December 2006
You are currently browsing the articles from Safe Computer written in the month of December 2006.
Whether you run anti-virus and anti-spyware or not, your computer can still be infected. This is due to the ever evolving nature of the internet allowing new innovations for good and bad. Now that your computer is infected, what can you do? There are several things you can do. One of them would be to format your had drive. This is the most time consuming and costly method. You will lose all your files and it will take you a very long time to re-install all your programs. This path should only be taken if there is no other course of action available, and if there is a deep infection. If the infection is less severe there are several things you can do. You can clean up your hard drive with anti-virus and anti-spyware software. There are many free programs out there that will do the job. Once you have these programs you need to run a scan to determine where the infection is. Once the infection is located there are one of two things you can do. You can either quarantine the infection, or you can delete it completely. Deleting it would be the more effective option as it ensures you don’t accidently use the file again. An important part of running these programs is keeping them upto-date. They need to be updated regularly to be able to combat the new viruses and spyware that pop-up on a daily basis. A boot-time scan is recommended as a good course of action to remove your infection. Should you continue to experience slower PC speeds, you could try using a virus scanner to not only scan your hard drive, but prevent your PC from getting more spyware. Usually with spyware, once you have even a few files infected, they spread like a virus and attempt to propogate themselves. It’s important you have a virus scanner to not only delete old spyware, but prevent new spyware from popping up. Avast is great for this. Keeping your computer 100% free from viruses and spy-ware is difficult but following the procedures above you can continue to enjoy the use of your computer.
About the Author
For more great technology related articles and reviews visit Technology Slice
Written by mellow on December 31st, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Spyware.
The Shocking Facts are that 85% to 90% of computers that are connected to the internet today are infected by some type of adware and spyware!- Source CNN
These malicious software programs Invade your privacy and send personal and private data to third parties and also take up hard drive space and slow down your PC.
Spyware tracks your on line internet browsing and surfing habits. It moniters each location you visit and what you have looked up on that site. Spyware programs can even track every keystroke you make on your keyboard and record every bit of data you add to a online form, such as name, location and credit card data when you make a purchase. This can lead to identity hijacking and theft of personal and private credit card information. Your PC surfing habits and personal and private information is then sold to third parties.
Adware is another kind of spyware. It doesn’t work by tracking your information as spyware does, but what it can do is literally switch your browser settings without your permission. It can cause pop up ads to appear on your PC. A toolbar can also be installed on your computer without your knowledge. Most of us are unaware of the presence of adware programs installed on our computer untill it starts to slow down, crash, blue screen or programs stop working properly.
The spyware business is a billion dollar a year industry with people getting very rich selling the information they steal about you.
Downloading and installing anti-spyware software will remove and protect your computer from spyware, adware, keyloggers, pop ups, trojans and worms.
You can if you wish go to http://www.adwareremoval4you.com and download an excellent anti-spyware program that will scan, remove and protect your computer from all these hidden parasites.
About the Author
——————————————————— Malcolm Moorhouse Email: info@adwareremoval4you.com Web : http://www.adwareremoval4you.com Tel: 01458 830032 (UK) Tel: 44 1458 830032 (International) Copyright Malcolm Moorhouse 2006 ———————————————————–
Written by mellow on December 31st, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Spyware.
Using brand-new methods of intrusion, the men in black of computer age are often calling their selves spyware and range their activity from annoying to really dangerous!
Spyware defines itself as being highly malicious and perspicacious in collecting information about you and using it against you! It will learn everything about your online behavior by spying every move and click you perform? attention, the spy-hole never sleeps! And every spy has its own character: one is digging in your garbage, other wears a friendly mask to get in and to cause serious damage etc. One is more insidious then another, but all of them have a single purpose: to steal your love for life!
Why is it really annoying?
Sometimes you can get out of your mind asking yourself what made your computer behave so madly. The screen doesn?t stop from displaying pup-ups that weaken your concentration and draw your attention to useless images featuring various products. You receive ?pleasant? surprises when starting up your computer and observing a strange change of your own settings: the usual home page you used to start your surfing with is suddenly replaced and you simply cannot get it back. The mysterious appearance of a new tool bar wouldn?t be such a big deal, but the real problem is that you cannot remove it. It seems that you simply started to ?lose it??! Your peaceful machine got it?s own life and doesn?t need you anymore!
