Carl runs a site devoted to helping you rid your computer from all sorts of spyware and malware at http://www.spyzooka.com/
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Spyware is software that tracks personal or sensitive information and transfers it to a third party for the benefit of the latter. In other words, it steals your identity by invading your computer and zeroing in on your financial, mercantile or personal activities. Spyware is associated and sometimes comes packaged with adware, which is presented as advertisements but is really a way to bombard your computer with so many ads that the spyware has time to retrieve the information that it’s programmed to steal. Adware, such as the adware installed on all computers when the user purchases it, can be benign, but that is almost never the case for spyware. The key to remember is that spyware is done without your permission.
There is some software that is benign, like the ones in which you sign up for a free “travel location of the month” service by agreeing to receive targeted ads. You are told that you are “paying” for the service by agreeing to have your travel-search patterns tracked. You understand this is the trade you are making for the privilege of receiving these travel newsletters. You have, in essence, consented or “agreed” to let the company track your online activities to determine which ads to show you. The majority of spyware, though, is installed without your permission and often without your knowledge.
There are a number of ways spyware or other unwanted software infiltrates your system. A common trick is to covertly install the software during the installation of software you <i>do</i> want, such as a music or video file sharing program. 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 may appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement.
Spyware and adware are classified as malware, which is a hybrid word for malicious ware. Malware also includes viruses and something called Trojan horses. The latter is particularly insidious because they are designed to find out your passwords to accounts and banking information.
All of these malwares can cause changes to your computer’s performance and cause it to slow down or crash. They can make it difficult for you to change settings back the way you originally had them and create annoying links to websites you never dreamed you would see on your computer screen.
The remedy for spyware, adware and Trojan horses is an award-winning software that guarantees the 100% removal of all malware within 24 hours. Since all spyware remedies are not created equal, beware of false claims from such sources as XP Security Center, which is actually spyware in disguise.
Think of web surfing as driving a car on the interstate--fasten your seatbelts, lock your doors, don’t pick up hitchhikers, and enjoy the ride. A good antispyware program will lock your computer against unwanted third-party guests.
Free Macafee Stinger
By: eCommerce Associates | 08/01/2009The MacAfee AVERT Stinger is a stand-alone utility which can be used to find and then remove specific worms and viruses. Please bear in mind that it should not be used instead of a full blown anti-virus application. It is designed to catch certain nasties, but you are strongly advised to have running on your computer full protection software. At the time of writing, the Stinger will hunt for literally hundreds of viruses, including Aardvark, Devil, Michelangelo, Franny and W32/Autorun.worm
The Warning Signs of Malware Monitor
By: Carl Atkinson | 08/01/2009One of the latest in rogue anti-spyware, Malware Monitor was released on October 5, 2007. I would like to say it is in a class of its own, but I'd be lying. Malware monitor is a clone of so many programs that sound almost exactly alike. You have MalWarrior, MalwareAlarm, and Malpractice Monitor (okay, so I made the last one up, but watch for its debut soon!) Creating new names for these programs seems to be the only challenge, because they all function in the same manner.
Malware Patrol Pro Won't Keep You Safe
By: Carl Atkinson | 08/01/2009What exactly are rogue, or fake, anti-spyware programs like Malware Patrol Pro patrolling? They are out looking for your credit card information, Social Security number, bank account passwords, and browsing history. Don't be fooled by the clever disguise as the authority on the malware roaming the dark alleys of the Internet, keeping you safe. In actuality, you have just shaken hands with a corrupt system of professional con artists.
Spyware Removal Software
By: Paul Abrams | 08/01/2009New to spyware? Find out more here.
Remove Spyware
By: gervy | 07/01/2009As soon as you start to browse the Internet, you are risking attacks not only from virus, but also from those malware, and you start to have the immediate effect. Your PC slows down, and your monitor screen suddenly turns blue.
Internet Scams - International Modem Scam
By: Emily Banks | 07/01/2009Think you're safe because you're dialling from your own modem on your computer? Sad to say, it may not be as safe as you think. Thousands of innocent surfers have become the victim of auto-diallers. The auto-diallers are downloaded on to your computer and reset your own modem configuration. This means they essentially knock out your own phone number - you'll probably notice a disconnection as it does so - and introduce the rogue one.
