Post by Carole on Oct 14, 2005 2:32:17 GMT -5
Protecting Yourself Against Spyware
Without Creating More Problems...
What is Spyware and Adware?
Spyware (and Adware) is malicious code which installs itself on your computer without your knowledge or consent. The consequences of leaving spyware on your system are varied -- spyware can simply track your web browsing habits or, worse, hijack your web browser, crash or interfere with the operation of legitimate programs (such as AOL, PowerTools, and Watch Right,) and even install a virus onto your computer, among other unpleasant things.
It is therefore a necessity to protect yourself against spyware!
Preventing Spyware From Installing On Your System
Spyware often installs itself onto your computer simply while you are browsing the web, or it is sometimes included with malicious software you may download and install.
The best preventative methods are to:
1. Update your system regularly using Microsoft Windows Update (especially the critical and security updates.)
2. Use a firewall, such as ZoneAlarm (the personal edition is free.)
Even with these precautions though, it is very difficult to completely prevent spyware from installing on your system at any time.
How To Get Rid Of Spyware?
There are many programs -- commercial, shareware, and freeware -- designed to help you get rid of spyware.
Unfortunately, many such programs only create more problems on your computer by identifying legitimate software, or some of their components, as spyware. Some of those utilities indeed delete entire programs, or necessary files used by those programs, thinking they are spyware when they are not. The result: your programs will no longer work properly (or at all.)
You can rest assured that none of BPS SoftWare's programs contain any spyware components. However, certain anti-spyware tools identify our child-monitoring program Watch Right, as well as our AOL addon PowerTools, as spyware, and simply delete some of their components from your system. This will cause the programs to crash or not function properly.
So how can you remove spyware safely, easily, and quickly?
We highly recommend you use both of the FREE programs listed below:
- Ad-Aware SE Personal
Easier to use, fast and very thorough.
- Spybot Search & Destroy
Can help rid your system of spyware Ad-Aware did not find, but less intuitive to use.
When launching these programs, make sure to click the button to update the database file, so they can protect you against the very latest spyware.
Scan your system regularly with these two programs to keep it clean from spyware, without the risk of deleting legitimate programs.
Other Resources
For more helpful information on spyware and anti-spyware tools, you can visit the following sites:
- Spyware Warrior: Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites
- Privacy & Security
Without Creating More Problems...
What is Spyware and Adware?
Spyware (and Adware) is malicious code which installs itself on your computer without your knowledge or consent. The consequences of leaving spyware on your system are varied -- spyware can simply track your web browsing habits or, worse, hijack your web browser, crash or interfere with the operation of legitimate programs (such as AOL, PowerTools, and Watch Right,) and even install a virus onto your computer, among other unpleasant things.
It is therefore a necessity to protect yourself against spyware!
Preventing Spyware From Installing On Your System
Spyware often installs itself onto your computer simply while you are browsing the web, or it is sometimes included with malicious software you may download and install.
The best preventative methods are to:
1. Update your system regularly using Microsoft Windows Update (especially the critical and security updates.)
2. Use a firewall, such as ZoneAlarm (the personal edition is free.)
Even with these precautions though, it is very difficult to completely prevent spyware from installing on your system at any time.
How To Get Rid Of Spyware?
There are many programs -- commercial, shareware, and freeware -- designed to help you get rid of spyware.
Unfortunately, many such programs only create more problems on your computer by identifying legitimate software, or some of their components, as spyware. Some of those utilities indeed delete entire programs, or necessary files used by those programs, thinking they are spyware when they are not. The result: your programs will no longer work properly (or at all.)
You can rest assured that none of BPS SoftWare's programs contain any spyware components. However, certain anti-spyware tools identify our child-monitoring program Watch Right, as well as our AOL addon PowerTools, as spyware, and simply delete some of their components from your system. This will cause the programs to crash or not function properly.
So how can you remove spyware safely, easily, and quickly?
We highly recommend you use both of the FREE programs listed below:
- Ad-Aware SE Personal
Easier to use, fast and very thorough.
- Spybot Search & Destroy
Can help rid your system of spyware Ad-Aware did not find, but less intuitive to use.
When launching these programs, make sure to click the button to update the database file, so they can protect you against the very latest spyware.
Scan your system regularly with these two programs to keep it clean from spyware, without the risk of deleting legitimate programs.
Other Resources
For more helpful information on spyware and anti-spyware tools, you can visit the following sites:
- Spyware Warrior: Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites
- Privacy & Security