Who does all the changes and installs programs you never even heard about?
Well, there is no reason to start woo doo practices to regain your computer?s sympathy or engage in other rituals to get rid of the phantoms. Do not become a mystic just because your computer behaves strangely!
All of the above mentioned symptoms are signs of spyware invasion! Spyware gets into your system and performs apparently innocent tasks without asking your permission and without needing your holy consent.
Why is it dangerous?
Fulfilled with data you never needed and never approved, your computer will slow down its activity and ordinary tasks will take centuries to get accomplished. Frequent crashes are able to seriously damage your computer or lead it to the final crash.
If you are definitely convinced to stop it, you would need a special Anti-spyware program, but keep in mind: spyware stuff appear in many forms and perform different functions. You need a program intelligent enough to detect and deal with most of them. And, believe me, they are many: adware, keyloggers, spyware cookies, Trojan horses, adbots, Spybots and so on. To defeat them all you could try Spyware Doctor! Heal your PC and return its fidelity!
About the Author:
Ted Peterson writes for Core Download, a software archive with over 30.000 software titles to download like http://www.coredownload.com/download-Spyware-Doctor-15273.html, PC Tools Antivirus and Spam Monitor.
Written by mellow on December 30th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Spyware.
To get rid of spyware, you have know what spyware is. Spyware is software installed on your computer that tracks what you do, whenever you are online surfing the internet. It then sends information back to the source and shows you banner ads that are based on what sites you surf. Most spyware is bundled in free software that you download from the internet. You can tell if the software you have has spyware, because you will see a banner in your web browser that is not normally there, or you will get pop ups offering you products or services whenever you surf.
Spyware can take up your memory and then make you computer run slower, and finally, will make your computer freeze. So to get rid of spyware you have to find it on your computer. A program that can help with this problem is Adaware. Make a search for this program on Google.com and you should find a site to download it.
Run this program and notice what it finds. Then restart the computer and run the program again and see if it finds any more spyware. If it does, run a search online on Google for Spybot Search and Destroy. Follow the same steps and see if you still have spyware. If you do, reboot your computer in safe mode then run both the programs again. This time the computer will search all files and should find other spyware that could not be found earlier.
Once the programs finish running, restart your computer, run them again, then go online and check for updates for the programs. If updates are available, download them and rerun the programs to identify and remove any newer spyware.
If you want to get rid of spyware and keep it from getting back on your computer, you should buy a spyware software CD from the computer store. Having this will allow you to subscribe to the service which will provide updates. If the software suspects that spyware is on the computer, it will alert you and will remove the intruder.
You should use one of these methods to identify and remove spyware because it will cause your computer to not run correctly. If you do not want to use any of these programs and do not download files from the internet, then you should tell anyone else that uses your computer not to do so either.
About the Author
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Spyware
Written by mellow on December 29th, 2006 with no comments.
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Before making a decison on which anti-spyware program to purchase, it is a good idea to make four important steps which are sure to harden the life for spyware developers.
First, a PC connected to Internet should have a firewall installed and adequately configured. Default options are good most times, but not efficient enough against smart spyware (which is smart by its nature). Leave only those ports open which are used by applications you run. It is good to make sure that if an application doesn’t require incoming connections, than it is not allowed to receive ANY data from Internet.
Second, an advanced PC user always takes precautions when installing any free software (which very often includes spyware stuff); to possibly avoid future troubles, it is advisable to check the setup file with an anti-virus (supplied with latest signature updates).
Third, when surfing, be careful about ActiveX Controls trying to install themselves. ActiveX is a well-known and extremely widespread way of distributing spyware and viruses. Before installing any ActiveX component, make sure it is signed by software developer you trust (say, Microsoft or Adobe, if you trust them). Software giants are unlikely to push spyware onto your hard drive.
Finally, try to avoid websites with warez-related content, they are notorious for secretly installing tons of spyware modules on computers. Sure, these steps are NOT enough to stay safe and secure. They are very helpful, but they do not armour your PC against unwanted guests.
About the Author
I’m 25 y.o, work on a radio at nights… so have some time to post a couple of lines that might be of some interest to people out there… Feel free to use my postings any way you want. My anti-spyware fight.
Written by mellow on December 29th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Spyware.
