advertising-supported software. It is software that can
be downloaded free from the Web, but contains banner advertisements
that create revenue for the company. Adware is software that
is installed on your computer the same way spyware is, but
it's used for less harmful applications. Adware can change
your home page, add extra bookmarks to your web browser, put
advertisements on your desktop, and change your search results
on Internet search engines like Yahoo and Google to advertisements.
- Spyware
is software that is installed on your computer without your
knowledge, and is used to steal your personal information.
This information can include web browsing habits, email addresses,
credit card numbers, and more. It is installed on your computer
automatically when you download seemingly innocent free software.
Spyware then sends information about you to the software distributor.
Usually the information sent is benign in nature, mostly concerning
general marketing information.
Adware
and spyware have reach epidemic proportions. They have turned
into malware due to their viral and very aggressive behavior.
With the threat of identity theft and financial fraud looming
on the Internet, adware and spyware can be more than just annoying.
Some
common symptoms of Adware / Spyware include:
-
Your
browser crashes frequently.
-
Your
computer runs slower.
-
Your
computer takes longer to start up.
-
"Illegal
Operation" errors occur.
-
Pop-up
advertisements appear when you are offline.
-
The
default homepage of your browser changes without your knowledge.
If
you suspect that your computer is infected with keep off the
Internet until your computer can be serviced by an Absolute
Internet & Computer Technician.
To
avoid adware / spyware:
-
Download and install software only from online sources that
you trust. In particular, be careful with free music and movie
file-sharing programs. Ad-supported applications can also
be sources of spyware. Close windows containing pop-up ads
or warnings by closing the entire window using the x-icon
in the upper right corner; do not click within the window.
-
When installing downloaded software, read the license agreement
before selecting "Agree" or "OK". Read
any privacy statements. If you can't find, or understand,
them or they include any questionable statements, abort the
installation by closing the window in which it's occurring.
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