Once again, there have been more instances of Identity Theft, as a result of unsecured networks, greedy employees and contractors, and lost or stolen laptops. More people have had their personal information compromised, and now currently live in the possibility that someone out there is using their identity for illegal activities, such as immigration, money fraud, or even medical fraud. Some of the people affected don’t even know that their information has fallen into the wrong hands. Others may have received a letter from some institution alerting them to the fact that their identities may have been compromised.
How aware of these events are you? Are you watching the news, or reading the newspaper or learning about it on a website on the Internet? Do you pay attention to Identity Theft, even though it may have not happened to you yet? Or are you just know paying attention to the overwhelming breaches because you just had a bad experience due to someone actually getting your personal information? If it has happened to you, then of course your awareness is already raised, but if it hasn’t yet, you may want to pay attention to what’s going on in the world.
There are services out there that can monitor the use of your personal information. The first and perfect example is to talk to one of the 3 main credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. They’ve also partnered together and created a website, www.annualcreditreport.com where you can request a free credit report once a year. You may see a lot of companies offering services to monitor your credit, or keep a watchful eye on your personal information. Before you sign up for this, make sure you do your research on which company is to be trusted. The last thing you want to happen is to have your identity stolen while trying to keep an eye on it.
Another step you can take is to set up an alert based on a company you use, such as your bank, or investment company or University, and every time that company is mentioned, you will receive an email notifying you. Google allows for this to be possible by their alert system found here: http://www.google.com/alerts. For example, you can set up an alert for your bank “BANK NAME” and anytime that they appear in the news, you will receive a notification with a link about the news article, and from there you can read the article to see if a breach has occurred. As you set these up, you will learn more and more what terms you are looking for, and what terms you may not want to use.
Again, you must be vigilant when keeping an eye on your Identity. Do everything you can to make sure no one else takes advantage of it.
Find more information about what a credit report is, visit our site. Other resources are also available at http://www.whoelseisme.com helpling people not only recover from Identity Theft but to prevent Identity Theft from happening.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jake_Feuerbacher
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Security Software - Always Stay Secure
There are severhttp://spyware-info.blogspot.comal reasons why you should use security software to protect your personal information and your computer while online. Security software offers Internet users with protection against viruses, worms, spyware and other programs that are designed to infiltrate your computer system without your permission.
Internet security software will help prevent identity theft. Identity theft is a crime that affects over nine million Americans each year. It can take a victim years to recover from identity theft. Sometimes a victim of identity theft is unable to get an educational loan or a credit card or a loan or is turned down for a job.
Another benefit to using security software is that the software is designed to stop hackers in their tracks. This is the best way to protect your privacy while you are online. Plus with security software you can make your IP address unlisted. This is great because often time’s hacker will use your IP address to access the Internet for free. This can disrupt your computer system.
When you install security software onto your computer you are ensuring that your information and computer system when you are at an unsecured location such as a Internet café or a hotel or a airport. This is perfect for the Internet user who is always on the go.
With Internet security software you are protecting all of the data on your computer with specialized encryption software. Other benefits are that security software eliminates popup, offers hard drive security, and eliminates censorship by your ISP and so much more. The Internet has changed the way the we live, we work and we play. We are connected to people and information from different parts of the world in a matter of seconds. The Internet has revolutionized the way we conduct business or look fro a job. The only negative aspect is that the Internet has created a new form of crime, cyber crime. Protect yourself while online with security software.
Written by Joe Amerson. Find the latest information on private browsing as well as anonymous browsing
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Amerson
Internet security software will help prevent identity theft. Identity theft is a crime that affects over nine million Americans each year. It can take a victim years to recover from identity theft. Sometimes a victim of identity theft is unable to get an educational loan or a credit card or a loan or is turned down for a job.
Another benefit to using security software is that the software is designed to stop hackers in their tracks. This is the best way to protect your privacy while you are online. Plus with security software you can make your IP address unlisted. This is great because often time’s hacker will use your IP address to access the Internet for free. This can disrupt your computer system.
When you install security software onto your computer you are ensuring that your information and computer system when you are at an unsecured location such as a Internet café or a hotel or a airport. This is perfect for the Internet user who is always on the go.
With Internet security software you are protecting all of the data on your computer with specialized encryption software. Other benefits are that security software eliminates popup, offers hard drive security, and eliminates censorship by your ISP and so much more. The Internet has changed the way the we live, we work and we play. We are connected to people and information from different parts of the world in a matter of seconds. The Internet has revolutionized the way we conduct business or look fro a job. The only negative aspect is that the Internet has created a new form of crime, cyber crime. Protect yourself while online with security software.
Written by Joe Amerson. Find the latest information on private browsing as well as anonymous browsing
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Amerson
Thursday, September 6, 2007
5 Reasons Why You Need PC Protection Software
The Internet is a place with loads of information. In just one click, we can find what we need in one place.
As of right now, there are 6,574,666,417 Internet users worldwide (stats by Internet World Stats) and this number is increasing everyday. Because of the number of users, security become an issue for Internet users.
Internet users are faced with many online threats everyday. In the nineties,the Michaelangelo virus storm through the Internet and in the year 2000, the ILOVEYOU worm appeared.
Let me tell you five reasons why you should protect your PC and why I should do the same.
1) Adware
Have you ever wondered why you're getting the same popup everytime you open your web browser? This software is called adware and it displays advertisement in your PC. The software
will installs itself in your PC and it's difficult to uninstall it and it also can slow down your PC.
2) Browser Hijackers
When you open your web browser, your home page has changed. In this case, it is the browser hijackers that changed your home page. Other than changing your home page, it can disable your Internet Options so you cannot change the current home page.
3) Phishing
The hackers can steal your confidential information or personal information using phishing techniques. Phishers will duplicate trusted websites and ask you to enter your information. Many people are fooled using this technique and many has suffered. Therefore, if you don't learn how to protect your PC, you're risking your confidential information to other people.
4) Spam
Spam is junk emails or bulk emails aimed to send advertisement to your inbox. Sometimes, the emails will send virus in its attachment or a link that will point you to download a virus or Trojan Horse.
5) Spyware
Spyware is software used by the advertisers to gain information from you such as your browsing habit, which websites that you visited, and it will send that information to certain people without you knowing. It also can change your home page.
These are the 5 reasons why you should protect your PC. Leaving your PC unprotected while using the Internet will make you vulnerable to these threats. Learn how to protect your PC by
reading articles, ebooks, participate in tech forums and reading books. It can help you to avoid these threats.
About the author:
Azwan Asmat is the author of Chuang Computer Tips http://chuangcomputer.blogspot.com. Want to know the secret of securing your PC from dangerous spyware, adware, and malware
programs that can ruin your PC, your finances, and your sanity?!! Visit http://www.chuangcomputer.com/pcsafety for more info.
As of right now, there are 6,574,666,417 Internet users worldwide (stats by Internet World Stats) and this number is increasing everyday. Because of the number of users, security become an issue for Internet users.
Internet users are faced with many online threats everyday. In the nineties,the Michaelangelo virus storm through the Internet and in the year 2000, the ILOVEYOU worm appeared.
Let me tell you five reasons why you should protect your PC and why I should do the same.
1) Adware
Have you ever wondered why you're getting the same popup everytime you open your web browser? This software is called adware and it displays advertisement in your PC. The software
will installs itself in your PC and it's difficult to uninstall it and it also can slow down your PC.
2) Browser Hijackers
When you open your web browser, your home page has changed. In this case, it is the browser hijackers that changed your home page. Other than changing your home page, it can disable your Internet Options so you cannot change the current home page.
3) Phishing
The hackers can steal your confidential information or personal information using phishing techniques. Phishers will duplicate trusted websites and ask you to enter your information. Many people are fooled using this technique and many has suffered. Therefore, if you don't learn how to protect your PC, you're risking your confidential information to other people.
4) Spam
Spam is junk emails or bulk emails aimed to send advertisement to your inbox. Sometimes, the emails will send virus in its attachment or a link that will point you to download a virus or Trojan Horse.
5) Spyware
Spyware is software used by the advertisers to gain information from you such as your browsing habit, which websites that you visited, and it will send that information to certain people without you knowing. It also can change your home page.
These are the 5 reasons why you should protect your PC. Leaving your PC unprotected while using the Internet will make you vulnerable to these threats. Learn how to protect your PC by
reading articles, ebooks, participate in tech forums and reading books. It can help you to avoid these threats.
About the author:
Azwan Asmat is the author of Chuang Computer Tips http://chuangcomputer.blogspot.com. Want to know the secret of securing your PC from dangerous spyware, adware, and malware
programs that can ruin your PC, your finances, and your sanity?!! Visit http://www.chuangcomputer.com/pcsafety for more info.
Removing spyware from your computer
Spyware is hard to detect on the system but there are signs that suggest you are having spyware infections.
These signs are:
*various pop-up windows that disturb your surfing,
*your system is becoming slow to respond or freezes or your web browser's home
page changes from time to time.
If you suspect the existence of spyware on your computer than you should run spyware remover software to clean up your PC.
What is spyware?
According to Wikipedia spyware is a malicious software that is installed on your PC - in order to perform various tasks or take partial control over it without your consent. Spyware can get
installed while you are browsing the web or installing software such as file sharing or video downloading software.
What you can do about spyware on your computer?
Removing spyware can not be done once and for all. Using spyware removers must be a weekly habit to delete these infections from your personal computer. In much the same way you clean your home once in a week you will also need good tools to clean spyware out of your PC.
All spyware removal tools do a scan and then remove the found infections. Some spyware killers offer a permanent real-time protection shield to prevent spyware entering your computer.
Usually, detection and removal of a spyware is much simpler compared to prevention, so keep your good habit and do a spyware scan at least one a week.
There are more than 270,000 known infections today and the number is constantly growing. It is a must to have a frequently updated database. Fortunately almost all spyware removers
feature automatic updaters so you do not have to worry about having the current version.
There are several good anti-spyware programs which help removing spyware from an infected system. These spyware removal programs scan all your files including Windows registry, operating system files, running processes, essential system components and cookies. If they find an infected file, they delete it. It is a good idea to have 2 or even 3 spyware removers to maximize protection against spyware and adware.
About the author:
Frank Stefano has witnessed far too many system crashes and lost files due to spyware and adware, so he decided to make a website and write articles about the issue. Visit http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=">http://www.detectingspyware.info/
to access free spyware scans and read more tips and tricks about spyware and adware protections.
These signs are:
*various pop-up windows that disturb your surfing,
*your system is becoming slow to respond or freezes or your web browser's home
page changes from time to time.
If you suspect the existence of spyware on your computer than you should run spyware remover software to clean up your PC.
What is spyware?
According to Wikipedia spyware is a malicious software that is installed on your PC - in order to perform various tasks or take partial control over it without your consent. Spyware can get
installed while you are browsing the web or installing software such as file sharing or video downloading software.
What you can do about spyware on your computer?
Removing spyware can not be done once and for all. Using spyware removers must be a weekly habit to delete these infections from your personal computer. In much the same way you clean your home once in a week you will also need good tools to clean spyware out of your PC.
All spyware removal tools do a scan and then remove the found infections. Some spyware killers offer a permanent real-time protection shield to prevent spyware entering your computer.
Usually, detection and removal of a spyware is much simpler compared to prevention, so keep your good habit and do a spyware scan at least one a week.
There are more than 270,000 known infections today and the number is constantly growing. It is a must to have a frequently updated database. Fortunately almost all spyware removers
feature automatic updaters so you do not have to worry about having the current version.
There are several good anti-spyware programs which help removing spyware from an infected system. These spyware removal programs scan all your files including Windows registry, operating system files, running processes, essential system components and cookies. If they find an infected file, they delete it. It is a good idea to have 2 or even 3 spyware removers to maximize protection against spyware and adware.
About the author:
Frank Stefano has witnessed far too many system crashes and lost files due to spyware and adware, so he decided to make a website and write articles about the issue. Visit http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=">http://www.detectingspyware.info/
to access free spyware scans and read more tips and tricks about spyware and adware protections.
How Spyware Spies
More and more PC owners are realizing the impact of spyware in their operating systems and are taking the necessary actions in undoing the damage by installing spyware removal software. But what is the real reason we need such software and how does spyware actually trace our cyber behavior? There are plenty of fundamentals to know before choosing anti-spyware software.
For starters, spyware records your every activity, from keystrokes and file sharing activity, to what you say in your emails and IM's. Most of the time, these aren't for malicious purposes and are tagged 'adware.' In many cases, your web browsing activity is useful to advertisers in their marketing campaigns, as they can track your purchase decisions and scope out their competitors.
However, spyware can be malicious and can be transmitted through 'bundling' or Internet browser deficiencies. In other words, a security flaw can open doors for spyware programs to
attach themselves to your PC or your information is given to software publishers by spyware companies themselves for payment.
6StarReviews.com reports that popular anti-spyware software STOPzilla targets spyware from all directions. This program not only scans for commonly known and discreet adware and spyware, it prevents browser hijacks and phishing attempts, which are typical when spyware is prevalent in your operating system. In order to protect your important files and confidential
information, it's vital to implement http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href%20%22spyware
removal software.
About the author:
Kelly Liyakasa is staff writer for 6StarReviews.com. Kelly Staller is site manager at 6StarReviews.com, a site dedicated to giving YOU, the consumer, the best product and service reviews around. If you like saving time and money by having someone else review leading sites and products, then http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=">Visit our site at 6StarReviews.com. Also, if you have the time, check out the 6StarReviews Blog for prod
For starters, spyware records your every activity, from keystrokes and file sharing activity, to what you say in your emails and IM's. Most of the time, these aren't for malicious purposes and are tagged 'adware.' In many cases, your web browsing activity is useful to advertisers in their marketing campaigns, as they can track your purchase decisions and scope out their competitors.
However, spyware can be malicious and can be transmitted through 'bundling' or Internet browser deficiencies. In other words, a security flaw can open doors for spyware programs to
attach themselves to your PC or your information is given to software publishers by spyware companies themselves for payment.
6StarReviews.com reports that popular anti-spyware software STOPzilla targets spyware from all directions. This program not only scans for commonly known and discreet adware and spyware, it prevents browser hijacks and phishing attempts, which are typical when spyware is prevalent in your operating system. In order to protect your important files and confidential
information, it's vital to implement http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href%20%22spyware
removal software.
About the author:
Kelly Liyakasa is staff writer for 6StarReviews.com. Kelly Staller is site manager at 6StarReviews.com, a site dedicated to giving YOU, the consumer, the best product and service reviews around. If you like saving time and money by having someone else review leading sites and products, then http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=">Visit our site at 6StarReviews.com. Also, if you have the time, check out the 6StarReviews Blog for prod
Registry Mechanic? 6.0 For Windows
Registry Mechanic is not only the most popular registry cleaner on the market (with 100000+ downloads per week) but also one of the easiest to use! With Registry Mechanic you can safely clean and repair Windows registry problems with a few simple mouse clicks! Problems with the Windows registry are a common cause of Windows crashes and error messages. Registry Cleaners Are a Must Have Many registry cleaner software such as windows XP registry cleaner, windows free registry cleaner, PC registry cleaner and the like Scan the system registry and locate the obsolete information that is clogging and slowing down the system. This information can include broken links and redundant programs that serve no purpose to the system at all.
The registry cleaners try to fix these broken links by locating the programs that can be associated with them or if the programs are already associated then the registry cleaner will delete the broken link altogether. This frees up space in the registry and leaves spaces that need to be filled by bringing the registry entries closer together. This is called compressing the registry. The purpose of a registry cleaner is to make the system run faster and error free. Most of the registry cleaners achieve this with ease.
