Spyware - A Threat to Your Privacy!

Most common individuals like me have no idea of the dangers that spyware brings? Well, allow me to warn you. They are on nearly all computers that use the Internet, especially if you enjoy the free resources of the Internet.

Spyware is a type of software that installs on your computer without asking you. Small computer programs can be downloaded onto your computer from the Internet and install themselves without your knowledge.

A common tactic of these spyware programs is to ride the back of freebie software that you may download. These freebies, official called freeware or shareware, are usually free porn, games, videos & p2p applications. But do not get me wrong, they sometimes use sophisticated methods to invade your PC. And the hard truth isthis stuff is legal!

Like most folks, you download a free program in hopes of finally receiving something free in life. Then you click to install the freebie, but there is a small stomp in your waythe license agreement. Just like any brave soldier, you click the I Agree button without actually reading the long set of words. And thus the spyware has legally invaded your home.

Normally spyware main agenda is to report your PC activity to a third party and/or pop up advertisements on your PC. I am certain you have had the experience of random bombardment of annoying pop ups! This is how the creators of spyware software make their money. Then there are a lot of spyware applications that simply collect useful data for advertising companies to learn more about your Internet behavior.

Then there are the true spyware villains that gather email addresses and passwords off your PC and either use them or sell your personal information to the highest bidder of the underground Internet world.

How do I know if I have spyware on my computer?

Here are the warning signs of spyware:

1) Pop ups even when you are not browsing the Internet

2) Toolbars and/or icons appear on your browser or desktop out of nowhere

3) Both your computer and Internet connection moves drastically slower

4) Your browser constantly goes aloft with advertising with sites.

5) The settings on your browser change unexpectedly

6) Advertising appears everywhere on your computer

If you have any of these issues, seek help quickly.

Do what?

1) Get a reputable firewall program for your PC. If you have a Windows computer that was built within the last five years, then there is already a firewall built-in. Just make sure it is not disabled. Also virus protection software have firewalls integrated into the application.

2) Stop clicking on the pop up advertisements. This decreases the amount of advertisements you may receive.

3) Stay away from free downloads. There is no such thing as free! Make sure to do some research first to determine the legitimacy of the software.

4) It is like the wisdom of King Solomon to allow the Windows automatic update feature to remain on at all times.

5) Use a quality anti-spyware program.

Never click on or purchase spyware cleaning programs that come from spam email or from popups! These are so-called spyware cleaning program are themselves spyware! Make sure that you buy spyware cleaning software from a reputable company or youll end up making your problems worse!

Allow the antispyware program to run on a scheduled basis, like every night when you are not usually on the computer.

By: Isaiah Henry

At RemoveSpywareandAdware.com, we are honored to have Isaiah Henry as researcher on how to remove spyware. He has written on the likes of XoftSpySE. Visit RemoveSpywareandAdware.com for free information.

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