The term "spyware" is commonly used, however it's not always made clear what it means. So, what is spyware?
Put simply, spyware refers to various programs and software that gets installed on your computer without you knowing. These programs then go on to cause "malicious" activity - some examples of this are:
1) Steal your personal information. Spyware can "spy" on what files are on your computer and capture the passwords and other personal information you enter while you are online.
2) Add all sorts of extra programs and add-ons to your computer which you haven't authorized. This is usually used to monitor your online activity and will cause your computer to run a lot slower than usual.
3) Redirect the user's web browser to websites that may contain harmful content, including viruses and Trojans.
4) Change computer settings to create holes in your system that will be used to attack it when required.
As you can see, spyware can be a big headache!
One of the biggest complaints about spyware is how drastically it slows down your computer. You entire systems performance is affected by it.
Wondering how spyware makes it way onto your computer?
Most of the time you will never know for sure where the spyware on your computer came from. It sneaks its way onto your computer in various ways - some examples are:
1) Many shareware and freeware software programs have Spyware built into them. Software such as music/video download programs are normally given away free, and sometimes they come bundled with Spyware.
2) Some software makers bundle Spyware with a program that they claim is a utility. For example, if you download a program (from some obscure website) that promises to accelerate your Internet speeds, then you can safely assume that such "utility" programs are loaded with Spyware.
3) There are some spyware programs that will try to mimic your operating system's messages in order to get on your computer.
For example, if you are using MS Windows, the Spyware manufacturer may develop a pop-up that looks exactly like a message from Microsoft. When you are browsing, this pop-up may entice you to click on it - and when you do that - presto; you've just opened the doors for the Spyware.
It's obviously important that you find out if there is spyware on your computer, but how can you find out?
One of the first warning signs is that your computer starts to run a lot slower than before and appears a little sluggish. Spyware will slow down your browsing speed and your overall computer's performance.
Apart from the slowing down factor, you cannot really tell if there's Spyware installed on your system. Many people will just assume something is wrong with the computer hardware when their system slows down, however spyware is often the cause.
You have to take the right steps to kill Spyware now!
Computer experts estimate that 9 out of every 10 computers have some form of spyware installed on them. It's crucial that you protect your system and personal information by using a top-ranked anti-spyware program.
You need a solid and reliable anti-Spyware program developed by a trusted manufacturer, and you need it as soon as yesterday! Remember, only top-ranked anti-Spyware programs can effectively remove the malicious Spyware from your computer and protect it from future Spyware attacks, so don't let yourself put it off. A quality anti-spyware program will scan your computer for any existing infections, kill them off, and then protects your system from any future infections. - 16492
Put simply, spyware refers to various programs and software that gets installed on your computer without you knowing. These programs then go on to cause "malicious" activity - some examples of this are:
1) Steal your personal information. Spyware can "spy" on what files are on your computer and capture the passwords and other personal information you enter while you are online.
2) Add all sorts of extra programs and add-ons to your computer which you haven't authorized. This is usually used to monitor your online activity and will cause your computer to run a lot slower than usual.
3) Redirect the user's web browser to websites that may contain harmful content, including viruses and Trojans.
4) Change computer settings to create holes in your system that will be used to attack it when required.
As you can see, spyware can be a big headache!
One of the biggest complaints about spyware is how drastically it slows down your computer. You entire systems performance is affected by it.
Wondering how spyware makes it way onto your computer?
Most of the time you will never know for sure where the spyware on your computer came from. It sneaks its way onto your computer in various ways - some examples are:
1) Many shareware and freeware software programs have Spyware built into them. Software such as music/video download programs are normally given away free, and sometimes they come bundled with Spyware.
2) Some software makers bundle Spyware with a program that they claim is a utility. For example, if you download a program (from some obscure website) that promises to accelerate your Internet speeds, then you can safely assume that such "utility" programs are loaded with Spyware.
3) There are some spyware programs that will try to mimic your operating system's messages in order to get on your computer.
For example, if you are using MS Windows, the Spyware manufacturer may develop a pop-up that looks exactly like a message from Microsoft. When you are browsing, this pop-up may entice you to click on it - and when you do that - presto; you've just opened the doors for the Spyware.
It's obviously important that you find out if there is spyware on your computer, but how can you find out?
One of the first warning signs is that your computer starts to run a lot slower than before and appears a little sluggish. Spyware will slow down your browsing speed and your overall computer's performance.
Apart from the slowing down factor, you cannot really tell if there's Spyware installed on your system. Many people will just assume something is wrong with the computer hardware when their system slows down, however spyware is often the cause.
You have to take the right steps to kill Spyware now!
Computer experts estimate that 9 out of every 10 computers have some form of spyware installed on them. It's crucial that you protect your system and personal information by using a top-ranked anti-spyware program.
You need a solid and reliable anti-Spyware program developed by a trusted manufacturer, and you need it as soon as yesterday! Remember, only top-ranked anti-Spyware programs can effectively remove the malicious Spyware from your computer and protect it from future Spyware attacks, so don't let yourself put it off. A quality anti-spyware program will scan your computer for any existing infections, kill them off, and then protects your system from any future infections. - 16492
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