Micro Antivirus 2009 is not What it Appears to be
By: Carl Atkinson | 07/01/2009When you encounter Micro Antivirus 2009, you need to run the other way. With the Internet being such an essential part of everyone’s lives these days, Internet scams are everywhere. These new programs such as Micro Antivirus 2009 are rogue anti-spyware programs that act as scanners and removers of malicious software (malware), but only serve a purpose of downloading their own malware onto your hard drive for their own profit.
Ms Antivirus Will Harm Your Computer
By: Carl Atkinson | 07/01/2009When running across different products on the Internet, such as MS Antivirus, you have to be cautious. Programs cannot download themselves onto your computer until you give them access to do so, however now-a-days you may be giving these programs access and not even know it.
The Warning Signs of Malware Monitor
By: Carl Atkinson | 08/01/2009 | SecurityOne of the latest in rogue anti-spyware, Malware Monitor was released on October 5, 2007. I would like to say it is in a class of its own, but I'd be lying. Malware monitor is a clone of so many programs that sound almost exactly alike. You have MalWarrior, MalwareAlarm, and Malpractice Monitor (okay, so I made the last one up, but watch for its debut soon!) Creating new names for these programs seems to be the only challenge, because they all function in the same manner.
Malware Patrol Pro Won't Keep You Safe
By: Carl Atkinson | 08/01/2009 | SecurityWhat exactly are rogue, or fake, anti-spyware programs like Malware Patrol Pro patrolling? They are out looking for your credit card information, Social Security number, bank account passwords, and browsing history. Don't be fooled by the clever disguise as the authority on the malware roaming the dark alleys of the Internet, keeping you safe. In actuality, you have just shaken hands with a corrupt system of professional con artists.
Micro Antivirus 2009 is not What it Appears to be
By: Carl Atkinson | 07/01/2009 | SecurityWhen you encounter Micro Antivirus 2009, you need to run the other way. With the Internet being such an essential part of everyone’s lives these days, Internet scams are everywhere. These new programs such as Micro Antivirus 2009 are rogue anti-spyware programs that act as scanners and removers of malicious software (malware), but only serve a purpose of downloading their own malware onto your hard drive for their own profit.
Ms Antivirus Will Harm Your Computer
By: Carl Atkinson | 07/01/2009 | SecurityWhen running across different products on the Internet, such as MS Antivirus, you have to be cautious. Programs cannot download themselves onto your computer until you give them access to do so, however now-a-days you may be giving these programs access and not even know it.
Antivirus Plus Has a Secret Extra: Spyware!
By: Carl Atkinson | 07/01/2009 | SecurityOn the Internet there exists a great number of threats to your computer's security and stability. Many of them pretend to be helpful programs. Antivirus Plus is one such program, typically called a rogue security tool. These programs emulate antivirus and antispyware programs to trick users into paying for a spyware infection.
Malware Protector 2008 or Malware Infector?
By: Carl Atkinson | 02/01/2009 | SecurityMalware Protector 2008 is one more rogue (fake) anti-spyware program making its rounds. It is a clone of other spyware programs like Advance XP Defender and MalwarePatrolPro. Malware protector 2008 will torment you with pop-ups, trying to coax you into wasting your money on a program that actually installed malware on your computer for you.
Why You Should Never Even Think About Downloading Pc Antispyware
By: Carl Atkinson | 02/01/2009 | SecurityThe spread of spyware like PC Antispyware goes much further than just a nuisance. It is an epidemic. I have read statistics reporting that 80-90% of computers contain spyware. There are some cases where spyware is relatively harmless. In most cases, it is very dangerous. Programs like PC Antispyware pose a high threat. This piece of fake spyware will leak your private and confidential information to scammers and other 3rd parties.
Msantispyware 2009 is in No Way a Microsoft Product
By: Carl Atkinson | 01/01/2009 | SecurityThe people who made Msantispyware 2009 are telling probably the oldest lie in the business—that Microsoft created their program. In fact, Microsoft did not make this software, and they don’t make this kind of software. Microsoft is just an easy target for fraudware, and Msantispyware 2009 is just the latest in a long line of them.