How Spyware Legally Attacks

You may have heard about spyware and if you surf the Internet a lot, you most likely have some on your computer, whether you know it or not.

Spyware is a type of software that installs on your computer without asking you. Small computer programs can be downloaded onto your computer from the Internet and install themselves without your knowledge.

Their most popular maneuver is to pin the coat tail of another seemingly innocent program. These carriers, freeware or shareware, are usually free programs off the internet. The biggest of the freeware used would be free porn, games & file sharing applications. Believe it or not, it is a legal way of advertising is most scenarios.

When a freeware or shareware program is installed, you are asked to agree to the terms of service or licensing agreement, which will contain information about the spyware being installed. Most people dont real the legal agreement and just select I Agree and install the program.

White-hat spyware simply annoys you with constant pop up advertisements. But I am sure this is not just white-hat annoyance to you, but more like something you have come to hate. This is how the producers of spyware programs earn a high standard of living. Some of these white-hat spyware programs just collect your browsing behavior for companies to perform scientific online advertising analysis. Yet I agree with you on this one too, that your browsing behavior is your own business.

Then there are the true spyware villains that gather email addresses and passwords off your PC and either use them or sell your personal information to the highest bidder of the underground Internet world.

How do I know if I have spyware on my computer?

Here are the warning signs of spyware:

1) Pop ups even when you are not browsing the Internet

2) Icons and toolbars just magically appear

3) Both your computer and Internet connection moves drastically slower

4) Your browser goes to advertising sites unexpectedly

5) Settings have changed on your PC even when your kids are not home

6) Advertising appears everywhere on your computer

If you notice one or more of these problems, you definitely have spyware installed on your computer.

I dont want to seek any help, what can I do?

1) Install a firewall on your computer. Microsoft Windows has a firewall built into the operating system and most Virus software have firewalls.

2) Stop clicking on the pop up advertisements. This decreases the amount of advertisements you may receive.

3) Be careful what you install. Dont install software unless you know exactly what it is, and where it came from. If the company that makes it isnt a reputable one, dont install it or get expert advice.

4) Keep your Windows and Browser up to date. Microsoft offers free security updates. Make sure that you update regularly.

5) Use reputable antispyware software.

Beware of antispyware software that actually installs spyware on your computer, so research is a must before you spend your money on any antispyware solution.

Allow the antispyware program to run on a scheduled basis, like every night when you are not usually on the computer.


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About the Author:
At RemoveSpywareandAdware.com, we are honored to have Isaiah Henry as researcher on how to http://www.removespywareandadware.com/">remove spyware. He has written on the likes of http://www. removespywareandadware.com/antispyware-reviews/xoftspyse.html">XoftSpySE. Visit RemoveSpywareandAdware.com for free information.