Using brand-new methods of intrusion, the men in black of computer age are often calling their selves spyware and range their activity from annoying to really dangerous! Spyware defines itself as being highly malicious and perspicacious in collecting information about you and using it against you! It will learn everything about your online behavior by spying every move and click you perform… attention, the spy-hole never sleeps! And every spy has its own character: one is digging in your garbage, other wears a friendly mask to get in and to cause serious damage etc. One is more insidious then another, but all of them have a single purpose: to steal your love for life!
Why is it really annoying?
Sometimes you can get out of your mind asking yourself what made your computer behave so madly. The screen doesn’t stop from displaying pup-ups that weaken your concentration and draw your attention to useless images featuring various products. You receive “pleasant” surprises when starting up your computer and observing a strange change of your own settings: the usual home page you used to start your surfing with is suddenly replaced and you simply cannot get it back. The mysterious appearance of a new tool bar wouldn’t be such a big deal, but the real problem is that you cannot remove it. It seems that you simply started to “lose it”?! Your peaceful machine got it’s own life and doesn’t need you anymore! Who does all the changes and installs programs you never even heard about?
Well, there is no reason to start woo doo practices to regain your computer’s sympathy or engage in other rituals to get rid of the phantoms. Do not become a mystic just because your computer behaves strangely!
All of the above mentioned symptoms are signs of spyware invasion! Spyware gets into your system and performs apparently innocent tasks without asking your permission and without needing your holy consent.
Why is it dangerous?
Fulfilled with data you never needed and never approved, your computer will slow down its activity and ordinary tasks will take centuries to get accomplished. Frequent crashes are able to seriously damage your computer or lead it to the final crash.
If you are definitely convinced to stop it, you would need a special Anti-spyware program, but keep in mind: spyware stuff appear in many forms and perform different functions. You need a program intelligent enough to detect and deal with most of them. And, believe me, they are many: adware, keyloggers, spyware cookies, Trojan horses, adbots, Spybots and so on. To defeat them all you could try Spyware Doctor! Heal your PC and return its fidelity!
About the Author
Ted Peterson writes for Core Download, a software archive with over 30.000 software titles to download like Spyware Doctor, PC Tools Antivirus and Spam Monitor.
Written by mellow on December 28th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Spyware.
Windows Defender (formerly called Microsoft Antispyware) is a free program that helps you stay productive by protecting your computer against pop-ups, slow performance and security threats caused by spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Windows Defender has been redesigned with a simplified user interface – Incorporating feedback from customers, the Windows Defender UI has been redesigned to make common tasks easier to accomplish with a warning system that adapts alert levels according to the severity of a threat so that it is less intrusive overall, but still ensures the user does not miss the most urgent alerts.
Improved detection and removal – Based on a new engine, Windows Defender is able to detect and remove more threats posed by spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Real Time Protection has also been enhanced to better monitor key points in the operating system for changes.
Protection for all users – Windows Defender can be run by all users on a computer with or without administrative privileges. This ensures that all users on a computer are protected by Windows Defender.
After downloading and installing the new Windows Defender, I must say I was impressed. The tool found everything I threw at it, including a few threats that AdAware could not find. Microsoft has also implemented a network for people to join if they wish to combat new spyware. I think that this tool will be a great product for all computer users who are tired of constantly fighting spyware and adware. I am telling all of my clients at Best Web Hosting to download it and try it out. You can find Microsoft Spyware here.
About the Author
J. Ratliff is an affiliate marketer since 1999. He is the author of the Affiliate Ranch and Best Web Hosting.
Written by mellow on December 27th, 2006 with no comments.
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Spyware, Malware and adware are a horrible but all to common part of using a computer. I myself got infected with spyware just a couple days ago and removed it using these programs.
Spyware and adware is a big issue today and the problem is only going to get bigger over the next few years. To understand how to rid your computer of spyware you have to first understand why it is being created in the first place so why don?t we look at that.
Where did Spyware start?
Companies in the past created spyware as a service to their advertisers. What would happen is you would install an application that you thought was cute or useful like Bonzai buddy or Comet Cursors and you used this knowing that it was free. What you did not know was that these ?free? programs in fact were tracking all of the websites that you were going to and then sending back the information to the company that created the application, this seemed to be bad but not many people were too concerned. After the companies got this information on your surfing habits then they would change the ads on web pages, this is adware, so that they were targeting topics that you had shown interest in, and of course those companies were picking up the advertising dollars for placing those ads on your computer.
