ArticlesReader.com Menu
Newest Articles
Most Viewed Articles
ArticlesReader.com RSS
Submit Article
Login
Signup
Search the articles

Articles Main Categories
Advice
Animals
Automobiles
Business
Career
Communications
Computer Programming
Computers
Entertainment
Environment
Family
Fashion
Finance
Food
Health & Medical
Home & Garden
Humor
Internet Business
Internet Marketing
Legal
Leisure & Recreation
Marketing
Other
Politics
Reference & Education
Religion
Self Improvement
Sports
Technology & Science
Travel
Writing
Subscribe
Receive alert message from us when new articles submitted to our site for free.

Enter your name

Enter your email

Syndicate

















Related Products
Home::Software

Tips on understanding the dangers of spyware and adware

Author : paul wilson1
Money is the very crux of adware and spyware. These pose several problems and are a security risk.



Adware is a program that displays advertisements on the computer whether you want them or not. They are not just connected to particular websites or free software but are programmed to start up whenever your computer is switched on.



Programs like Eudora mail client display advertisements in lieu of charging registration fees for use of software. It helps developers recover program development costs. Kazaa the file sharing application comes bundled with at least three ad-ware programs. Two of them serve ads to the desktop while another redirects the userÂ’s browser to a search engine with advertiser sponsored web results. Well known ones are: BroadcastPC; Comet Cursor; GeoWhere; Network Essentials, 123 Messenger, Direct Revenue, and so on.



Unfortunately, other guises of adware are spyware and malware.



Spyware is a program code that relays information about you and your work without your permission or knowledge. Some just “spy” on you conveying your Internet habits to marketing companies, while others are “thieves” they access credit card information as well as other sensitive files. In plain terms, it is malicious software that can intercept or take control of a computer’s operation without user knowledge or consent. Termed as “malware” the redefinition of spyware, the programs can:



• Steal personal information and the address book.

• Flood the browser with pop-ups.

• Spam the system.

• Slow down programs and connection.

• Hijack the browser and redirect the user to a “con” page.

• Uses the computer as a server to broadcast porn.

• Can cause a crash.



Spyware reaches a computer through innocent web pages, game demos, MP3 players, search tool bars, and other downloads like free software. It installs itself and leaves a mark on the windows registry. It can hog the computer resources such as memory and hard drive and cause a crash or lock up. Keystroke-logging spyware can steal passwords and credit card information for thieves.



To protect the files one has to:



• Use anti adware and spyware programs. Examples: Spybot, Search & destroy, Pest Patrol, and Lavasoft’s Adware.

• Keep windows as well as Internet explorer up-to-date by applying the latest security patches.

• Maintain the security level of the Internet Explorer at medium. Users must not lower the security level.

• Use firewalls and web proxies to block access to web sites known to carry spyware.

• Install layered protection.

• Update the antivirus program. An up-to-date program will stop spyware as well as Trojans.

• Install a startup monitor to protect your system.

• Never accept “free” as being free---check out free software and downloads, there will be a hidden surprise or catch.

• Never download software from warez sites. Pirated software is always distributed along with adware and spyware.

• Use Spy checker to determine if the download has spyware. This can be accessed from the free computer securities pages.



An anti-spyware coalition has been instituted by Microsoft, Earthlink, McAfee, and Hewlett-Packard. They are working towards anti-spyware legislation and putting protection systems in place. A survey shows that 87 percent of users know what spyware is and of this 40 percent through firsthand experience. Protect yourself and your work; keep your system free of adware and spyware.


Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com





Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for www.1888SoftwareDownloads.com, the premier website to find Free Software Downloads including free anti-virus software, free spyware detection software, free toolbars, free chat software and more. He also freelances for www.1888FreeOnlineGames.com .