Scan at windows xp registry import not all keys. Downloading one of these registry cleaners takes no longer than a couple of minutes depending on your internet connection and then it takes just a few seconds to install
Your PC might be inflicted by Adwares, Spywares and Spambots. In addition, your registry might be littered with logs that commands your PC to execute these files. A registry cleaner is
needed to clean some of these programs. Registry cleaners detect errors in your PC. Registry cleaners help your PC function properly and registry cleaners detect errors, and deletes and/or
fixes them. For your PC to function in its optimum performance, you must have a registry cleaner.
The basic programs that your PC should have in order to function properly should be:
anti-virus software, firewall, anti-spam, and a good registry cleaner. Registry Cleaners Are a Must Have Many registry cleaner software such as windows XP registry cleaner windows free
registry cleaner PC registry cleaner and the like Scan the system registry and locate the obsolete information that is clogging and slowing down the system. Free scan at cannot find
server or dns error internet explorer secure.
Many registry cleaners and registry repair software have a startup management tool built in.
This information is constantly referenced during the operation of the computer. Backup Copies With Backup The steps to fix registry on computer is not as easy as 1-2-3. But it is not as
complicated as fixing cars either. To fix registry on computer is to simply change the registry information back to its default setting or to repair any errors incurred therein. Whether it is
complicated or relatively easy to fix registry on computer, the fact remains the same: you have to do backups. Backups are extremely important so that you can still retrieve your date in
case you have failed to fix registry on computer. Also, it enables you to always restore the default settings of the registry of your computer in case you were not able to fix it.
See http://www.registrycleanertools.info/registry-clean-expert/registry-cleaner-free-removal.php ry-cleaner-free-removal.php. Spyware installs itself on the system and makes its entries in the registry as well
About the author:
Eugene is an expert in window 2000 registry cleaner for over 10 years. Free Registry Scan at
http://www.registryrepairtool.info/top-rated-registry-fix-performers/free-fixes-for-windows-error-messages.php ers/free-fixes-for-windows-error-messages.php
The registry cleaners try to fix these broken links by locating the programs that can be associated with them or if the programs are already associated then the registry cleaner will delete the broken link altogether. This frees up space in the registry and leaves spaces that need to be filled by bringing the registry entries closer together. This is called compressing the registry. The purpose of a registry cleaner is to make the system run faster and error free. Most of the registry cleaners achieve this with ease.
Scan at windows xp registry import not all keys. Downloading one of these registry cleaners takes no longer than a couple of minutes depending on your internet connection and then it takes just a few seconds to install
Your PC might be inflicted by Adwares, Spywares and Spambots. In addition, your registry might be littered with logs that commands your PC to execute these files. A registry cleaner is
needed to clean some of these programs. Registry cleaners detect errors in your PC. Registry cleaners help your PC function properly and registry cleaners detect errors, and deletes and/or
fixes them. For your PC to function in its optimum performance, you must have a registry cleaner.
The basic programs that your PC should have in order to function properly should be:
anti-virus software, firewall, anti-spam, and a good registry cleaner. Registry Cleaners Are a Must Have Many registry cleaner software such as windows XP registry cleaner windows free
registry cleaner PC registry cleaner and the like Scan the system registry and locate the obsolete information that is clogging and slowing down the system. Free scan at cannot find
server or dns error internet explorer secure.
Many registry cleaners and registry repair software have a startup management tool built in.
This information is constantly referenced during the operation of the computer. Backup Copies With Backup The steps to fix registry on computer is not as easy as 1-2-3. But it is not as
complicated as fixing cars either. To fix registry on computer is to simply change the registry information back to its default setting or to repair any errors incurred therein. Whether it is
complicated or relatively easy to fix registry on computer, the fact remains the same: you have to do backups. Backups are extremely important so that you can still retrieve your date in
case you have failed to fix registry on computer. Also, it enables you to always restore the default settings of the registry of your computer in case you were not able to fix it.
See http://www.registrycleanertools.info/registry-clean-expert/registry-cleaner-free-removal.php ry-cleaner-free-removal.php. Spyware installs itself on the system and makes its entries in the registry as well
About the author:
Eugene is an expert in window 2000 registry cleaner for over 10 years. Free Registry Scan at
http://www.registryrepairtool.info/top-rated-registry-fix-performers/free-fixes-for-windows-error-messages.php ers/free-fixes-for-windows-error-messages.php
Crouching Trojan, Hidden Malware
Trojans are not just more dangerous than computer viruses, they're stealthier, too. Find out where they hide.
Minions of an evil master lurk in your hard drive, crouching in your system registry, ready to pounce.
What Is a Trojan?
The word "Trojan" is a mystery to most people, even many who think they know its true meaning. If more people really understood what Trojans are and the risk they pose, there would be fewer Trojans, since fewer people would ever leave their machines vulnerable to them.
A Trojan is malware. Malware is a special kind of software, like spyware, adware, and viruses that no one wants. Yet a Trojan is more dangerous than any other kind of malware. Unlike those other types of malware, Trojans are not mindless flunkies hurled at your computer by their masters. A Trojan is a master that first craftily infiltrates your PC, then unleashes its malware henchman.
What Trojans Do
• Some Trojans may install worms, which are programs that use your computer and internet connection to send out armies of server requests in the hope of shutting a particular website down, or to spread viruses or worms to other computers.
• Other Trojans are thieves, out to steal your computer's processing power and turn it over to their hacker masters, often by setting up a backdoor, a hidden internet connection that allows for outside manipulation of your machine.
• Some thieving Trojans are fraudsters that may go after your financial information by installing keyloggers that record what you type--especially passwords and important banking numbers.
How Do Trojans Hide?
No one thinks they have a Trojan on their computer until it is too late. That's because they do such a good job of blending in.
• Trojans come disguised in innocuous file names, often pretending to be a helper application to software or an essential operating system component.
• Trojans try to avoid calling attention to themselves, and so will often only interfere a little, if at all, with your computer's performance, choosing instead to do their dirty work while your machine is idle. Computers left on and connected to the internet while their owners are asleep or at work or school are favorite targets.
How Do You Remove Trojans?
Removing Trojans can be a can of worms. Here's why you need to proceed with caution:
• Since Trojans can disguise themselves as software your computer actually needs, you could accidentally delete a vital program or system registry entry. In the worst case scenario, you won't be able to restart your computer.
• Many Trojans are trained for survival. When you try to removal them manually, they may simply copy themselves to another directory.
Intimidated? You don't have to be. Rather than trying to defuse a Trojan yourself, why not call in the bomb squad? Good anti-spyware and antivirus software will fight Trojans, too. Just make sure to look for a program that specifically says it fights Trojans. After all, this is no job for amateurs.
About the author:
Joel Walsh writes for http://www.spyware-refuge.com about spyware removal: http://www.spyware-refuge.com/spyware-removal.html?spyware removal [Publish this article on your website! Requirement: live link for above URL/web address w/ link text/anchor text: "spyware removal" OR leave this bracketed message intact.]
Minions of an evil master lurk in your hard drive, crouching in your system registry, ready to pounce.
What Is a Trojan?
The word "Trojan" is a mystery to most people, even many who think they know its true meaning. If more people really understood what Trojans are and the risk they pose, there would be fewer Trojans, since fewer people would ever leave their machines vulnerable to them.
A Trojan is malware. Malware is a special kind of software, like spyware, adware, and viruses that no one wants. Yet a Trojan is more dangerous than any other kind of malware. Unlike those other types of malware, Trojans are not mindless flunkies hurled at your computer by their masters. A Trojan is a master that first craftily infiltrates your PC, then unleashes its malware henchman.
What Trojans Do
• Some Trojans may install worms, which are programs that use your computer and internet connection to send out armies of server requests in the hope of shutting a particular website down, or to spread viruses or worms to other computers.
• Other Trojans are thieves, out to steal your computer's processing power and turn it over to their hacker masters, often by setting up a backdoor, a hidden internet connection that allows for outside manipulation of your machine.
• Some thieving Trojans are fraudsters that may go after your financial information by installing keyloggers that record what you type--especially passwords and important banking numbers.
How Do Trojans Hide?
No one thinks they have a Trojan on their computer until it is too late. That's because they do such a good job of blending in.
• Trojans come disguised in innocuous file names, often pretending to be a helper application to software or an essential operating system component.
• Trojans try to avoid calling attention to themselves, and so will often only interfere a little, if at all, with your computer's performance, choosing instead to do their dirty work while your machine is idle. Computers left on and connected to the internet while their owners are asleep or at work or school are favorite targets.
How Do You Remove Trojans?
Removing Trojans can be a can of worms. Here's why you need to proceed with caution:
• Since Trojans can disguise themselves as software your computer actually needs, you could accidentally delete a vital program or system registry entry. In the worst case scenario, you won't be able to restart your computer.
• Many Trojans are trained for survival. When you try to removal them manually, they may simply copy themselves to another directory.
Intimidated? You don't have to be. Rather than trying to defuse a Trojan yourself, why not call in the bomb squad? Good anti-spyware and antivirus software will fight Trojans, too. Just make sure to look for a program that specifically says it fights Trojans. After all, this is no job for amateurs.
About the author:
Joel Walsh writes for http://www.spyware-refuge.com about spyware removal: http://www.spyware-refuge.com/spyware-removal.html?spyware removal [Publish this article on your website! Requirement: live link for above URL/web address w/ link text/anchor text: "spyware removal" OR leave this bracketed message intact.]
5 Steps to Remove Spyware for Free
Have you ever tried to remove Spyware off your PC only to find out it never left or it came back? Tired of all those annoying Popups, Viruses, and Ads on your system day in and day out? Well, listen closely because the day has come to remove Spyware programs and Viruses - forever!
I will give you some very useful tricks and tips to remove Spyware and Viruses for good! Follow closely:
Steps to Remove Spyware, Viruses, and Adware
1. There are many types of software available today that claim to remove spyware off our system, but which one REALLY does the job? What you need is software that not only will remove spyware, but TOTALLY removes it for good and keeps it off. After searching for the best of the best, here is THE BEST: Panda Online Scan. Why? It does not constantly run on your system, slowing it down and using bunches of memory! In other words, it runs from Panda on the web, then searches your whole system, will remove spyware and other bugs, then gives detailed info on the bug and tells you how to keep it off your system! Here is the address to get started:
http://www.stopspywareforfree.com/scan.html
It only installs a few plug-ins to run on your system, and no full installation!
2. Check your system services and systray items! The biggest mistake people make is never checking what programs are running in the background or memory of the system. A key step to remove spyware from your system is knowing this. Without knowing these things, you probably have bugs running on your system, and never know it! Why? They like to hide! Download and install a program called HIJACK THIS. It tells you exactly what is running and what is not running so you know exactly what might be hiding behind closed doors! Here is the address for this:
http://www.stopspywareforfree.com/hijackthis.html
3. Shutdown the SYSTEM RESTORE! (Windows XP)
Spyware and Viruses attach themselves to your system's restore files. This is an easy way for them to hide, even after you reinstall Windows! Right click on 'MY COMPUTER', then click on 'Properties'. Look for a tab on top called 'System Restore', and click there. Check the box that says 'Turn off system restore on all drives'. Click 'APPLY', then 'OK'. That's it!
4. Use an Anonymous IP address when surfing the web!
This is a huge step in keeping bugs off your system forever! Bugs get onto your system and retrieve info about you by capturing your IP address. Your IP address tells everyone who you are, where you're located, your system info, what kind of Windows you use, your browser, etc. An anonymous IP hides your IP by using an Anonymous address and makes you invisible to everyone, including Spyware and Ads! Here is an address to a good proxy list:
http://www.stopspywareforfree.com/proxylist.html
Please follow these instructions carefully for Microsoft Internet Explorer:
a) Scroll down on the page from the above link. On the list, look at the numbers listed under IP:Port Host name. Make sure the uptime on the right is at least 97 to 99 %.
b) Go to the Control Panel in Windows.
c) Open up ' Internet Options'.
d) Click on the 'Connections' tab on top.
e) Click on 'LAN Settings'.
f) Put a check-mark where it says PROXY SERVER.
g) In the Address box, copy and paste the IP address listed on the proxy list (for example: 148.244.150.58 - These are the numbers shown BEFORE the ':' (semi-colon).
h) Copy and paste the port number into the PORT box (for example: '80' - the number immediately after the semi-colon).
i) Click OK, and OK again to close, and close everything.
j) Go ahead and open up your browser and try surfing the internet to test.
Thats it! You are now surfing invisibly!
For the Firefox browser:
a) Open up the browser and go to 'TOOLS' then 'OPTIONS'.
b) Go to 'GENERAL' on the left, then click the 'Connection Settings' button below.
c) Choose 'Manual' proxy config from the choices.
d) Check the 'use the same proxy' checkbox.
e) In the 'HTTP Proxy' box, copy and paste the anonymous IP, and the PORT number in the PORT box (remove the zero first).
f) Click OK, then OK again to close.
g) Now test your browser by surfing the web.
You are now invisible.
**note - if your browsing gets super slow or has a problem, look for another IP and Port number on the list and try again. Most of the time the proxies from Mexico work best. Happy surfing! The free proxy list can be found here:
http://www.stopspywareforfree.com/proxylist.html
5. Download and install the new FIREFOX browser!
Please get rid of Microsoft Internet Explorer on your system! It is like a pipe that feeds Spyware, Ads and Viruses onto your system. There are just too many holes there letting everything in. Mozilla is a fairly new company that introduced a new breed of browser that blocks popups, and tries hard to keep these bugs off your system. It has very few or even NO holes or pipes to let the bugs in! Many people use it for this very reason, and it has a great look, better speed, and lets you change the theme of it! Awesome!
Well that about sums up how to remove spyware in 5 steps. Follow them CLOSELY and you will see how great it is to surf virus free Forever! Guaranteed!
About the author:
For more tips, tricks, and secrets on protecting your PC and making it run faster and without problems, sign up on our mailing list at: http://www.stopspywareforfree.com
I will give you some very useful tricks and tips to remove Spyware and Viruses for good! Follow closely:
Steps to Remove Spyware, Viruses, and Adware
1. There are many types of software available today that claim to remove spyware off our system, but which one REALLY does the job? What you need is software that not only will remove spyware, but TOTALLY removes it for good and keeps it off. After searching for the best of the best, here is THE BEST: Panda Online Scan. Why? It does not constantly run on your system, slowing it down and using bunches of memory! In other words, it runs from Panda on the web, then searches your whole system, will remove spyware and other bugs, then gives detailed info on the bug and tells you how to keep it off your system! Here is the address to get started:
http://www.stopspywareforfree.com/scan.html
It only installs a few plug-ins to run on your system, and no full installation!
2. Check your system services and systray items! The biggest mistake people make is never checking what programs are running in the background or memory of the system. A key step to remove spyware from your system is knowing this. Without knowing these things, you probably have bugs running on your system, and never know it! Why? They like to hide! Download and install a program called HIJACK THIS. It tells you exactly what is running and what is not running so you know exactly what might be hiding behind closed doors! Here is the address for this:
http://www.stopspywareforfree.com/hijackthis.html
3. Shutdown the SYSTEM RESTORE! (Windows XP)
Spyware and Viruses attach themselves to your system's restore files. This is an easy way for them to hide, even after you reinstall Windows! Right click on 'MY COMPUTER', then click on 'Properties'. Look for a tab on top called 'System Restore', and click there. Check the box that says 'Turn off system restore on all drives'. Click 'APPLY', then 'OK'. That's it!
