The term spyware refers to software that gathers personal information from your computer, sometimes without your knowledge. The information is often used for advertising purposes but could also be sending personal information stored on your computer back to the program's originator. Some spyware will track you online surfing and may even record your keystrokes. Spyware will often cause your computer to slow down or encounter errors. Spyware has also been known to cause unwanted pop-up advertisements, an inability to connect to the Internet, and printing problems. I have even seen some computers that could not be used on the internet at all since they had so many spyware programs running they were all fighting for control of the web browser!
Spyware applications are often bundled as a hidden component of free programs downloaded from the internet such as screen savers, music, videos, games, search tools, etc. You should be wary when downloading anything from the internet that is free! It is best to never download anything from the internet unless you found it by searching and you are absolutely certain the host site is a reputable one. You should never sign up for anything or download anything that is offered to you by a pop-up ad! Even licensing agreements that accompany software downloads sometimes warn the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested software, but the licensing agreements may not always be read completely because the notice of a spyware installation is often buried in obtuse, hard-to-read legal disclaimers that are displayed in small print and often enclosed within a smaller scrolling window.
Once installed, spyware can monitor your activity on the Internet and transmit that information to a third party. Some forms of spyware can gather information about e-mail addresses, passwords, and even credit card numbers. Many spyware programs perform much like a virus except they are not generally designed to spread by themselves.
Here are a few indications that your computer may contain spyware:
you see ABOUT:BLANK when you open your browser or you use a search engine (possible hijacker)
you get lots of pop-up ads when on the internet
your browser opens to a web site without your input
your computer is running very slow and/or locking up for no apparent reason
you find new icons on your desktop that you didn't place there
you see new or unusual toolbars in your browser window
your browser start page has been changed without your knowledge
you see "Cool Web Search" anywhere on your computer
Depending on the type and quantity of spyware programs running on your computer, the solution can be anything from simple to extremely complex. If you are able to browse the internet, you can download two free programs that will usually fix the problem. First, you should download, install and run Ad-Aware. Then do the same with Spybot S&D. Both programs are relatively simple to install and run, but you may have a few questions about some of the settings, etc. If you have questions or need assistance, or continue to have spyware types of problems after running these utilities, please contact me at the number listed below.
03/10/2008