Why Does Spyware still exist?
Now that you can see the basics of how spyware is created and why you can imagine how lucrative a business it is to create spyware. In fact the company that was Gator is now called Claria and made profits of $100 million last year. Since there is so much money to be made in the spyware business there are always a lot of new spyware being released. All of this spyware is probably really slowing down your computer and breaking your applications.
How did I get this Spyware stuff?
There are a lot of ways that a computer can get spyware and its cousin Adware. The most popular ways right now are still by installing programs that have the spyware embedded directly into it and is launched as soon as you install the program. Other ways to get spyware are from visiting webpages that drop Active X controls on your computer or run javascripts and even sometimes from objects placed within emails.
OK, How do I get rid of the stuff now that I have it?
Most of the time getting spyware and getting rid of spyware is not very difficult but it takes some work on the user?s part, that?s you! There are several programs out there that will get rid of the spyware and adware but the two that are most common are Spybot and AdAware both of these programs are free to download and free to use. I have used Spybot and Adaware for years now and I never use just one of the two
, I always use both as they seem to each catch spyware and adware that the other does not.
What if These two free programs don't get rid of it all?
In the end you can not always rely on just one or two free programs but even just using these two free products will often make a big difference to speeding up and securing your computer. When you are ready you can look around and often find one or more great programs that will do it all in one place and do a better job at that.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bill Nadraszky is a Systems Analyst and a computer software specialist. You can see more on Spyware and Virus removal and news at Spyware and Virus News and sites. If you are interseted in getting going in the computer support business Bill also has tips at his main technology site XP Tech Support
Written by mellow on December 27th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Spyware.
Computer security, in basic terms means keeping your computer and the data that’s in it safe and secure. More of our personal data is stored in or accessed from our computer, now more than ever before. Yet most people lack even the basic understanding of how to keep their computers safe and secure. By following just a few simple rules you can dramatically improve the overall security of your computer.
The first thing to understand is what exactly it means to be connected to the internet. Your computer connected to the internet is similar to your house in many ways. There are many ways into your house. Windows, doors, etc. The more windows and doors you have, the more ways someone has into your house. An open door doesn’t necessarily mean you are going to be robbed, but it does improve the chances. Complicating matters, the ones that you think are locked, may not be because the lock is faulty or even the door itself may have an as of yet undiscovered flaw that would allow an intruder easy access to your home.
Your computer has many windows and doors, not all of which are locked. New flaws are being found everyday, often with the fix not coming until days after. Just like you wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked, you shouldn’t leave your computer wide open either. The first two things we will discuss to help with this task are installation of a quality firewall and regularly updating your installed software.
Updating your software is becoming easier these days, especially your Operating System. We don’t have the time here to go into detail about the many ways to update the many software packages you may have or use, but generally speaking the software manufacturer will provide you a way to do this automatically via the internet. A good example of this is the Microsoft Windows Update feature. Be sure to get the updates for everything installed on your computer, nothing is too trivial.
There are two basic types of firewalls and both perform the same functions. One is hardware the other is software. A hardware firewall is probably included in your router if you are using one, while you may or may not have a software firewall installed. To continue our house analogy, a firewall is like building a wall and gate around your home and giving the guard at the gate instructions on who to let in and out. While this does give a great deal of protection, it is not all that is required. Someone may know a way around or under your wall, or even be able to coerce the guard into letting them in.
You yourself may unwittingly allow someone in. This could happen by simply opening an email or even simply surfing the net. Spyware, viruses, trojans and the like are ever more adept in their methods of fooling you and your guards. Emails may come from a trusted friend containing a dangerous virus without them even knowing it. This is where the next layer of protection comes in, anti-virus software.
Anti-virus software is a large category these days. Often these packages come as “suites” including a firewall and Spyware scanner. While most of these programs are very effective in their promised tasks, it is not wise to be lulled into a false sense of security by them. They are simply one layer in what should be a multi tiered protection plan for you and your computer. One last important note about anti virus software is to be sure that it updates on a regular basis. New threats come out daily so check its updates manually to be sure they have happened.
Back to our house analogy, we now have all of our windows, doors and other entry ways locked and fully updated. We have a wall around our house with a guard at the gate and we have software scanning everything that comes in past the gate. Sounds pretty good, but there’s one last security hole we need to address, you.