4. Use an Anonymous IP address when surfing the web!
This is a huge step in keeping bugs off your system forever! Bugs get onto your system and retrieve info about you by capturing your IP address. Your IP address tells everyone who you are, where you're located, your system info, what kind of Windows you use, your browser, etc. An anonymous IP hides your IP by using an Anonymous address and makes you invisible to everyone, including Spyware and Ads! Here is an address to a good proxy list:
http://www.stopspywareforfree.com/proxylist.html
Please follow these instructions carefully for Microsoft Internet Explorer:
a) Scroll down on the page from the above link. On the list, look at the numbers listed under IP:Port Host name. Make sure the uptime on the right is at least 97 to 99 %.
b) Go to the Control Panel in Windows.
c) Open up ' Internet Options'.
d) Click on the 'Connections' tab on top.
e) Click on 'LAN Settings'.
f) Put a check-mark where it says PROXY SERVER.
g) In the Address box, copy and paste the IP address listed on the proxy list (for example: 148.244.150.58 - These are the numbers shown BEFORE the ':' (semi-colon).
h) Copy and paste the port number into the PORT box (for example: '80' - the number immediately after the semi-colon).
i) Click OK, and OK again to close, and close everything.
j) Go ahead and open up your browser and try surfing the internet to test.
Thats it! You are now surfing invisibly!
For the Firefox browser:
a) Open up the browser and go to 'TOOLS' then 'OPTIONS'.
b) Go to 'GENERAL' on the left, then click the 'Connection Settings' button below.
c) Choose 'Manual' proxy config from the choices.
d) Check the 'use the same proxy' checkbox.
e) In the 'HTTP Proxy' box, copy and paste the anonymous IP, and the PORT number in the PORT box (remove the zero first).
f) Click OK, then OK again to close.
g) Now test your browser by surfing the web.
You are now invisible.
**note - if your browsing gets super slow or has a problem, look for another IP and Port number on the list and try again. Most of the time the proxies from Mexico work best. Happy surfing! The free proxy list can be found here:
http://www.stopspywareforfree.com/proxylist.html
5. Download and install the new FIREFOX browser!
Please get rid of Microsoft Internet Explorer on your system! It is like a pipe that feeds Spyware, Ads and Viruses onto your system. There are just too many holes there letting everything in. Mozilla is a fairly new company that introduced a new breed of browser that blocks popups, and tries hard to keep these bugs off your system. It has very few or even NO holes or pipes to let the bugs in! Many people use it for this very reason, and it has a great look, better speed, and lets you change the theme of it! Awesome!
Well that about sums up how to remove spyware in 5 steps. Follow them CLOSELY and you will see how great it is to surf virus free Forever! Guaranteed!
About the author:
For more tips, tricks, and secrets on protecting your PC and making it run faster and without problems, sign up on our mailing list at: http://www.stopspywareforfree.com
5 Critical Steps to Protecting Your Computer on the Internet
Spyware, viruses and worms... oh my!
If you are connected to the internet, you need to make sure you get your computer set up properly if you want to avoid problems down the road.
With all the viruses, spyware and other threats on the internet today, no computer should be set up without the proper protection.
And that protection needs to be in place as soon after you hook up your new machine as possible.
The following five steps will make your computer a much harder target for threats. You still won't be completely immune to problems, but 99% of the time the threat will pass you by, looking for the easy mark.
1. Running a Personal Firewall
A personal firewall is software that basically makes your computer invisible to hackers, worms and other threats that can infect your computer over the internet.
Setting up a firewall is the absolute first thing you should do if you're going to connect to the internet. Without a firewall, your computer could get infected in as little as one minute after connecting.
If you have a brand new computer running Windows XP Service Pack 2, there is a firewall built into Windows. It will already have been turned on when you first set up your computer.
If you're running an older version of Windows, even an earlier version of Windows XP, there is no firewall automatically set up for you. In this case there are two possibilities:
- Your computer came pre-loaded with a firewall such as Norton Internet Security or McAfee Internet Security
- You have no firewall installed and should download one ASAP.
If you don't have any personal firewall software installed, you should do so right away. Zone Alarm is a very good firewall program that has a version that you can download and install for free.
You can download the free version of Zone Alarm from http://www.computer-help-squad.com/zonealarm
2. Turn on Windows Updates
Again, if you're running Windows XP Service Pack 2 this is already set up, but otherwise you should turn on Windows Updates. Microsoft releases updates for security problems and other bugs in Windows on a regular basis.
These updates will keep your computer running better, and they often fix security issues that could compromise your information or privacy.
If you are running Windows XP Service Pack 2, you can double-check that automatic updates are turned on by clicking Start, then click Control Panel, then double-click Security Center. The window that opens will tell you if automatic updates are turned on, and lets you turn them on if they're not.
To turn on automatic updates in earlier versions of Windows XP, click on the Start menu, click Control Panel and then double-click on System. On the "Automatic Updates" tab, click the option to "Automatically download the updates and install them on the schedule I specify."
To turn them on in Windows 2000, click on Start, click Control Panel and then double-click on Automatic Updates. Again, click the option to "automatically download the updates and install them on the schedule I specify."
Now when Microsoft releases updates, they will be downloaded for you automatically and Windows will tell you when they are ready to be installed.
3. Install & Update Antivirus Software
Most new computers come with antivirus software these days. You might have Norton, McAfee, PC-Cillin or another brand. No matter what program you have, you will need to update it when you get connected to the internet.
It doesn't matter how new your computer is - there will be new viruses, and new updates for the antivirus software, since it was loaded.
The exact process is different for each brand of antivirus program, but most of them will have an icon in the bottom right corner of your desktop, beside the time. The icon might be a picture of a shield (McAfee), a stethoscope (Norton) or something else.
In most cases, if you point to the icon for your antivirus and click the right mouse button, a menu will pop up with an update option. It could be simply called update or could be something like Live Update or Download Latest Updates. If you click on the update option (with the left button this time) it will install the newest updates for you.
If you're not sure which icon is for your antivirus software, just point to each one for a few seconds and a little title should pop up telling you what it is.
4. Install Anti-Spyware Software
Spyware - and other things known as adware and malware - is becoming as big a problem as viruses. Spyware programs can cause a lot of problems with your computer, not to mention they can track your personal information and you never know where it's being sent.
Some new computers might includes antispyware software, but most of them don't yet. There are quite a few anti-spyware programs available, some free and some not. The one I recommend is from Microsoft and is one of the free ones.
One of the reasons I like it is because it always runs in the background and will automatically catch a lot of spyware before it gets on your computer.
Many of the other programs don't catch it until you run a scan. Not only does this allow things to get on your computer, it also means you have to actually remember to run a scan.
You can download the free Microsoft Antispyware from http://www.computer-help-squad.com/antispyware
5. Set up a Free Email Account
This last item is not as critical as the first four, but I would highly recommend you set up an email account with one of the free services like Hotmail or Gmail.
Once you're on the internet, you'll find a lot of useful information that you want that requires you to provide an email address. In some cases, these people will end up sending you a bunch of spam.
If you use a free email account to sign up for anything that you don't know for sure you can trust, it's not going to fill your main email with a bunch of junk.
This goes for anything really, not just online information. If you're entering a contest or signing up for anything offline and you don't know where your information could end up being used, I would suggest using your free email address.
If worse comes to worse, and your free email address gets inundated with spam, you can always just set up a new one and let the old one expire.
Some of the better free email services are www.hotmail.com, www.gmail.com and www.yahoomail.com.
If you've had your computer for a while and never done any of these things, you should still take these steps to get it set up properly. It will definitely save you a lot of time - and possibly money - as you use your system.
About the author:
John Lenaghan offers easy-to-understand advice at the Computer Help Squad website. Find out more about these 5 steps - sign up for our newsletter and receive your free 5-part guide at http://www.computer-help-squad.com/5steps
If you are connected to the internet, you need to make sure you get your computer set up properly if you want to avoid problems down the road.
With all the viruses, spyware and other threats on the internet today, no computer should be set up without the proper protection.
And that protection needs to be in place as soon after you hook up your new machine as possible.
The following five steps will make your computer a much harder target for threats. You still won't be completely immune to problems, but 99% of the time the threat will pass you by, looking for the easy mark.
1. Running a Personal Firewall
A personal firewall is software that basically makes your computer invisible to hackers, worms and other threats that can infect your computer over the internet.
Setting up a firewall is the absolute first thing you should do if you're going to connect to the internet. Without a firewall, your computer could get infected in as little as one minute after connecting.
If you have a brand new computer running Windows XP Service Pack 2, there is a firewall built into Windows. It will already have been turned on when you first set up your computer.
If you're running an older version of Windows, even an earlier version of Windows XP, there is no firewall automatically set up for you. In this case there are two possibilities:
- Your computer came pre-loaded with a firewall such as Norton Internet Security or McAfee Internet Security
- You have no firewall installed and should download one ASAP.
If you don't have any personal firewall software installed, you should do so right away. Zone Alarm is a very good firewall program that has a version that you can download and install for free.
You can download the free version of Zone Alarm from http://www.computer-help-squad.com/zonealarm
2. Turn on Windows Updates
Again, if you're running Windows XP Service Pack 2 this is already set up, but otherwise you should turn on Windows Updates. Microsoft releases updates for security problems and other bugs in Windows on a regular basis.
These updates will keep your computer running better, and they often fix security issues that could compromise your information or privacy.
If you are running Windows XP Service Pack 2, you can double-check that automatic updates are turned on by clicking Start, then click Control Panel, then double-click Security Center. The window that opens will tell you if automatic updates are turned on, and lets you turn them on if they're not.
To turn on automatic updates in earlier versions of Windows XP, click on the Start menu, click Control Panel and then double-click on System. On the "Automatic Updates" tab, click the option to "Automatically download the updates and install them on the schedule I specify."
To turn them on in Windows 2000, click on Start, click Control Panel and then double-click on Automatic Updates. Again, click the option to "automatically download the updates and install them on the schedule I specify."
Now when Microsoft releases updates, they will be downloaded for you automatically and Windows will tell you when they are ready to be installed.
3. Install & Update Antivirus Software
Most new computers come with antivirus software these days. You might have Norton, McAfee, PC-Cillin or another brand. No matter what program you have, you will need to update it when you get connected to the internet.
It doesn't matter how new your computer is - there will be new viruses, and new updates for the antivirus software, since it was loaded.
The exact process is different for each brand of antivirus program, but most of them will have an icon in the bottom right corner of your desktop, beside the time. The icon might be a picture of a shield (McAfee), a stethoscope (Norton) or something else.
In most cases, if you point to the icon for your antivirus and click the right mouse button, a menu will pop up with an update option. It could be simply called update or could be something like Live Update or Download Latest Updates. If you click on the update option (with the left button this time) it will install the newest updates for you.
If you're not sure which icon is for your antivirus software, just point to each one for a few seconds and a little title should pop up telling you what it is.
4. Install Anti-Spyware Software
Spyware - and other things known as adware and malware - is becoming as big a problem as viruses. Spyware programs can cause a lot of problems with your computer, not to mention they can track your personal information and you never know where it's being sent.
Some new computers might includes antispyware software, but most of them don't yet. There are quite a few anti-spyware programs available, some free and some not. The one I recommend is from Microsoft and is one of the free ones.
One of the reasons I like it is because it always runs in the background and will automatically catch a lot of spyware before it gets on your computer.
Many of the other programs don't catch it until you run a scan. Not only does this allow things to get on your computer, it also means you have to actually remember to run a scan.
You can download the free Microsoft Antispyware from http://www.computer-help-squad.com/antispyware
5. Set up a Free Email Account
This last item is not as critical as the first four, but I would highly recommend you set up an email account with one of the free services like Hotmail or Gmail.
Once you're on the internet, you'll find a lot of useful information that you want that requires you to provide an email address. In some cases, these people will end up sending you a bunch of spam.
If you use a free email account to sign up for anything that you don't know for sure you can trust, it's not going to fill your main email with a bunch of junk.
This goes for anything really, not just online information. If you're entering a contest or signing up for anything offline and you don't know where your information could end up being used, I would suggest using your free email address.
If worse comes to worse, and your free email address gets inundated with spam, you can always just set up a new one and let the old one expire.
Some of the better free email services are www.hotmail.com, www.gmail.com and www.yahoomail.com.
If you've had your computer for a while and never done any of these things, you should still take these steps to get it set up properly. It will definitely save you a lot of time - and possibly money - as you use your system.
About the author:
John Lenaghan offers easy-to-understand advice at the Computer Help Squad website. Find out more about these 5 steps - sign up for our newsletter and receive your free 5-part guide at http://www.computer-help-squad.com/5steps
Data Recovery - What Not to Do!
Data recovery is a tricky thing, and if you've somehow deleted or had your important files corrupted or lost due to human error, business espionage, faulty hardware or software or any other reason; the good news is that your lost data is probably recoverable. This article will show you a few things NOT to do when an event such as this occurs.
Don't run the drive anymore, or use the device. (MP3, portable storage, camera card, whatever) If you think it won't hurt to even just poke around the internet for a solution to this mess you've made/found, you're wrong! Don't install or run anything on the drive you hope to recover data from. Only access this drive again from a healthy PC with the software solution you're going to use. Since files are overwritten in the order they've been deleted, the last files that have been excised from your drive will be the first to be lost permanently. Even just surfing, with all the cookies and temporary internet files that are always being generated will often doom the process without you even knowing about it.
Don't use tools that may reside on your computer, such as Scandisk, or a boot record utility, as these will probably overwrite exactly the files you're seeking to get back.
In short, be careful! Your data may very well be recoverable, as long as you don't do something to erase it forever! Find a good data recovery software solution, and then follow the instructions to the letter, and you'll more than likely live to see your lost data return!
Keith Thompson is the webmaster at Data Recovery Service a site cenetered around helping you get back your lost data!
Don't run the drive anymore, or use the device. (MP3, portable storage, camera card, whatever) If you think it won't hurt to even just poke around the internet for a solution to this mess you've made/found, you're wrong! Don't install or run anything on the drive you hope to recover data from. Only access this drive again from a healthy PC with the software solution you're going to use. Since files are overwritten in the order they've been deleted, the last files that have been excised from your drive will be the first to be lost permanently. Even just surfing, with all the cookies and temporary internet files that are always being generated will often doom the process without you even knowing about it.
Don't use tools that may reside on your computer, such as Scandisk, or a boot record utility, as these will probably overwrite exactly the files you're seeking to get back.
In short, be careful! Your data may very well be recoverable, as long as you don't do something to erase it forever! Find a good data recovery software solution, and then follow the instructions to the letter, and you'll more than likely live to see your lost data return!
Keith Thompson is the webmaster at Data Recovery Service a site cenetered around helping you get back your lost data!
Monday, September 3, 2007
Adware And The Case Against Bundled Software
Bundling software applications together is a practice much abused by purveyors of adware. The potential for sneaking unwanted software into a bundle of desirable software is obvious. The benefits of bundling software aren't so obvious. Isn't it time to consider dumping the practice of bundling software altogether?
Bundled Software: When Is It Not Adware?
If a user wants a piece of software, why can't he or she be allowed to install it separately? If the bundled software were essential to the functioning of the original software (excluding generic functions such as install, un-uninstall, and documentation), why wouldn't the developer build its functions directly into the original software?
Sure, sometimes there's a software application that clearly complements another application. But for users who do not want the complementary software, having it just means a bloated install file and a needlessly long installation process.
Does the chance that users will want the bundled software ever outweigh the risk of the bundled software being installed without the user noticing? In the case of adware, the technology community is increasingly willing to put the burden of proof on the adware bundlers:
* Cnet's download.com website recently removed any and all software that comes bundled with another piece of software that shows advertising, regardless of how well informed the user is of the bundled software.
