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Understanding Spyware |
by:
Mark Freeman |
Spyware is"malware" or malicious software that is placed on your computer without your knowledge. This can happen when you visit online web sites offering free downloads of games, when you download videos or music, or any share files, such as when you download that comic e mail from your friend. Spyware programs are piggybacked into your machine atsame time you downloadfile. Spyware is infecting millions of home computers today.
Spyware tracks your on line computer habits. It knows each site you visit and what you have looked up on that site. Some spyware even tracks each keystroke you make, including every bit of information you fill out onform, such as name and address, and credit card information when you makepurchase. This has some inonline world worried that this can lead to identity theft and stealing of credit card numbers. Your computer surfing habits and personal information is then sold to businesses. The spyware business isbillion dollar industry, with lots of people getting rich selling your information without your knowledge.
Another problem with spyware is that unless you run anti spyware software often, you do not know that spyware been installed until your computer starts to slow down. Bytime your computer slows down due to spyware you could have as many as six or seven different spyware programs running inbackground.
You can get rid of spyware by running any ofnumber of anti-spyware programs available onmarket today. Run these programs often. Some suggest that after you runanti spyware program that you re-boot your computer and runsoftware again to make sure there are no "ticklers". Ticklers are designed to reinstall spyware.
The best way to avoid spyware is to stay away from downloading freebies. Don't open unsolicited e-mail, delete it before you open it. When downloading any software, even legitimate software programs frominternet readend users agreement thoroughly. Some of these agreements will state that they are installing spyware type software, and by you downloading their program you are agreeing to let them put spyware on your computer. If you know this then you haveability to say yes, or no and protect your personal information.
Aboutauthor:
This article courtesy of http://www.adware-eliminator.net
Circulated by Article Emporium
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