Thursday, August 9, 2007

Personal Story with Spyware

Personal Story:
Awhile back, I had noticed that my computer was not running quite the same as the first day I started it up. So I talked to a friend and he mentioned that he runs anti-spyware programs to clean his system and his computer is running great. So I thought, why not give it a try, I’m sure glad I did. After I ran the anti spyware programs, they detected over 100 malicious files and programs and deleted them. All of the sudden it was like I had a new PC again. I had forgotten how well my PC ran, I hadn’t realized how slow it had been running lately. The few bucks I spent was well worth it and now the spyware programs are automatically detected and deleted whey they’re found.

Morel of the story, it pays to be aware of the potential problems you computer can com in contact with and the importance of getting a good anti-spyware program to keep one of your best investment running in tip-top condition.

If you want to check out a review on some of the top anti-spyware programs, we’ve done the research for you and picked out the best performing programs for a great price.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Spyware is the number one cause of your computer’s poor performance

What is Spyware and Adware?
A more formal definition of spyware is; Software that secretly collects user information through their Internet connection without their knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else.

Spyware is software that displays advertisements (called adware) or software that tracks personal information.
Many types of spyware can make changes to your computer such as loading up pop-ups, or setting your homepage to something else, or even add components to your tool bars. These changes can be annoying and can cause your computer slow down or crash.
Whenever you install something on your computer, make sure you carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement. Sometimes the inclusion of unwanted software in a given software installation is documented, but it might appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement.

How does spyware get on my computer?
Spyware can get on you computer if your browser settings are not set correctly or the levels are not high enough, and you visit a website that distributes spyware. This is sometimes called drive-by downloading since it installs itself when you drive-by a website
Another way you can become infected with these programs is by downloading files such as freeware, shareware, and downloads for music or other file sharing programs. Spyware is often hidden in these legitimate programs and files, copied to your pc when the program is initiated and then starts compromising your system.


Why should I care if I have spyware on my computer?
There are many reasons why you don’t want these programs on your PC

-Spyware can change your browser or computer settings, like your browser home page
-While spyware is running on your computer after you star up, it uses up your computer’s memory resources, which can make your computer slow down significantly. If more than one spyware program is installed on your computer, the performance impacts can be very noticeable.
-Spyware delivers pop-up advertisements
-Install other spyware programs, increasing the problem
-It can monitor and report which websites you visit
In some extreme cases, monitor and report what you type into your computer


If you want to check out a review on some of the top anti-spyware programs, we’ve done the research for you and picked out the best performing programs for a great price.