* Affiliate networks such as Commission Junction and Kolimbo have either cautioned advertisers against accepting adware distributors into their affiliate programs or kicked them out altogether.
* Many technology law experts are saying that the click-wrap license agreements that supposedly legitimate adware are not proof of informed consent. Some experts even say that such agreements amount to unconscionable contracts: the burden imposed by adware is so great and the benefit offered so negligible.
Adware and Bundled Software: A Modest Proposal
If the spam arms race is any indication, we may soon face even more aggressive attempts to get adware on our computers. There will be even more tortured arguments that bundled adware is installed with users' informed consent. Why not head off any of those arguments right now? Let's push for an industry standard that reputable developers do not bundle software (with a few highly specific exceptions such as documentation, installation, and error reporting).
In the end, by getting rid of bundled software, what do we have to lose except adware?
About the author:
Read more of Joel Walsh's articles on spyware and adware: http://www.spyware-refuge.com.
Bundled Software: When Is It Not Adware?
If a user wants a piece of software, why can't he or she be allowed to install it separately? If the bundled software were essential to the functioning of the original software (excluding generic functions such as install, un-uninstall, and documentation), why wouldn't the developer build its functions directly into the original software?
Sure, sometimes there's a software application that clearly complements another application. But for users who do not want the complementary software, having it just means a bloated install file and a needlessly long installation process.
Does the chance that users will want the bundled software ever outweigh the risk of the bundled software being installed without the user noticing? In the case of adware, the technology community is increasingly willing to put the burden of proof on the adware bundlers:
* Cnet's download.com website recently removed any and all software that comes bundled with another piece of software that shows advertising, regardless of how well informed the user is of the bundled software.
* Affiliate networks such as Commission Junction and Kolimbo have either cautioned advertisers against accepting adware distributors into their affiliate programs or kicked them out altogether.
* Many technology law experts are saying that the click-wrap license agreements that supposedly legitimate adware are not proof of informed consent. Some experts even say that such agreements amount to unconscionable contracts: the burden imposed by adware is so great and the benefit offered so negligible.
Adware and Bundled Software: A Modest Proposal
If the spam arms race is any indication, we may soon face even more aggressive attempts to get adware on our computers. There will be even more tortured arguments that bundled adware is installed with users' informed consent. Why not head off any of those arguments right now? Let's push for an industry standard that reputable developers do not bundle software (with a few highly specific exceptions such as documentation, installation, and error reporting).
In the end, by getting rid of bundled software, what do we have to lose except adware?
About the author:
Read more of Joel Walsh's articles on spyware and adware: http://www.spyware-refuge.com.
5 Steps to Remove Spyware for Free
Have you ever tried to remove Spyware off your PC only to find out it never left or it came back? Tired of all those annoying Popups, Viruses, and Ads on your system day in and day out? Well, listen closely because the day has come to remove Spyware programs and Viruses - forever!
I will give you some very useful tricks and tips to remove Spyware and Viruses for good! Follow closely:
Steps to Remove Spyware, Viruses, and Adware
1. There are many types of software available today that claim to remove spyware off our system, but which one REALLY does the job? What you need is software that not only will remove spyware, but TOTALLY removes it for good and keeps it off. After searching for the best of the best, here is THE BEST: Panda Online Scan. Why? It does not constantly run on your system, slowing it down and using bunches of memory! In other words, it runs from Panda on the web, then searches your whole system, will remove spyware and other bugs, then gives detailed info on the bug and tells you how to keep it off your system! Here is the address to get started:
http://www.stopspywareforfree.com/scan.html
It only installs a few plug-ins to run on your system, and no full installation!
2. Check your system services and systray items! The biggest mistake people make is never checking what programs are running in the background or memory of the system. A key step to remove spyware from your system is knowing this. Without knowing these things, you probably have bugs running on your system, and never know it! Why? They like to hide! Download and install a program called HIJACK THIS. It tells you exactly what is running and what is not running so you know exactly what might be hiding behind closed doors! Here is the address for this:
http://www.stopspywareforfree.com/hijackthis.html
3. Shutdown the SYSTEM RESTORE! (Windows XP)
Spyware and Viruses attach themselves to your system's restore files. This is an easy way for them to hide, even after you reinstall Windows! Right click on 'MY COMPUTER', then click on 'Properties'. Look for a tab on top called 'System Restore', and click there. Check the box that says 'Turn off system restore on all drives'. Click 'APPLY', then 'OK'. That's it!
4. Use an Anonymous IP address when surfing the web!
This is a huge step in keeping bugs off your system forever! Bugs get onto your system and retrieve info about you by capturing your IP address. Your IP address tells everyone who you are, where you're located, your system info, what kind of Windows you use, your browser, etc. An anonymous IP hides your IP by using an Anonymous address and makes you invisible to everyone, including Spyware and Ads! Here is an address to a good proxy list:
http://www.stopspywareforfree.com/proxylist.html
Please follow these instructions carefully for Microsoft Internet Explorer:
a) Scroll down on the page from the above link. On the list, look at the numbers listed under IP:Port Host name. Make sure the uptime on the right is at least 97 to 99 %.
b) Go to the Control Panel in Windows.
c) Open up ' Internet Options'.
d) Click on the 'Connections' tab on top.
e) Click on 'LAN Settings'.
f) Put a check-mark where it says PROXY SERVER.
g) In the Address box, copy and paste the IP address listed on the proxy list (for example: 148.244.150.58 - These are the numbers shown BEFORE the ':' (semi-colon).
h) Copy and paste the port number into the PORT box (for example: '80' - the number immediately after the semi-colon).
i) Click OK, and OK again to close, and close everything.
j) Go ahead and open up your browser and try surfing the internet to test.
Thats it! You are now surfing invisibly!
For the Firefox browser:
a) Open up the browser and go to 'TOOLS' then 'OPTIONS'.
b) Go to 'GENERAL' on the left, then click the 'Connection Settings' button below.
c) Choose 'Manual' proxy config from the choices.
d) Check the 'use the same proxy' checkbox.
e) In the 'HTTP Proxy' box, copy and paste the anonymous IP, and the PORT number in the PORT box (remove the zero first).
f) Click OK, then OK again to close.
g) Now test your browser by surfing the web.
You are now invisible.
**note - if your browsing gets super slow or has a problem, look for another IP and Port number on the list and try again. Most of the time the proxies from Mexico work best. Happy surfing! The free proxy list can be found here:
http://www.stopspywareforfree.com/proxylist.html
5. Download and install the new FIREFOX browser!
Please get rid of Microsoft Internet Explorer on your system! It is like a pipe that feeds Spyware, Ads and Viruses onto your system. There are just too many holes there letting everything in. Mozilla is a fairly new company that introduced a new breed of browser that blocks popups, and tries hard to keep these bugs off your system. It has very few or even NO holes or pipes to let the bugs in! Many people use it for this very reason, and it has a great look, better speed, and lets you change the theme of it! Awesome!
Well that about sums up how to remove spyware in 5 steps. Follow them CLOSELY and you will see how great it is to surf virus free Forever! Guaranteed!
About the author:
For more tips, tricks, and secrets on protecting your PC and making it run faster and without problems, sign up on our mailing list at: http://www.stopspywareforfree.com
I will give you some very useful tricks and tips to remove Spyware and Viruses for good! Follow closely:
Steps to Remove Spyware, Viruses, and Adware
1. There are many types of software available today that claim to remove spyware off our system, but which one REALLY does the job? What you need is software that not only will remove spyware, but TOTALLY removes it for good and keeps it off. After searching for the best of the best, here is THE BEST: Panda Online Scan. Why? It does not constantly run on your system, slowing it down and using bunches of memory! In other words, it runs from Panda on the web, then searches your whole system, will remove spyware and other bugs, then gives detailed info on the bug and tells you how to keep it off your system! Here is the address to get started:
http://www.stopspywareforfree.com/scan.html
It only installs a few plug-ins to run on your system, and no full installation!
2. Check your system services and systray items! The biggest mistake people make is never checking what programs are running in the background or memory of the system. A key step to remove spyware from your system is knowing this. Without knowing these things, you probably have bugs running on your system, and never know it! Why? They like to hide! Download and install a program called HIJACK THIS. It tells you exactly what is running and what is not running so you know exactly what might be hiding behind closed doors! Here is the address for this:
http://www.stopspywareforfree.com/hijackthis.html
3. Shutdown the SYSTEM RESTORE! (Windows XP)
Spyware and Viruses attach themselves to your system's restore files. This is an easy way for them to hide, even after you reinstall Windows! Right click on 'MY COMPUTER', then click on 'Properties'. Look for a tab on top called 'System Restore', and click there. Check the box that says 'Turn off system restore on all drives'. Click 'APPLY', then 'OK'. That's it!
4. Use an Anonymous IP address when surfing the web!
This is a huge step in keeping bugs off your system forever! Bugs get onto your system and retrieve info about you by capturing your IP address. Your IP address tells everyone who you are, where you're located, your system info, what kind of Windows you use, your browser, etc. An anonymous IP hides your IP by using an Anonymous address and makes you invisible to everyone, including Spyware and Ads! Here is an address to a good proxy list:
http://www.stopspywareforfree.com/proxylist.html
Please follow these instructions carefully for Microsoft Internet Explorer:
a) Scroll down on the page from the above link. On the list, look at the numbers listed under IP:Port Host name. Make sure the uptime on the right is at least 97 to 99 %.
b) Go to the Control Panel in Windows.
c) Open up ' Internet Options'.
d) Click on the 'Connections' tab on top.
e) Click on 'LAN Settings'.
f) Put a check-mark where it says PROXY SERVER.
g) In the Address box, copy and paste the IP address listed on the proxy list (for example: 148.244.150.58 - These are the numbers shown BEFORE the ':' (semi-colon).
h) Copy and paste the port number into the PORT box (for example: '80' - the number immediately after the semi-colon).
i) Click OK, and OK again to close, and close everything.
j) Go ahead and open up your browser and try surfing the internet to test.
Thats it! You are now surfing invisibly!
For the Firefox browser:
a) Open up the browser and go to 'TOOLS' then 'OPTIONS'.
b) Go to 'GENERAL' on the left, then click the 'Connection Settings' button below.
c) Choose 'Manual' proxy config from the choices.
d) Check the 'use the same proxy' checkbox.
e) In the 'HTTP Proxy' box, copy and paste the anonymous IP, and the PORT number in the PORT box (remove the zero first).
f) Click OK, then OK again to close.
g) Now test your browser by surfing the web.
You are now invisible.
**note - if your browsing gets super slow or has a problem, look for another IP and Port number on the list and try again. Most of the time the proxies from Mexico work best. Happy surfing! The free proxy list can be found here:
http://www.stopspywareforfree.com/proxylist.html
5. Download and install the new FIREFOX browser!
Please get rid of Microsoft Internet Explorer on your system! It is like a pipe that feeds Spyware, Ads and Viruses onto your system. There are just too many holes there letting everything in. Mozilla is a fairly new company that introduced a new breed of browser that blocks popups, and tries hard to keep these bugs off your system. It has very few or even NO holes or pipes to let the bugs in! Many people use it for this very reason, and it has a great look, better speed, and lets you change the theme of it! Awesome!
Well that about sums up how to remove spyware in 5 steps. Follow them CLOSELY and you will see how great it is to surf virus free Forever! Guaranteed!
About the author:
For more tips, tricks, and secrets on protecting your PC and making it run faster and without problems, sign up on our mailing list at: http://www.stopspywareforfree.com
5 Critical Steps to Protecting Your Computer on the Internet
Spyware, viruses and worms... oh my!
If you are connected to the internet, you need to make sure you get your computer set up properly if you want to avoid problems down the road.
With all the viruses, spyware and other threats on the internet today, no computer should be set up without the proper protection.
And that protection needs to be in place as soon after you hook up your new machine as possible.
The following five steps will make your computer a much harder target for threats. You still won't be completely immune to problems, but 99% of the time the threat will pass you by, looking for the easy mark.
1. Running a Personal Firewall
A personal firewall is software that basically makes your computer invisible to hackers, worms and other threats that can infect your computer over the internet.
Setting up a firewall is the absolute first thing you should do if you're going to connect to the internet. Without a firewall, your computer could get infected in as little as one minute after connecting.
If you have a brand new computer running Windows XP Service Pack 2, there is a firewall built into Windows. It will already have been turned on when you first set up your computer.
If you're running an older version of Windows, even an earlier version of Windows XP, there is no firewall automatically set up for you. In this case there are two possibilities:
- Your computer came pre-loaded with a firewall such as Norton Internet Security or McAfee Internet Security
- You have no firewall installed and should download one ASAP.
If you don't have any personal firewall software installed, you should do so right away. Zone Alarm is a very good firewall program that has a version that you can download and install for free.
You can download the free version of Zone Alarm from http://www.computer-help-squad.com/zonealarm
2. Turn on Windows Updates
Again, if you're running Windows XP Service Pack 2 this is already set up, but otherwise you should turn on Windows Updates. Microsoft releases updates for security problems and other bugs in Windows on a regular basis.
These updates will keep your computer running better, and they often fix security issues that could compromise your information or privacy.
If you are running Windows XP Service Pack 2, you can double-check that automatic updates are turned on by clicking Start, then click Control Panel, then double-click Security Center. The window that opens will tell you if automatic updates are turned on, and lets you turn them on if they're not.
To turn on automatic updates in earlier versions of Windows XP, click on the Start menu, click Control Panel and then double-click on System. On the "Automatic Updates" tab, click the option to "Automatically download the updates and install them on the schedule I specify."
To turn them on in Windows 2000, click on Start, click Control Panel and then double-click on Automatic Updates. Again, click the option to "automatically download the updates and install them on the schedule I specify."
Now when Microsoft releases updates, they will be downloaded for you automatically and Windows will tell you when they are ready to be installed.
3. Install & Update Antivirus Software
Most new computers come with antivirus software these days. You might have Norton, McAfee, PC-Cillin or another brand. No matter what program you have, you will need to update it when you get connected to the internet.
It doesn't matter how new your computer is - there will be new viruses, and new updates for the antivirus software, since it was loaded.
The exact process is different for each brand of antivirus program, but most of them will have an icon in the bottom right corner of your desktop, beside the time. The icon might be a picture of a shield (McAfee), a stethoscope (Norton) or something else.
In most cases, if you point to the icon for your antivirus and click the right mouse button, a menu will pop up with an update option. It could be simply called update or could be something like Live Update or Download Latest Updates. If you click on the update option (with the left button this time) it will install the newest updates for you.
If you're not sure which icon is for your antivirus software, just point to each one for a few seconds and a little title should pop up telling you what it is.
4. Install Anti-Spyware Software
Spyware - and other things known as adware and malware - is becoming as big a problem as viruses. Spyware programs can cause a lot of problems with your computer, not to mention they can track your personal information and you never know where it's being sent.
Some new computers might includes antispyware software, but most of them don't yet. There are quite a few anti-spyware programs available, some free and some not. The one I recommend is from Microsoft and is one of the free ones.
One of the reasons I like it is because it always runs in the background and will automatically catch a lot of spyware before it gets on your computer.
Many of the other programs don't catch it until you run a scan. Not only does this allow things to get on your computer, it also means you have to actually remember to run a scan.
You can download the free Microsoft Antispyware from http://www.computer-help-squad.com/antispyware
5. Set up a Free Email Account
This last item is not as critical as the first four, but I would highly recommend you set up an email account with one of the free services like Hotmail or Gmail.
Once you're on the internet, you'll find a lot of useful information that you want that requires you to provide an email address. In some cases, these people will end up sending you a bunch of spam.