A large percentage of infections are caused by the computer user themselves. The internet is an ever changing place that requires it’s users to be educated about its use. I’m not suggesting that you need to be a computer expert to simply read your email. I am however suggesting that you take some time to educate yourself on some of the dangers that pop up everyday, and the precautions to take in order to avoid them.
In summary, your computer is a powerful machine connected to one of the greatest things ever invented, the internet. This vast resource can be a dangerous place if you are not properly prepared and informed. Regular software updates, a good firewall, anti virus software and a little education are the basics in computer security. Having and understanding these basics will make your computer safer, more secure and more enjoyable.
About the Author
D. David Dugan is the president of DD&C and personally helps to maintain their computer support forum at http://forum.dugancom.com as well as their Spyware Information site http://spyware.dugancom.com.
Written by mellow on December 26th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Spyware.
Computer security, in basic terms means keeping your computer and the data that?s in it safe and secure. More of our personal data is stored in or accessed from our computer, now more than ever before. Yet most people lack even the basic understanding of how to keep their computers safe and secure. By following just a few simple rules you can dramatically improve the overall security of your computer.
The first thing to understand is what exactly it means to be connected to the internet. Your computer connected to the internet is similar to your house in many ways. There are many ways into your house. Windows, doors, etc. The more windows and doors you have, the more ways someone has into your house. An open door doesn?t necessarily mean you are going to be robbed, but it does improve the chances. Complicating matters, the ones that you think are locked, may not be because the lock is faulty or even the door itself may have an as of yet undiscovered flaw that would allow an intruder easy access to your home.
Your computer has many windows and doors, not all of which are locked. New flaws are being found everyday, often with the fix not coming until days after. Just like you wouldn?t leave your front door unlocked, you shouldn?t leave your computer wide open either. The first two things we will discuss to help with this task are installation of a quality firewall and regularly updating your installed software.
Updating your software is becoming easier these days, especially your Operating System. We don?t have the time here to go into detail about the many ways to update the many software packages you may have or use, but generally speaking the software manufacturer will provide you a way to do this automatically via the internet. A good example of this is the Microsoft Windows Update feature. Be sure to get the updates for everything installed on your computer, nothing is too trivial.
There are two basic types of firewalls and both perform the same functions. One is hardware the other is software. A hardware firewall is probably included in your router if you are using one, while you may or may not have a software firewall installed. To continue our house analogy, a firewall is like building a wall and gate around your home and giving the guard at the gate instructions on who to let in and out. While this does give a great deal of protection, it is not all that is required. Someone may know a way around or under your wall, or even be able to coerce the guard into letting them in.
You yourself may unwittingly allow someone in. This could happen by simply opening an email or even simply surfing the net. Spyware, viruses, trojans and the like are ever more adept in their methods of fooling you and your guards. Emails may come from a trusted friend containing a dangerous virus without them even knowing it. This is where the next layer of protection comes in, anti-virus software.
Anti-virus software is a large category these days. Often these packages come as ?suites? including a firewall and Spyware scanner. While most of these programs are very effective in their promised tasks, it is not wise to be lulled into a false sense of security by them. They are simply one layer in what should be a multi tiered protection plan for you and your computer. One last important note about anti virus software is to be sure that it updates on a regular basis. New threats come out daily so check its updates manually to be sure they have happened.
Back to our house analogy, we now have all of our windows, doors and other entry ways locked and fully updated. We have a wall around our house with a guard at the gate and we have software scanning everything that comes in past the gate. Sounds pretty good, but there?s one last security hole we need to address, you.
A large percentage of infections are caused by the computer user themselves. The internet is an ever changing place that requires it?s users to be educated about its use. I?m not suggesting that you need to be a computer expert to simply read your email. I am however suggesting that you take some time to educate yourself on some of the dangers that pop up everyday, and the precautions to take in order to avoid them.
In summary, your computer is a powerful machine connected to one of the greatest things ever invented, the internet. This vast resource can be a dangerous place if you are not properly prepared and informed. Regular software updates, a good firewall, anti virus software and a little education are the basics in computer security. Having and understanding these basics will make your computer safer, more secure and more enjoyable.
About the Author:
D. David Dugan is the president of DD&C and personally helps to maintain their computer support forum at http://forum.dugancom.com as well as their Spyware Information site http://spyware.dugancom.com.
Written by mellow on December 25th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Spyware.
