What is spyware and how can I protect my computer from it?

This article explains in brief what spyware and adware are and the precautions to be taken to prevent them from messing up your computer.

While many computer users are familiar with the term virus, not as many understand the term spyware. Simply put, spyware is software that performs certain behaviors such as advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer, generally without your permission.
It helps advertisers track web sites you visit, the ads you click on or the search engines that you use.

Symptoms of spyware:

Computer acts sluggish or choppy.
Internet connection appears slower than usual.
Ads appear while not browsing the web.
The Homepage has changed in the Internet browser.
Web sites are redirected to unknown pages.
Search bar plug-ins appear in your browser.
A new toolbar appears and you can't seem to get rid of it.
Spyware software appears in menus.
Your computer crashes a lot when it never used to.

Removing Spyware:

Spyware scanners can remove existing spyware.
It is recommended to install Anti-Spyware Software.

How Spyware can get into your computer:

Spyware can get to your computer drive by downloads of certain software programs.
Some pop-up boxes that appear while browsing can be carriers of Spyware.
Sharing of files between computers can result in Spyware entering a computer.
Clicking on certificates that pop up while browsing (as shown below) can install Spyware into your computer.
Email attachments.

Basic spyware prevention:

Install anti-spyware program.
Install a pop-up blocker to prevent adware and spyware pop-up windows.
Make sure the programs you install don't contain adware.
Whenever you are installing something on your computer, make sure you carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement.

Avoid clicking unwanted links and think twice before beginning freeware installation.
Be careful when you use a file from someone else's computer. Run a virus scan on the disk before opening any files.

Follow these steps and you can be sure your computer is well protected!

Here are a list of some anti-spyware software you can download for free:

Spyblaster : http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/downloads.html
Windows Defender : http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/s
Ad-Aware Personal SE : http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad-aware_se_pe
Spybot Search & Destroy : http://www.spybot.info/en/download/index.html
HiJackThis : http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3155.html

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Type:	ArticleContent
Updated at:	27 Mar 22:27
Updated by:	gadget
Tags:	anti-spyware
Keywords:	Spyware, protecting computer from Spyware, what is Spyware, anti spyware, adware, spyware, internet, connection, how to protect from spyware, how to protect your computer from spyware, spyware protect, protect against spyware, spyware detection, spyware programs, spyware scan, spyware remove, anti spyware, spyware removal, spyware freeware, computer virus, spyware killer, adware spyware, spyware virus, spyware remover, spyware protection, adaware spyware, protecting information, spyware privacy, protecting privacy, anti spyware, internet connection, spyware software, search engines, spyware prevention
Brand:	Topic > Tips & Tricks Article Source > Authored in Zolved Category > Computers > Anti Spyware