If you use a free email account to sign up for anything that you don't know for sure you can trust, it's not going to fill your main email with a bunch of junk.
This goes for anything really, not just online information. If you're entering a contest or signing up for anything offline and you don't know where your information could end up being used, I would suggest using your free email address.
If worse comes to worse, and your free email address gets inundated with spam, you can always just set up a new one and let the old one expire.
Some of the better free email services are www.hotmail.com, www.gmail.com and www.yahoomail.com.
If you've had your computer for a while and never done any of these things, you should still take these steps to get it set up properly. It will definitely save you a lot of time - and possibly money - as you use your system.
About the author:
John Lenaghan offers easy-to-understand advice at the Computer Help Squad website. Find out more about these 5 steps - sign up for our newsletter and receive your free 5-part guide at http://www.computer-help-squad.com/5steps
If you are connected to the internet, you need to make sure you get your computer set up properly if you want to avoid problems down the road.
With all the viruses, spyware and other threats on the internet today, no computer should be set up without the proper protection.
And that protection needs to be in place as soon after you hook up your new machine as possible.
The following five steps will make your computer a much harder target for threats. You still won't be completely immune to problems, but 99% of the time the threat will pass you by, looking for the easy mark.
1. Running a Personal Firewall
A personal firewall is software that basically makes your computer invisible to hackers, worms and other threats that can infect your computer over the internet.
Setting up a firewall is the absolute first thing you should do if you're going to connect to the internet. Without a firewall, your computer could get infected in as little as one minute after connecting.
If you have a brand new computer running Windows XP Service Pack 2, there is a firewall built into Windows. It will already have been turned on when you first set up your computer.
If you're running an older version of Windows, even an earlier version of Windows XP, there is no firewall automatically set up for you. In this case there are two possibilities:
- Your computer came pre-loaded with a firewall such as Norton Internet Security or McAfee Internet Security
- You have no firewall installed and should download one ASAP.
If you don't have any personal firewall software installed, you should do so right away. Zone Alarm is a very good firewall program that has a version that you can download and install for free.
You can download the free version of Zone Alarm from http://www.computer-help-squad.com/zonealarm
2. Turn on Windows Updates
Again, if you're running Windows XP Service Pack 2 this is already set up, but otherwise you should turn on Windows Updates. Microsoft releases updates for security problems and other bugs in Windows on a regular basis.
These updates will keep your computer running better, and they often fix security issues that could compromise your information or privacy.
If you are running Windows XP Service Pack 2, you can double-check that automatic updates are turned on by clicking Start, then click Control Panel, then double-click Security Center. The window that opens will tell you if automatic updates are turned on, and lets you turn them on if they're not.
To turn on automatic updates in earlier versions of Windows XP, click on the Start menu, click Control Panel and then double-click on System. On the "Automatic Updates" tab, click the option to "Automatically download the updates and install them on the schedule I specify."
To turn them on in Windows 2000, click on Start, click Control Panel and then double-click on Automatic Updates. Again, click the option to "automatically download the updates and install them on the schedule I specify."
Now when Microsoft releases updates, they will be downloaded for you automatically and Windows will tell you when they are ready to be installed.
3. Install & Update Antivirus Software
Most new computers come with antivirus software these days. You might have Norton, McAfee, PC-Cillin or another brand. No matter what program you have, you will need to update it when you get connected to the internet.
It doesn't matter how new your computer is - there will be new viruses, and new updates for the antivirus software, since it was loaded.
The exact process is different for each brand of antivirus program, but most of them will have an icon in the bottom right corner of your desktop, beside the time. The icon might be a picture of a shield (McAfee), a stethoscope (Norton) or something else.
In most cases, if you point to the icon for your antivirus and click the right mouse button, a menu will pop up with an update option. It could be simply called update or could be something like Live Update or Download Latest Updates. If you click on the update option (with the left button this time) it will install the newest updates for you.
If you're not sure which icon is for your antivirus software, just point to each one for a few seconds and a little title should pop up telling you what it is.
4. Install Anti-Spyware Software
Spyware - and other things known as adware and malware - is becoming as big a problem as viruses. Spyware programs can cause a lot of problems with your computer, not to mention they can track your personal information and you never know where it's being sent.
Some new computers might includes antispyware software, but most of them don't yet. There are quite a few anti-spyware programs available, some free and some not. The one I recommend is from Microsoft and is one of the free ones.
One of the reasons I like it is because it always runs in the background and will automatically catch a lot of spyware before it gets on your computer.
Many of the other programs don't catch it until you run a scan. Not only does this allow things to get on your computer, it also means you have to actually remember to run a scan.
You can download the free Microsoft Antispyware from http://www.computer-help-squad.com/antispyware
5. Set up a Free Email Account
This last item is not as critical as the first four, but I would highly recommend you set up an email account with one of the free services like Hotmail or Gmail.
Once you're on the internet, you'll find a lot of useful information that you want that requires you to provide an email address. In some cases, these people will end up sending you a bunch of spam.
If you use a free email account to sign up for anything that you don't know for sure you can trust, it's not going to fill your main email with a bunch of junk.
This goes for anything really, not just online information. If you're entering a contest or signing up for anything offline and you don't know where your information could end up being used, I would suggest using your free email address.
If worse comes to worse, and your free email address gets inundated with spam, you can always just set up a new one and let the old one expire.
Some of the better free email services are www.hotmail.com, www.gmail.com and www.yahoomail.com.
If you've had your computer for a while and never done any of these things, you should still take these steps to get it set up properly. It will definitely save you a lot of time - and possibly money - as you use your system.
About the author:
John Lenaghan offers easy-to-understand advice at the Computer Help Squad website. Find out more about these 5 steps - sign up for our newsletter and receive your free 5-part guide at http://www.computer-help-squad.com/5steps
Saturday, September 1, 2007
The Top Twelve Threats No Computer User Should Ignore
The internet is undoubtedly a fantastic resource for families and offers a rich vein of educational content. However, there are potential dangers - welcome to the seedy world of viruses, spam, trojans, pornography, spyware and other nasties.
Here are the Top Twelve Threats No Computer User Should Ignore:
1. Viruses - A computer program that copies itself. They often disrupt your computer system or damage your data. Viruses are usually received by email attachments so be careful opening anything from a dubious source. They can affect anyone, for example, the destructive Mydoom worm affected one out of three small and mid-sized businesses.
2. Spyware - Sends information about you and your computer to somebody else. Spyware may send the addresses of sites you have visited or worse still, transmit personal information. With today's concerns about identify theft this is a real worry. For example, CoolWebSearch may hijack web searches, home page, and other Internet Explorer settings. Spyware is normally received as part of shareware or freeware downloaded from the web.
3. IP Spoofing - A technique to gain unauthorized access to computers, whereby the intruder sends messages to a computer with an address indicating that the message is coming from a trusted host.
4. Trojans - An apparently legitimate computer program that is really intended to disrupt and damage computer activity by sending information, perhaps even passwords onto a third party without you knowing. As an example, recent emails entitled "Osama Bin Laden Captured" attempted to download the "Trj/Small.B." Trojan if the embedded URL was clicked. This trojan attempts to hijack the PC.
5. Spam - Unsolicited mail often promoting products of a dubious financial or sexual nature. Don't leave your email address on websites and internet bulletin boards as they are harvested by spammers.
6. Adware - puts advertisements on your screen. These take many forms including popups, popunders and advertisements that appear later, even if your browser is closed. Some are sent using the Windows Messenger service which allows a spammer to direct an advertisement straight to your computer by sequentially sending messages to IP addresses. Always irritating, they are also often of a pornographic nature.
7. Diallers - for those of us still with dial up modems, dialler programs redirect calls to a very expensive number. You won't know until you get the bill.
8. Hijackers - Hijackers take control of your web browser and may reset your home page, search bar and search pages. They can redirect you to undesirable sites or stop you going to particular sites.
9. Hackers - With so much personal data available online to anyone with a password you must be sure your password is secure. If you are using your mother's maiden name, your cat's name or your birthday then your password is at risk. Here are two tips for making a secure password. Method One - pick two random unrelated three letter words and two digits. Mix them up and what do you have? A secure password such as "red19cat" or "hotpin73". Method Two - pick a short sequence of words such as Now Is The Winter Of Our Discontent Made Glorious' and you have a password of "nitwoodmg". You could even change the I's and O's to digits.
10. Phishing - Emails purporting to come from reliable sources such as Paypal, Ebay or your bank. Often wanting you to verify your account details, they can look very realistic but are generally scams to harvest usernames and passwords. Always open a new browser winder and type the address there, rather than clicking on the link provided.
11. Hoaxes - Chain letters, scams, false alarms. At best they take up time and bandwidth but at worst vulnerable can be victims of fraud. Pass it on!
12. Stranger-danger - For those of us with children - do you know what they actually do when they are online? Are they working on homework tasks, downloading illegal music or pornography? Or are they chatting to strangers in chat rooms? You should consider blocking access to undesirable sites and logging their activity with a surveillance tool. Oh, and don't forget that where children are concerned, computers should always be kept in a family room and never in their bedroom.
Three Step Action Plan
There are three essential steps that should be taken to ensure your PC is kept threat-free.
Firstly, be sensible when opening attachments or following email instructions from apparently reputable sites.
Secondly, make sure you are using the latest service pack of Windows as Microsoft is continually closing loopholes to tighten up security.
Finally, there's a range of low cost tools such as firewalls, antivirus, spam blockers and spyware killers available. Like everything else they vary in quality and you tend to get what you pay for so always do your research first and perhaps try a free trial before getting your credit card out.
http://www.surfcontrols.com specializes in providing reviews and recommendations of top-rated tools to help protect your online experience. There's a quick reference list to dozens of top sites promoting different aspects of safe surfing packed with useful information and there's also a great set of top tips for safe surfing.
About the author:
Kai Chandler is a project manager and journalist particularly interested in tools and techniques to protect his family and computer against spam, porn, viruses and malware. As a father of two he is keen to ensure that his children enjoy a safe surfing surfing experience. His reviews of the very best parental internet filters, anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-spyware and surveillance tools are at http://www.surfcontrols.com its essential reading for any parent and computer owner.
Here are the Top Twelve Threats No Computer User Should Ignore:
1. Viruses - A computer program that copies itself. They often disrupt your computer system or damage your data. Viruses are usually received by email attachments so be careful opening anything from a dubious source. They can affect anyone, for example, the destructive Mydoom worm affected one out of three small and mid-sized businesses.
2. Spyware - Sends information about you and your computer to somebody else. Spyware may send the addresses of sites you have visited or worse still, transmit personal information. With today's concerns about identify theft this is a real worry. For example, CoolWebSearch may hijack web searches, home page, and other Internet Explorer settings. Spyware is normally received as part of shareware or freeware downloaded from the web.
3. IP Spoofing - A technique to gain unauthorized access to computers, whereby the intruder sends messages to a computer with an address indicating that the message is coming from a trusted host.
4. Trojans - An apparently legitimate computer program that is really intended to disrupt and damage computer activity by sending information, perhaps even passwords onto a third party without you knowing. As an example, recent emails entitled "Osama Bin Laden Captured" attempted to download the "Trj/Small.B." Trojan if the embedded URL was clicked. This trojan attempts to hijack the PC.
5. Spam - Unsolicited mail often promoting products of a dubious financial or sexual nature. Don't leave your email address on websites and internet bulletin boards as they are harvested by spammers.
6. Adware - puts advertisements on your screen. These take many forms including popups, popunders and advertisements that appear later, even if your browser is closed. Some are sent using the Windows Messenger service which allows a spammer to direct an advertisement straight to your computer by sequentially sending messages to IP addresses. Always irritating, they are also often of a pornographic nature.
7. Diallers - for those of us still with dial up modems, dialler programs redirect calls to a very expensive number. You won't know until you get the bill.
8. Hijackers - Hijackers take control of your web browser and may reset your home page, search bar and search pages. They can redirect you to undesirable sites or stop you going to particular sites.
9. Hackers - With so much personal data available online to anyone with a password you must be sure your password is secure. If you are using your mother's maiden name, your cat's name or your birthday then your password is at risk. Here are two tips for making a secure password. Method One - pick two random unrelated three letter words and two digits. Mix them up and what do you have? A secure password such as "red19cat" or "hotpin73". Method Two - pick a short sequence of words such as Now Is The Winter Of Our Discontent Made Glorious' and you have a password of "nitwoodmg". You could even change the I's and O's to digits.
10. Phishing - Emails purporting to come from reliable sources such as Paypal, Ebay or your bank. Often wanting you to verify your account details, they can look very realistic but are generally scams to harvest usernames and passwords. Always open a new browser winder and type the address there, rather than clicking on the link provided.
11. Hoaxes - Chain letters, scams, false alarms. At best they take up time and bandwidth but at worst vulnerable can be victims of fraud. Pass it on!
12. Stranger-danger - For those of us with children - do you know what they actually do when they are online? Are they working on homework tasks, downloading illegal music or pornography? Or are they chatting to strangers in chat rooms? You should consider blocking access to undesirable sites and logging their activity with a surveillance tool. Oh, and don't forget that where children are concerned, computers should always be kept in a family room and never in their bedroom.
Three Step Action Plan
There are three essential steps that should be taken to ensure your PC is kept threat-free.
Firstly, be sensible when opening attachments or following email instructions from apparently reputable sites.
Secondly, make sure you are using the latest service pack of Windows as Microsoft is continually closing loopholes to tighten up security.
Finally, there's a range of low cost tools such as firewalls, antivirus, spam blockers and spyware killers available. Like everything else they vary in quality and you tend to get what you pay for so always do your research first and perhaps try a free trial before getting your credit card out.
http://www.surfcontrols.com specializes in providing reviews and recommendations of top-rated tools to help protect your online experience. There's a quick reference list to dozens of top sites promoting different aspects of safe surfing packed with useful information and there's also a great set of top tips for safe surfing.
About the author:
Kai Chandler is a project manager and journalist particularly interested in tools and techniques to protect his family and computer against spam, porn, viruses and malware. As a father of two he is keen to ensure that his children enjoy a safe surfing surfing experience. His reviews of the very best parental internet filters, anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-spyware and surveillance tools are at http://www.surfcontrols.com its essential reading for any parent and computer owner.
The Spyware That Shagged Me
[Teaser]There may be a spy hiding on your computer, and it's not a spy that loves you. Find out how to spot spyware and keep from getting shagged.[Teaser]
With spyware's costing the world billions of dollars in computer damage, identity theft, and time spent removing it, many people have just one question: Who are these people who keep falling for a spy?
Well, I’m here to tell you who these spyware dupes are, or at least some of them.
They’re me.
Yes, I admit it: I harbored spyware on my computer for nearly three months. Yes, I knew it was there. But I thought it was the Roger Moore kind of spyware, the dangerous-in-a-good-way kind of spy, the spy that only hurts the bad guys, the spy that loves you. Instead, it was the Mike Meyers kind of spyware, and it shagged me rotten.
How could I be such a dupe, especially when I, someone who works entirely on the internet, knew that deep down all spyware is ultimately more Austin Powers than James Bond?
How Spyware Shags You Or, Possible Reasons for Me Harboring Spyware on My Computer for Three Months
First, just for fun, let’s look at the theories at why people allow spyware to lurk:
• They don’t know they have spyware, plain and simple.
• They know they have spyware but don't know how much trouble it can cause.
• They know they have spyware and how much trouble it can cause, but they don't know how to remove it.
• They are chronically lazy, stupid, or just perpetual procrastinators. OK, the terms used aren’t quite that specific, but that’s the general idea.