Spam emails More free articles

Related articles


  1. Scrap Booking Online: Word Perfect or Corel Graphics Suite?
  2. Great Plains Dexterity Customization Options – Overview For Developers
  3. Microsoft Great Plains Security Setup - Overview For Consultant
  4. Microsoft Great Plains Implementation: Collection Management – Overview For Consultant
  5. Best Spyware Removers
  6. Monitoring Software Can be Used for Spying as Well
  7. Beware of Spyware
  8. Microsoft CRM Integration & Customization: SharePoint Document Gateway
  9. Adware, What Is It?
  10. Microsoft CRM Modification – Overview for IT Specialist
  11. Reporting Tools for Microsoft Great Plains – Overview For Developers
  12. Microsoft Great Plains Upgrade – Things to Consider and FAQ
  13. Great Plains Dexterity History and Programming Overview
  14. Microsoft Great Plains on Ctree or Pervasive SQL – What to Do – Tips for IT Manager
  15. Microsoft Business Solutions VAR/Partner Selection – Overview for IT Director/Manager/Controller
  16. Great Plains Accounting Migration to Microsoft Great Plains - Overview for IT Specialist
  17. Microsoft Great Plains Data Conversion – Overview For Developer
  18. Great Plains Dynamics/eEnterprise Upgrade – Things to Consider and FAQ
  19. Crystal Reports - Geterogeneus databases: SQL Server, Oracle, Unidata, Btrieve – Tips For Developer
  20. Great Plains Dexterity Programming – Overview For Developer
  21. Great Plains Custom Development: Dexterity, VBA, SQL, Crystal, eConnect – Overview For Programmer
  22. How To Create A Data Capture Procedure Checklist For Your Small Business CRM Software
  23. Chinese Input - Step by Step Instruction on How to Input Chinese Characters in English Windows XP
  24. Microsoft Great Plains - Payroll & HR Inexpensive Solution? Not Any More
  25. 20 Extra Hours Per Week: What Would You Do?
More related feeds
Unlimited Music Downloads - Top 5 Hot Tips
Dangers of exposing your computer to virus attack and entry of adware and spyware that slow down the performance of your PC are real. Stay with sites that offer a safe download environment. This will give you a peace of mind when ...

Lavasoft: 10 Tips for Secure Family Computing
If your kids use these sites, make certain they are aware of the dangers of both online predators and other web nasties like spyware and malware. Monitor downloads, file sharing, and uploading music. Do not let your kids download ...

Be Cautious of the Danger Brought by a Free Anti Spyware Software
Spyware can get in a computer as a software virus or as the result of installing a new program. Spyware, adware and other unwanted malicious software have become increasingly serious threat to computers, where they are violating privacy ...

THE DANGERS OF PEER-TO-PEER SYSTEMS
Spyware and adware programs are ofttimes bundled into P2P file-sharing software. These programs amass individualized aggregation for marketers and wage admittance to your machine by vindictive hackers. ...

How To Choose Security Software
Adware can be similar, although its primary purpose is to show you advertisements. Because the spyware/adware scene has been so volatile the past couple of years, the rule of thumb has been to assume that no antispyware utility is 100% ...

Become Master In computer.....
How To Save Documents In CD FormSetting Up A Safe Home NetworkFinding The Best Anti-SpywareEmail SecurityWorm Viruses, Deadliest Of AllHow To Avoid Being Invaded By Adware And SpywareWhat You Should Know About Phishing? ...

Safe Web Surfing Tips
Anything you download from the Internet is a threat but a few software types are particularly known for including spyware and adware. With these safe web surfing tips and common sense you can avoid a lot of common problems. ...

Spyware Protection Software
This article is provided by http://www.spyware-information.com where you will find free spyware cleaners, downloads, removal software, valuable tips and updated articles about adware and spyware removal programs to protect your identity ...

Spyware Protection - It's Not An Option Any More
Spyware and adware are universal terms used for software that performs particular activities such as advertising, collecting personal information, or altering the configuration of your computer, generally without your knowledge or ...

PC Tools Spyware Doctor 2007
Using Spyware Doctor, you’ll protect your PCS against those threats to your privacy, and avoid being the victim of spyware, adware, trojans, keyloggers, spybots and other online dangers. It’s the most effective way to handle spyware ...

 

 

© 2007 articlesreader.com - All Rights Reserved