Why Savvy Web Users Get Shagged Or, The Real Reason I Let Spyware Lurk
So how did the spyware sneak onto my machine? It didn't have to sneak at all. Technically, at least, I gave my permission for it to be installed, as do millions of others.
It began with an article I'd read about an old film that wasn't being released for some reason or other, but that had found second life on peer-to-peer file-sharing networks. I won't say which file-sharing software I downloaded to get on this network, but no sooner had I installed it than kazaam! my computer had unwanted software out the kazoo. I later read in a newspaper article that permission to install the spyware was included in the software's standard license agreement, the little screen filled with text that shows up when you start to install software.
I had come across a couple pieces of the software a few times in the next three months. But every time I tried to uninstall it, it informed me that doing so would disable the file-sharing software. I should have just let the file-sharing software go, but since the little mystery programs hadn't caused any trouble I could see, I didn't think it was worth the bother.
Flushing Out the Spies
I finally got rid of the spyware not long ago.
No, I didn't suddenly discover the spyware, or what is was, or that it was harmful, nor did my lazy, stupid ways correct themselves.
What happened?
Photoshop.
Well, not actually Photoshop. It was a cheaper graphics program, but only slightly less resource-hungry.
My six-month-old Centrino laptop couldn't run the graphics software and my email software at the same time.
I did a Ctrl-alt-delete to see what other programs might be running quietly out of view. I found a dozen mysterious applications toiling away, sucking up almost a quarter of the system resources not taken by the operating system, anti-virus software, firewall, and other essentials.
A quick scan with an anti-spyware program unmasked the mysterious intruders as the "companion software" installed by the file-sharing program.
My computer has been running fine ever since. Yes, I'm lucky that this spyware was really the adware kind and not the kind that goes searching for credit card numbers. In fact, the file-sharing program claims repeatedly on their homepage that they do not install spyware in any shape or form, since the only spying it does is on your web browsing, in order to serve targeted advertising. But, I've learned my lesson: even if a spy only steals your computer resources and not your money, you're still getting shagged.
About the author:
Joel Walsh writes for http://www.spyware-refuge.com on how to remove spyware: http://www.spyware-refuge.com ?Download Spyware Removal [Publish this article on your website! Requirement: live link for above URL/web address w/ link text/anchor text: "Download Spyware Removal" OR leave this bracketed message intact.]
With spyware's costing the world billions of dollars in computer damage, identity theft, and time spent removing it, many people have just one question: Who are these people who keep falling for a spy?
Well, I’m here to tell you who these spyware dupes are, or at least some of them.
They’re me.
Yes, I admit it: I harbored spyware on my computer for nearly three months. Yes, I knew it was there. But I thought it was the Roger Moore kind of spyware, the dangerous-in-a-good-way kind of spy, the spy that only hurts the bad guys, the spy that loves you. Instead, it was the Mike Meyers kind of spyware, and it shagged me rotten.
How could I be such a dupe, especially when I, someone who works entirely on the internet, knew that deep down all spyware is ultimately more Austin Powers than James Bond?
How Spyware Shags You Or, Possible Reasons for Me Harboring Spyware on My Computer for Three Months
First, just for fun, let’s look at the theories at why people allow spyware to lurk:
• They don’t know they have spyware, plain and simple.
• They know they have spyware but don't know how much trouble it can cause.
• They know they have spyware and how much trouble it can cause, but they don't know how to remove it.
• They are chronically lazy, stupid, or just perpetual procrastinators. OK, the terms used aren’t quite that specific, but that’s the general idea.
Why Savvy Web Users Get Shagged Or, The Real Reason I Let Spyware Lurk
So how did the spyware sneak onto my machine? It didn't have to sneak at all. Technically, at least, I gave my permission for it to be installed, as do millions of others.
It began with an article I'd read about an old film that wasn't being released for some reason or other, but that had found second life on peer-to-peer file-sharing networks. I won't say which file-sharing software I downloaded to get on this network, but no sooner had I installed it than kazaam! my computer had unwanted software out the kazoo. I later read in a newspaper article that permission to install the spyware was included in the software's standard license agreement, the little screen filled with text that shows up when you start to install software.
I had come across a couple pieces of the software a few times in the next three months. But every time I tried to uninstall it, it informed me that doing so would disable the file-sharing software. I should have just let the file-sharing software go, but since the little mystery programs hadn't caused any trouble I could see, I didn't think it was worth the bother.
Flushing Out the Spies
I finally got rid of the spyware not long ago.
No, I didn't suddenly discover the spyware, or what is was, or that it was harmful, nor did my lazy, stupid ways correct themselves.
What happened?
Photoshop.
Well, not actually Photoshop. It was a cheaper graphics program, but only slightly less resource-hungry.
My six-month-old Centrino laptop couldn't run the graphics software and my email software at the same time.
I did a Ctrl-alt-delete to see what other programs might be running quietly out of view. I found a dozen mysterious applications toiling away, sucking up almost a quarter of the system resources not taken by the operating system, anti-virus software, firewall, and other essentials.
A quick scan with an anti-spyware program unmasked the mysterious intruders as the "companion software" installed by the file-sharing program.
My computer has been running fine ever since. Yes, I'm lucky that this spyware was really the adware kind and not the kind that goes searching for credit card numbers. In fact, the file-sharing program claims repeatedly on their homepage that they do not install spyware in any shape or form, since the only spying it does is on your web browsing, in order to serve targeted advertising. But, I've learned my lesson: even if a spy only steals your computer resources and not your money, you're still getting shagged.
About the author:
Joel Walsh writes for http://www.spyware-refuge.com on how to remove spyware: http://www.spyware-refuge.com ?Download Spyware Removal [Publish this article on your website! Requirement: live link for above URL/web address w/ link text/anchor text: "Download Spyware Removal" OR leave this bracketed message intact.]
The Complete Guide To Spotting Computer Spies & Recording Devices
Can you be absolutely sure, that your activity isn't being monitored and recorded right now, while you're reading this?
The problem with many people is, because they're alone in a room with their computer, they think that no body can be watching.
If only they knew how easy it is to plant a computer recording device or software recording program onto a computer, they wouldn't feel so safe.
Whether you're a total computer newbie or a seasoned Internet veteran, everyone needs to know how to protect their privacy using the right anti spyware tools for the job.
In this article, I will show you how to easily spot a computer recording device or detect spy software using specific anti spyware tools.
It's really quite simple if you know what FREE anti spyware tools to use.
Computer monitoring devices come in two main categories, Hardware Key loggers & Spyware Software:
In this article I will address each of these categories and give you the best anti spyware solutions available, to spot and prevent them from spying on you
Hardware Key Loggers:
This type of Key Logger requires that the perpetrator have physical access to your computer.
Key Loggers can easily be installed in less than 5 seconds.
It doesn't matter if you use your computer at home or at work. If anyone has access to your computer they can install one of these devices without knowing a thing about computers.
If you want to see pictures and read up on this type of product, here is the URL for probably the most well known hardware Key Logger on the Internet: http://www.i-loc.com
Once installed, a hardware Key Logger will capture every keystroke entered into your keyboard and then store it for future retrieval on the device itself.
Some hardware Key Logger companies boast a two-million keystroke capacity!
That's about 5 years worth of typing for the average computer user.
Whether at home or in the office, you can easily fall victim to this type of spying. A hardware Key Logger is installed between your keyboard and computer.
Removal of Hardware Key Loggers:
There are no anti spyware tools available for this except you're own two eyeballs. By taking a peek behind your system and following your keyboard cable, you can find out if there is something "odd" inserted between your keyboard and computer.
To remove a hardware Key Logger, you must shut down your system! You could cause damage your system if you attempt to remove the Key Logger while your computer is running!
Once your system is powered off, carefully remove the Key Logger from in between your keyboard and computer, and then plug your keyboard directly back into the computer. Make sure that it is plugged in completely and be gentle as the connectors are somewhat fragile.
It is very important to become an anti spyware enthusiast and check any computer you sit down at for hardware key loggers
Spyware:
Most everyone has heard of the term spyware.
Unfortunately the majority of people don't really understand what spyware does and what kind of anti spyware tool is best for them.
Spyware itself is broken down into two categories.
Adware vs Spy Software
Adware:
Adware (Advertising Spyware) is the most prevalent form of spyware. It monitors Internet activity to send targeted advertising to you as a consumer, or simply monitor your surfing habits to gather intelligence for companies who want to know what your interests are.
Adware is generally not a security threat, but can really mess up your computer when you try to remove it. Adware removal could cost you hundreds of dollars in repair bills even using the best anti spyware tools available.
Adware is written by "coders" who don't care what happens to your computer should you try to uninstall their software using an anti spyware tool.
Their only concern is making money from the information they acquire from your computer use.
Adware infections often cause many to make a trip to the computer repair shop just to get their computer back into running condition.
Adware can get on your computer in a variety of ways. You may download free programs, a screensaver, or some music or video, and the adware tags right along with your download file.
File sharing on peer to peer networks has been one of the worst culprits out there causing the serious spread of spyware worldwide.
Adware Symptoms:
The symptoms of Adware are uncontrollable popups, unwanted extra toolbars, and drastically slowed down computer performance that can result in freezes or lock up. When this happens it's time to get out your favorite anti spyware tool.
Tip: Music or File Sharing Can Be Dangerous: Never download ANYTHING from a website you do not trust, or can't verify, that they are a legitimate download site. Many times spyware can be attached to the music or file sharing programs themselves!
Adware Removal Using Anti-Spyware Tools:
You don't have to purchase an anti spyware tool for adware removal. I'm going to show you how to deal with an adware problem for free.
Unfortunately there are many anti spyware companies trying to profit from the spyware problem, so some of the anti spyware tools on the market today are very inferior "slapped together" products.
Some of these anti spyware companies do as much damage to a computer as the adware does. Many times all they want you to do is give them money. After all, how can you really know if they have done the job or not?
Some sneaky adware companies have even joined up with anti-spyware software companies and created a spyware removal utility that actually puts spyware on your system!
It's unbelievable what some people will do for a buck.
The only anti spyware tool you need to use if you have adware on your system is SpyBot, which comes highly recommended by security experts.
And it won't cost you a penny!
SpyBot is FREE...
SpyBot anti spyware will do everything the paid ones do and then some. If you like SpyBot anti spyware you can donate money to the author, but only if you want to.
Here is the website for this excellent FREE anti spyware adware removal tool.
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
Spy Software...Are You Sure You're Alone?
Spy Software is designed to silently record computer activity and then archive it for later retrieval, or stealthily send everything you do on your computer back to the intruder.
In my opinion, this type of spyware does the more damage to lives WORLDWIDE than any virus or adware product ever could.
Because spy software is so easy for anyone to purchase and install, now ANYONE who wants to find out what you're doing on your computer can see everything.
The worst part is, spy software is virtually undetectable by most adware scanners.
Want to see what I'm talking about? One of the best known companies who sell this type of spy software is www.spectorsoft.com
Most Spy Software is sold to spy on other family members, leading to divorce and all kinds of grief.
The worst cases are when used by business associates or even those who are after your credit card information or passwords to your accounts.
I've got a firewall you say...
Many Spy Software products can bypass even the best firewalls.
A firewall will lock up your system and require you to give your permission for any software program to operate on your system.
Spy Software companies know this, and many have figured a way to bypass most firewalls and send your personal information right over the Internet to the perpetrators.
When your firewall is triggered to ask you for your permission to send your captured information, the spy software will actually alter the message your firewall uses to ask your permission.
Your firewall will now ask you if it's alright for "Internet Explorer" or some application you're totally familiar with to access the Internet.
Of course you will click yes, and many times you will tell your firewall not to bother you when this program accesses the Internet in the future.
By clicking yes, you've just allowed the spy software to send your private information to the perpetrator(s).
Spy Software can be slipped onto your system via e-greeting cards, emails, Trojans or just simply physical access to your PC.
Spy Software Removal:
Whatever anti spyware tool you get, don't spend your money unless you're VERY SURE the product will do the job for you.
You wouldn't get a virus scanner that only got some of the viruses would you?
You can use the anti spyware SpyBot for most adware related spyware and it will even catch some Spy Software products.
The absolute best product I've seen to detect Spy Software is SpyCop.
SpyCop does not... I repeat, DOES NOT focus on adware. Do not download SpyCop to deal with adware infections.
SpyCop is a tool that is totally dedicated to detecting Spy Software products and has the most up to date spy software database anywhere.
SpyCop will scour your system for over 500 spy software products
SpyCop has been tested and proven to work by the most ardent anti spyware experts. http://www.spycop.com/download1
About the author:
Elizabeth Ward makes it easy to protect your Internet & computer privacy. Learn the 4 essential steps to spy proofing your computer. To receive your FREE mini-course visit http://www.nospyzone.com/AntiSpyware
The problem with many people is, because they're alone in a room with their computer, they think that no body can be watching.
If only they knew how easy it is to plant a computer recording device or software recording program onto a computer, they wouldn't feel so safe.
Whether you're a total computer newbie or a seasoned Internet veteran, everyone needs to know how to protect their privacy using the right anti spyware tools for the job.
In this article, I will show you how to easily spot a computer recording device or detect spy software using specific anti spyware tools.
It's really quite simple if you know what FREE anti spyware tools to use.
Computer monitoring devices come in two main categories, Hardware Key loggers & Spyware Software:
In this article I will address each of these categories and give you the best anti spyware solutions available, to spot and prevent them from spying on you
Hardware Key Loggers:
This type of Key Logger requires that the perpetrator have physical access to your computer.
Key Loggers can easily be installed in less than 5 seconds.
It doesn't matter if you use your computer at home or at work. If anyone has access to your computer they can install one of these devices without knowing a thing about computers.
If you want to see pictures and read up on this type of product, here is the URL for probably the most well known hardware Key Logger on the Internet: http://www.i-loc.com
Once installed, a hardware Key Logger will capture every keystroke entered into your keyboard and then store it for future retrieval on the device itself.
Some hardware Key Logger companies boast a two-million keystroke capacity!
That's about 5 years worth of typing for the average computer user.
Whether at home or in the office, you can easily fall victim to this type of spying. A hardware Key Logger is installed between your keyboard and computer.
Removal of Hardware Key Loggers:
There are no anti spyware tools available for this except you're own two eyeballs. By taking a peek behind your system and following your keyboard cable, you can find out if there is something "odd" inserted between your keyboard and computer.
To remove a hardware Key Logger, you must shut down your system! You could cause damage your system if you attempt to remove the Key Logger while your computer is running!
Once your system is powered off, carefully remove the Key Logger from in between your keyboard and computer, and then plug your keyboard directly back into the computer. Make sure that it is plugged in completely and be gentle as the connectors are somewhat fragile.
It is very important to become an anti spyware enthusiast and check any computer you sit down at for hardware key loggers
Spyware:
Most everyone has heard of the term spyware.
Unfortunately the majority of people don't really understand what spyware does and what kind of anti spyware tool is best for them.
Spyware itself is broken down into two categories.
Adware vs Spy Software
Adware:
Adware (Advertising Spyware) is the most prevalent form of spyware. It monitors Internet activity to send targeted advertising to you as a consumer, or simply monitor your surfing habits to gather intelligence for companies who want to know what your interests are.
Adware is generally not a security threat, but can really mess up your computer when you try to remove it. Adware removal could cost you hundreds of dollars in repair bills even using the best anti spyware tools available.
Adware is written by "coders" who don't care what happens to your computer should you try to uninstall their software using an anti spyware tool.
Their only concern is making money from the information they acquire from your computer use.
Adware infections often cause many to make a trip to the computer repair shop just to get their computer back into running condition.
Adware can get on your computer in a variety of ways. You may download free programs, a screensaver, or some music or video, and the adware tags right along with your download file.
File sharing on peer to peer networks has been one of the worst culprits out there causing the serious spread of spyware worldwide.
Adware Symptoms:
The symptoms of Adware are uncontrollable popups, unwanted extra toolbars, and drastically slowed down computer performance that can result in freezes or lock up. When this happens it's time to get out your favorite anti spyware tool.
Tip: Music or File Sharing Can Be Dangerous: Never download ANYTHING from a website you do not trust, or can't verify, that they are a legitimate download site. Many times spyware can be attached to the music or file sharing programs themselves!
Adware Removal Using Anti-Spyware Tools:
You don't have to purchase an anti spyware tool for adware removal. I'm going to show you how to deal with an adware problem for free.
Unfortunately there are many anti spyware companies trying to profit from the spyware problem, so some of the anti spyware tools on the market today are very inferior "slapped together" products.
Some of these anti spyware companies do as much damage to a computer as the adware does. Many times all they want you to do is give them money. After all, how can you really know if they have done the job or not?
Some sneaky adware companies have even joined up with anti-spyware software companies and created a spyware removal utility that actually puts spyware on your system!
It's unbelievable what some people will do for a buck.
The only anti spyware tool you need to use if you have adware on your system is SpyBot, which comes highly recommended by security experts.
And it won't cost you a penny!
SpyBot is FREE...
SpyBot anti spyware will do everything the paid ones do and then some. If you like SpyBot anti spyware you can donate money to the author, but only if you want to.
Here is the website for this excellent FREE anti spyware adware removal tool.
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
Spy Software...Are You Sure You're Alone?
Spy Software is designed to silently record computer activity and then archive it for later retrieval, or stealthily send everything you do on your computer back to the intruder.
In my opinion, this type of spyware does the more damage to lives WORLDWIDE than any virus or adware product ever could.
Because spy software is so easy for anyone to purchase and install, now ANYONE who wants to find out what you're doing on your computer can see everything.
The worst part is, spy software is virtually undetectable by most adware scanners.
Want to see what I'm talking about? One of the best known companies who sell this type of spy software is www.spectorsoft.com
Most Spy Software is sold to spy on other family members, leading to divorce and all kinds of grief.
The worst cases are when used by business associates or even those who are after your credit card information or passwords to your accounts.
I've got a firewall you say...
Many Spy Software products can bypass even the best firewalls.
A firewall will lock up your system and require you to give your permission for any software program to operate on your system.
Spy Software companies know this, and many have figured a way to bypass most firewalls and send your personal information right over the Internet to the perpetrators.
When your firewall is triggered to ask you for your permission to send your captured information, the spy software will actually alter the message your firewall uses to ask your permission.
Your firewall will now ask you if it's alright for "Internet Explorer" or some application you're totally familiar with to access the Internet.
Of course you will click yes, and many times you will tell your firewall not to bother you when this program accesses the Internet in the future.
By clicking yes, you've just allowed the spy software to send your private information to the perpetrator(s).
Spy Software can be slipped onto your system via e-greeting cards, emails, Trojans or just simply physical access to your PC.
Spy Software Removal:
Whatever anti spyware tool you get, don't spend your money unless you're VERY SURE the product will do the job for you.
You wouldn't get a virus scanner that only got some of the viruses would you?
You can use the anti spyware SpyBot for most adware related spyware and it will even catch some Spy Software products.
The absolute best product I've seen to detect Spy Software is SpyCop.
SpyCop does not... I repeat, DOES NOT focus on adware. Do not download SpyCop to deal with adware infections.
SpyCop is a tool that is totally dedicated to detecting Spy Software products and has the most up to date spy software database anywhere.
SpyCop will scour your system for over 500 spy software products
SpyCop has been tested and proven to work by the most ardent anti spyware experts. http://www.spycop.com/download1
About the author:
Elizabeth Ward makes it easy to protect your Internet & computer privacy. Learn the 4 essential steps to spy proofing your computer. To receive your FREE mini-course visit http://www.nospyzone.com/AntiSpyware
Recognizing a PC with Malware
What can you do if you think your computer is affected by spyware or a virus or other malware? (Malware is short for malicious software.) First let me assure you that you aren't in this alone.
There are excellent resources and community sites dedicated to helping dig people out of the mess that malware can make. Many of them are free and I'll point you to them in this column. I'll also explain how to recognize if your computer has malware running on it and point you to antivirus programs and anti-spyware tools to help you get rid of it.
And I'll describe how to use recovery options that help get your PC back to working the way it's supposed to. And, finally, I'll talk about "The Last Resort"-rebuilding your PC from scratch.
How to recognize malware
Malware is designed to run undetected in the background. So how can you tell if you have undesirable software on your system? The signs to look for include:
• Advertising pop-ups that appear every few seconds.
• Extra toolbars in your browser that won't go away.
• Browser going to sites you didn't tell it to go to.
• Browser settings changing so your home page won't open.
• Unexplained system slowdowns.
• Sudden rise in computer crashes.
If you're experiencing these kinds of problems, it's a good idea to treat your PC as if it might be infected by checking it out thoroughly. Although there are other reasons why your system might slow down or frequently crash, if you're noticing these obvious indications of malware, your system has probably been compromised. It's time to take defensive action.
Update antivirus programs
The first step in any attempt to repair or recover a compromised PC is to update your defensive tools. Your antivirus or anti-spyware tools need to be updated to the absolute latest versions and the most recent definition files. If you can do this on the PC that has the problem, then do it there. If not, you'll need to use another PC to download the latest versions and put them on a CD or USB drive that you can use to work on the infected PC. I like the USB drive because it's highly portable and easy to update if you need to. And everything you'll need will fit easily on a 128-MB USB drive.
Gather your original software CDs and disks as well, including your original Windows CD and the Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) CD.
You may need them before this is over, and it's good to get everything organized and ready before you start. Windows XP SP2 provides better protection against viruses, hackers, and worms. If you don't have a copy of the Windows XP SP2 CD, you should borrow one from a friend, order SP2 on a CD, or download the Network Install and copy it to a CD.
If you don't already have an antivirus program running on your computer, you'll find a number of companies offering antivirus software and firewall protection programs, among them:
• Computer Associates (http://www.ca.com)
• F-secure (http://www.f-secure.com/protectyourpc/)
• McAfee (http://www.mcafee.com)
• Panda Software (http://www.pandasoftware.com/microsoft/english.htm)
• Symantec (http://www.symantec.com)
• Trend Micro (http://www.trendmicro.com)
• Grisoft (free for home users - http://www.grisoft.com/doc/40/lng/us/tpl/tpl01)
Important: Uninstall any antivirus software you are currently using before installing a new product; having two different programs might cause problems on your computer.
Typically, these software companies make special offers of free trial versions of their antivirus and firewall packages, which should be enough to get you through this process. But to help avoid being back in this mess again, you'll want to choose one of them and get a full subscription to it so you stay up to date.
If you still have good working Internet connectivity, you can also use one of the excellent, free, online virus scanners. My favorite and one of the best is Panda Software's Panda Free Online Scanner (http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm).
One of the most annoying and difficult to remove pieces of unwanted software is Cool Web Search and its variants. To remove this, you're best bet is CWShredder, a dedicated program that just goes after this.
You'll also need a good anti-spyware product that can help you with the detection and removal of spyware or other malware. Here, one is good and two or more are sometimes better. They don't interfere with each other, generally, and they each seem to have slightly different strengths. The two I use regularly and recommend are Spybot search & destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/microsoft.en.html) and Computer Associates PestPatrol 5. There is new anti-spyware software from Microsoft, which is in beta testing now and holds some promise as well. (Beta software is pre-release software that is distributed for feedback and testing purposes.)
The Microsoft product is a security technology that helps you detect and remove known spyware from your PC. It also helps prevent spyware from getting on your computer in the first place. I've been using it and really like the way it works, but because it's a beta version, it won't be the right choice for everyone until the final release.
For one thing, Microsoft doesn't provide technical support for beta releases. Although formal support is not offered for this beta, you can go to the newsgroups to help get your questions answered.
Finally, it's a good idea to have a couple of other programs available. LSPFix and WinSock XP Fix can help restore your Internet connection if the cleanup process messes that up.
Back up critical files
If you can, now would be a really good time to back up critical files you'd hate to lose. Don't try to back up programs or the operating system-there's no point since they may be compromised and can be replaced. But those pictures of your daughter's wedding, your résumé, and your doctoral thesis-those are irreplaceable. Please, copy them somewhere safe, since anything you do to remove this kind of malicious software is serious and could leave your PC in a state where it might be difficult to recover or save your critical files.
Where or what you copy them to doesn't really much matter. A CD or DVD if you've got the hardware and software to do that, or a Zip disk, or just plain old floppy disks will work. But whatever medium you use, having a backup will give you the confidence to attack this malicious software without fear of losing something critical. Ed Bott's Windows XP Backup Made Easy (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/bott_03july14.mspx) explains how to let Windows XP do most of the backup work.
Scan and remove
Once you have your defensive programs ready, located your original CDs and DVDs, and made a backup of your critical data files, it's time to start figuring out exactly what you have on your system that shouldn't be there. But before you start, disable System
Restore. The last thing you'd want to do is restore to this point anyway, and this will prevent versions of the noxious software from being saved in the restore point.
To disable System Restore
1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. On the System Restore tab, select the Turn off System Restore box, and click OK.
The first step should be to try the obvious. Use Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel for programs that shouldn't be there and try to uninstall them first. Some of the annoying adware programs will actually uninstall and stay uninstalled so you might as well get rid of them first.
Next I scan for conventional viruses. Use the antivirus software that you downloaded and updated or one of the online scanners if you're still online. Deal with anything it finds, either by deleting or cleaning as appropriate. Microsoft offers a Malicious Software Removal Tool (http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx) that is updated on the first Tuesday of each month.
This tool checks computers running Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software-including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom-and helps remove any infection found. When you're done, it's time to disconnect from the Internet. Unplug the network connection or disconnect the modem.
Next, run CWShredder. Although it only deals with a single (but pervasive) problem, many of the Cool Web Search variants can prevent the other anti-spyware programs from doing their job correctly, so it's best to go after this one first.
Now it's time to run the anti-spyware scanners. It doesn't really matter what order you run them in, but be prepared for a fairly lengthy list of things to deal with. Initially, I'd ignore any that are described as cookies-they're low on our list of concerns for now. But everything that looks like a program or that they report as a critical issue should be quarantined or deleted.
Running in safe mode
One recommendation that some experts make is to run your antivirus and anti-spyware scans and cleanup in safe mode. Some problems that can hide from these programs in normal user mode are exposed in safe mode. Other experts disagree and suggest that there is little difference. I'm of the school that thinks it can't hurt, so I suggest you try running your scans first from a normal boot, but when you've done all you can from there, start in safe mode and try running the scans again.
To start in safe mode
1. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart from the list, and then click OK.
2. While your computer is starting, press the F8 key until the Windows Advanced Options Menu appears.
3. Select Safe Mode and press ENTER as needed.
For more on safe mode and the options available in the Windows Advanced Options Menu, see a Description of the Safe Mode Boot Options in Windows XP at http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315222.
Finally, when you're done fixing everything and you think you've got it all, I think it's wise to install or reinstall Windows XP Service Pack 2. Now turn on Windows Firewall, turn on System Restore, and you can connect your PC back to the Internet. Before you do anything else, go to the Windows Update site (http://update.microsoft.com) and download all of the latest security fixes. Then, turn on Automatic Updates to make sure you stay up to date.
Getting help
Removing undesirable software can be a daunting task. But as I said in the beginning, you're not in this alone. There are a wealth of resources available to you at every stage of the process. I can't begin to list them all, but some that I know about are the following:
• Microsoft Security Help and Support-the support is free for security problems and getting help removing malware is definitely a security problem: Located at http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/gp/securityhome.
• Microsoft Security Home Users Newsgroup-good place to start, with a wealth of users and MVPs responding to your queries 24 hours a day: Located at http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspx?dg=microsoft.public.security.homeusers&cat=en_us_d06efcb7-0e61-00 ed-6e0f-a86481b6aa20&lang=en&cr=us.
• Broadband Reports Online Security Community Forum-an excellent resource for really persistent and difficult problems, with help from Microsoft MVPs and other users: Located at http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/security.
• SpywareInfo Forums-excellent help and fast responses: Located at http://forums.spywareinfo.com/.
• AumHa Forums-a great resource for a wide variety of Windows problems, run and staffed by Microsoft MVPs: Located at http://forum.aumha.org/.
The last resort
Finally, I want to talk about the last resort, which is performing a clean installation of Windows XP. This is not something to do casually, since you will certainly lose data and have to re-install all your programs, but it is an option if all else fails.
For more information check out our articles at http://www.tornadocomputers.com/techie
About the author:
Vice-President and CIO for Tornado Computers in Oklahoma City. Specializing in small/medium businesses and home-users Ron has become their Information Security specialist becoming more and more proficient in the removal and prevention of viruses, spyware and other threats to people's data.
There are excellent resources and community sites dedicated to helping dig people out of the mess that malware can make. Many of them are free and I'll point you to them in this column. I'll also explain how to recognize if your computer has malware running on it and point you to antivirus programs and anti-spyware tools to help you get rid of it.
And I'll describe how to use recovery options that help get your PC back to working the way it's supposed to. And, finally, I'll talk about "The Last Resort"-rebuilding your PC from scratch.
How to recognize malware
Malware is designed to run undetected in the background. So how can you tell if you have undesirable software on your system? The signs to look for include:
• Advertising pop-ups that appear every few seconds.
• Extra toolbars in your browser that won't go away.
• Browser going to sites you didn't tell it to go to.
• Browser settings changing so your home page won't open.
• Unexplained system slowdowns.
• Sudden rise in computer crashes.
If you're experiencing these kinds of problems, it's a good idea to treat your PC as if it might be infected by checking it out thoroughly. Although there are other reasons why your system might slow down or frequently crash, if you're noticing these obvious indications of malware, your system has probably been compromised. It's time to take defensive action.
Update antivirus programs
The first step in any attempt to repair or recover a compromised PC is to update your defensive tools. Your antivirus or anti-spyware tools need to be updated to the absolute latest versions and the most recent definition files. If you can do this on the PC that has the problem, then do it there. If not, you'll need to use another PC to download the latest versions and put them on a CD or USB drive that you can use to work on the infected PC. I like the USB drive because it's highly portable and easy to update if you need to. And everything you'll need will fit easily on a 128-MB USB drive.
Gather your original software CDs and disks as well, including your original Windows CD and the Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) CD.
You may need them before this is over, and it's good to get everything organized and ready before you start. Windows XP SP2 provides better protection against viruses, hackers, and worms. If you don't have a copy of the Windows XP SP2 CD, you should borrow one from a friend, order SP2 on a CD, or download the Network Install and copy it to a CD.
If you don't already have an antivirus program running on your computer, you'll find a number of companies offering antivirus software and firewall protection programs, among them:
• Computer Associates (http://www.ca.com)
• F-secure (http://www.f-secure.com/protectyourpc/)
• McAfee (http://www.mcafee.com)
• Panda Software (http://www.pandasoftware.com/microsoft/english.htm)
• Symantec (http://www.symantec.com)
• Trend Micro (http://www.trendmicro.com)
• Grisoft (free for home users - http://www.grisoft.com/doc/40/lng/us/tpl/tpl01)
Important: Uninstall any antivirus software you are currently using before installing a new product; having two different programs might cause problems on your computer.
Typically, these software companies make special offers of free trial versions of their antivirus and firewall packages, which should be enough to get you through this process. But to help avoid being back in this mess again, you'll want to choose one of them and get a full subscription to it so you stay up to date.
If you still have good working Internet connectivity, you can also use one of the excellent, free, online virus scanners. My favorite and one of the best is Panda Software's Panda Free Online Scanner (http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm).
One of the most annoying and difficult to remove pieces of unwanted software is Cool Web Search and its variants. To remove this, you're best bet is CWShredder, a dedicated program that just goes after this.
You'll also need a good anti-spyware product that can help you with the detection and removal of spyware or other malware. Here, one is good and two or more are sometimes better. They don't interfere with each other, generally, and they each seem to have slightly different strengths. The two I use regularly and recommend are Spybot search & destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/microsoft.en.html) and Computer Associates PestPatrol 5. There is new anti-spyware software from Microsoft, which is in beta testing now and holds some promise as well. (Beta software is pre-release software that is distributed for feedback and testing purposes.)
The Microsoft product is a security technology that helps you detect and remove known spyware from your PC. It also helps prevent spyware from getting on your computer in the first place. I've been using it and really like the way it works, but because it's a beta version, it won't be the right choice for everyone until the final release.
For one thing, Microsoft doesn't provide technical support for beta releases. Although formal support is not offered for this beta, you can go to the newsgroups to help get your questions answered.
Finally, it's a good idea to have a couple of other programs available. LSPFix and WinSock XP Fix can help restore your Internet connection if the cleanup process messes that up.
Back up critical files
If you can, now would be a really good time to back up critical files you'd hate to lose. Don't try to back up programs or the operating system-there's no point since they may be compromised and can be replaced. But those pictures of your daughter's wedding, your résumé, and your doctoral thesis-those are irreplaceable. Please, copy them somewhere safe, since anything you do to remove this kind of malicious software is serious and could leave your PC in a state where it might be difficult to recover or save your critical files.
Where or what you copy them to doesn't really much matter. A CD or DVD if you've got the hardware and software to do that, or a Zip disk, or just plain old floppy disks will work. But whatever medium you use, having a backup will give you the confidence to attack this malicious software without fear of losing something critical. Ed Bott's Windows XP Backup Made Easy (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/bott_03july14.mspx) explains how to let Windows XP do most of the backup work.
Scan and remove
Once you have your defensive programs ready, located your original CDs and DVDs, and made a backup of your critical data files, it's time to start figuring out exactly what you have on your system that shouldn't be there. But before you start, disable System
Restore. The last thing you'd want to do is restore to this point anyway, and this will prevent versions of the noxious software from being saved in the restore point.
To disable System Restore
1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. On the System Restore tab, select the Turn off System Restore box, and click OK.
The first step should be to try the obvious. Use Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel for programs that shouldn't be there and try to uninstall them first. Some of the annoying adware programs will actually uninstall and stay uninstalled so you might as well get rid of them first.
Next I scan for conventional viruses. Use the antivirus software that you downloaded and updated or one of the online scanners if you're still online. Deal with anything it finds, either by deleting or cleaning as appropriate. Microsoft offers a Malicious Software Removal Tool (http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx) that is updated on the first Tuesday of each month.
This tool checks computers running Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software-including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom-and helps remove any infection found. When you're done, it's time to disconnect from the Internet. Unplug the network connection or disconnect the modem.
Next, run CWShredder. Although it only deals with a single (but pervasive) problem, many of the Cool Web Search variants can prevent the other anti-spyware programs from doing their job correctly, so it's best to go after this one first.
Now it's time to run the anti-spyware scanners. It doesn't really matter what order you run them in, but be prepared for a fairly lengthy list of things to deal with. Initially, I'd ignore any that are described as cookies-they're low on our list of concerns for now. But everything that looks like a program or that they report as a critical issue should be quarantined or deleted.
Running in safe mode
One recommendation that some experts make is to run your antivirus and anti-spyware scans and cleanup in safe mode. Some problems that can hide from these programs in normal user mode are exposed in safe mode. Other experts disagree and suggest that there is little difference. I'm of the school that thinks it can't hurt, so I suggest you try running your scans first from a normal boot, but when you've done all you can from there, start in safe mode and try running the scans again.
To start in safe mode
1. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart from the list, and then click OK.
2. While your computer is starting, press the F8 key until the Windows Advanced Options Menu appears.
3. Select Safe Mode and press ENTER as needed.
For more on safe mode and the options available in the Windows Advanced Options Menu, see a Description of the Safe Mode Boot Options in Windows XP at http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315222.
Finally, when you're done fixing everything and you think you've got it all, I think it's wise to install or reinstall Windows XP Service Pack 2. Now turn on Windows Firewall, turn on System Restore, and you can connect your PC back to the Internet. Before you do anything else, go to the Windows Update site (http://update.microsoft.com) and download all of the latest security fixes. Then, turn on Automatic Updates to make sure you stay up to date.
Getting help
Removing undesirable software can be a daunting task. But as I said in the beginning, you're not in this alone. There are a wealth of resources available to you at every stage of the process. I can't begin to list them all, but some that I know about are the following:
• Microsoft Security Help and Support-the support is free for security problems and getting help removing malware is definitely a security problem: Located at http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/gp/securityhome.
• Microsoft Security Home Users Newsgroup-good place to start, with a wealth of users and MVPs responding to your queries 24 hours a day: Located at http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspx?dg=microsoft.public.security.homeusers&cat=en_us_d06efcb7-0e61-00 ed-6e0f-a86481b6aa20&lang=en&cr=us.
• Broadband Reports Online Security Community Forum-an excellent resource for really persistent and difficult problems, with help from Microsoft MVPs and other users: Located at http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/security.
• SpywareInfo Forums-excellent help and fast responses: Located at http://forums.spywareinfo.com/.
• AumHa Forums-a great resource for a wide variety of Windows problems, run and staffed by Microsoft MVPs: Located at http://forum.aumha.org/.
The last resort
Finally, I want to talk about the last resort, which is performing a clean installation of Windows XP. This is not something to do casually, since you will certainly lose data and have to re-install all your programs, but it is an option if all else fails.
For more information check out our articles at http://www.tornadocomputers.com/techie
About the author:
Vice-President and CIO for Tornado Computers in Oklahoma City. Specializing in small/medium businesses and home-users Ron has become their Information Security specialist becoming more and more proficient in the removal and prevention of viruses, spyware and other threats to people's data.
Malware: Computing's Dirty Dozen
It seems that no sooner do you feel safe turning on your computer than you hear on the news about a new kind of internet security threat. Usually, the security threat is some kind of malware (though the term "security threat" no doubt sells more newspapers).
What is malware? Malware is exactly what its name implies: mal (meaning bad, in the sense of malignant or malicious rather than just poorly done) ware (short for software). More specifically, malware is software that does not benefit the computer's owner, and may even harm it, and so is purely parasitic.
The Many Faces of Malware
According to Wikipedia, there are in fact eleven distinct types of malware, and even more sub-types of each.
1. Viruses. The malware that's on the news so much, even your grandmother knows what it is. You probably already have heard plenty about why this kind of software is bad for you, so there's no need to belabor the point.
2. Worms. Slight variation on viruses. The difference between viruses and worms is that viruses hide inside the files of real computer programs (for instance, the macros in Word or the VBScript in many other Microsoft applications), while worms do not infect a file or program, but rather stand on their own.
3. Wabbits.Be honest: had you ever even heard of wabbits before (outside of Warner Bros. cartoons)? According to Wikipedia, wabbits are in fact rare, and it's not hard to see why: they don't do anything to spread to other machines. A wabbit, like a virus, replicates itself, but it does not have any instructions to email itself or pass itself through a computer network in order to infect other machines. The least ambitious of all malware, it is content simply to focus on utterly devastating a single machine.
4. Trojans. Arguably the most dangerous kind of malware, at least from a social standpoint. While Trojans rarely destroy computers or even files, that's only because they have bigger targets: your financial information, your computer's system resources, and sometimes even massive denial-of-service attacks launched by having thousands of computers all try to connect to a web server at the same time. Trojans can even
5. Spyware. In another instance of creative software naming, spyware is software that spies on you, often tracking your internet activities in order to serve you advertising. (Yes, it's possible to be both adware and spyware at the same time.)
6. Backdoors. Backdoors are much the same as Trojans or worms, except that they do something different: they open a "backdoor" onto a computer, providing a network connection for hackers or other malware to enter or for viruses or spam to be sent out through.
7. Exploits. Exploits attack specific security vulnerabilities. You know how Microsoft is always announcing new updates for its operating system? Often enough the updates are really trying to close the security hole targeted in a newly discovered exploit.
8. Rootkit. The malware most likely to have a human touch, rootkits are installed by crackers (bad hackers) on other people's computers. The rootkit is designed to camouflage itself in a system's core processes so as to go undetected. It is the hardest of all malware to detect and therefore to remove; many experts recommend completely wiping your hard drive and reinstalling everything fresh.
9. Keyloggers. No prize for guessing what this software does: yes, it logs your keystrokes, i.e., what you type. Typically, the malware kind of keyloggers (as opposed to keyloggers deliberately installed by their owners to use in diagnosis computer problems) are out to log sensitive information such as passwords and financial details.
10. Dialers. Dialers dial telephone numbers via your computer's modem. Like keyloggers, they're only malware if you don't want them. Dialers either dial expensive premium-rate telephone numbers, often located in small countries far from the host computer; or, they dial a hacker's machine to transmit stolen data.
11. URL injectors. This software "injects" a given URL in place of certain URLs when you try to visit them in your browser. Usually, the injected URL is an affiliate link to the target URL. An affiliate link is a special link used to track the traffic an affiliate (advertiser) has sent to the original website, so that the original website can pay commissions on any sales from that traffic.
12. Adware. The least dangerous and most lucrative malware (lucrative for its distributors, that is). Adware displays ads on your computer. The Wikipedia entry on malware does not give adware its own category even though adware is commonly called malware. As Wikipedia notes, adware is often a subset of spyware. The implication is that if the user chooses to allow adware on his or her machine, it's not really malware, which is the defense that most adware companies take. In reality, however, the choice to install adware is usually a legal farce involving placing a mention of the adware somewhere in the installation materials, and often only in the licensing agreement, which hardly anyone reads.
Are you ready to take on this dirty dozen? Don't go it alone. Make sure you have at least one each of antivirus and antispyware.
About the author:
About the author: Joel Walsh writes for spyware-refuge.com about malware removal: http://www.spyware-refuge.com/spyware-removal.html ?malware remover [Publish this article on your website! Requirement: live link for above URL/web address w/ link text/anchor text: "malware remover" OR leave this bracketed message intact.]
What is malware? Malware is exactly what its name implies: mal (meaning bad, in the sense of malignant or malicious rather than just poorly done) ware (short for software). More specifically, malware is software that does not benefit the computer's owner, and may even harm it, and so is purely parasitic.
The Many Faces of Malware
According to Wikipedia, there are in fact eleven distinct types of malware, and even more sub-types of each.
1. Viruses. The malware that's on the news so much, even your grandmother knows what it is. You probably already have heard plenty about why this kind of software is bad for you, so there's no need to belabor the point.
2. Worms. Slight variation on viruses. The difference between viruses and worms is that viruses hide inside the files of real computer programs (for instance, the macros in Word or the VBScript in many other Microsoft applications), while worms do not infect a file or program, but rather stand on their own.
3. Wabbits.Be honest: had you ever even heard of wabbits before (outside of Warner Bros. cartoons)? According to Wikipedia, wabbits are in fact rare, and it's not hard to see why: they don't do anything to spread to other machines. A wabbit, like a virus, replicates itself, but it does not have any instructions to email itself or pass itself through a computer network in order to infect other machines. The least ambitious of all malware, it is content simply to focus on utterly devastating a single machine.
4. Trojans. Arguably the most dangerous kind of malware, at least from a social standpoint. While Trojans rarely destroy computers or even files, that's only because they have bigger targets: your financial information, your computer's system resources, and sometimes even massive denial-of-service attacks launched by having thousands of computers all try to connect to a web server at the same time. Trojans can even
5. Spyware. In another instance of creative software naming, spyware is software that spies on you, often tracking your internet activities in order to serve you advertising. (Yes, it's possible to be both adware and spyware at the same time.)
6. Backdoors. Backdoors are much the same as Trojans or worms, except that they do something different: they open a "backdoor" onto a computer, providing a network connection for hackers or other malware to enter or for viruses or spam to be sent out through.
7. Exploits. Exploits attack specific security vulnerabilities. You know how Microsoft is always announcing new updates for its operating system? Often enough the updates are really trying to close the security hole targeted in a newly discovered exploit.
8. Rootkit. The malware most likely to have a human touch, rootkits are installed by crackers (bad hackers) on other people's computers. The rootkit is designed to camouflage itself in a system's core processes so as to go undetected. It is the hardest of all malware to detect and therefore to remove; many experts recommend completely wiping your hard drive and reinstalling everything fresh.
9. Keyloggers. No prize for guessing what this software does: yes, it logs your keystrokes, i.e., what you type. Typically, the malware kind of keyloggers (as opposed to keyloggers deliberately installed by their owners to use in diagnosis computer problems) are out to log sensitive information such as passwords and financial details.
10. Dialers. Dialers dial telephone numbers via your computer's modem. Like keyloggers, they're only malware if you don't want them. Dialers either dial expensive premium-rate telephone numbers, often located in small countries far from the host computer; or, they dial a hacker's machine to transmit stolen data.
11. URL injectors. This software "injects" a given URL in place of certain URLs when you try to visit them in your browser. Usually, the injected URL is an affiliate link to the target URL. An affiliate link is a special link used to track the traffic an affiliate (advertiser) has sent to the original website, so that the original website can pay commissions on any sales from that traffic.
12. Adware. The least dangerous and most lucrative malware (lucrative for its distributors, that is). Adware displays ads on your computer. The Wikipedia entry on malware does not give adware its own category even though adware is commonly called malware. As Wikipedia notes, adware is often a subset of spyware. The implication is that if the user chooses to allow adware on his or her machine, it's not really malware, which is the defense that most adware companies take. In reality, however, the choice to install adware is usually a legal farce involving placing a mention of the adware somewhere in the installation materials, and often only in the licensing agreement, which hardly anyone reads.
Are you ready to take on this dirty dozen? Don't go it alone. Make sure you have at least one each of antivirus and antispyware.
About the author:
About the author: Joel Walsh writes for spyware-refuge.com about malware removal: http://www.spyware-refuge.com/spyware-removal.html ?malware remover [Publish this article on your website! Requirement: live link for above URL/web address w/ link text/anchor text: "malware remover" OR leave this bracketed message intact.]
Friday, August 31, 2007
What Is Spyware - An Overview Of Spy And Malware
Spyware is malicious software that can intercept and take control of your computer without your knowledge or consent. The presence of spyware in the computer of a person is a major threat to the privacy and productivity of a person. Spyware can get very easily installed to your computer without your knowledge. There are some software which can help you in fighting off the menace of spyware. Reading spyware reviews can help you in buying the best spyware remover available in the market. For, there are different types of spyware removers available in the market.
Spyware reviews contain all the features of the spyware remover. The reviews tell the customers about all the different features of the particular spyware remover. You can come to know about the effectiveness of the spyware remover. You can find the reviews from magazines, newspapers and different online sites. Reviews are reliable as they are written by people who have already used the product. Thus you can also come to know about the negative aspects of the software as well. The spyware reviews can help you in choosing to buy the remover which best suits your requirements.
Spyware is not the same as worms and virus found in the computers. Spyware is designed to exploit the infected computers for commercial gains by the makers. The typical tactic adopted by spyware is through the use of pop up advertisements, theft of personal information and also monitoring the web browsing activity of the user. The spyware which gets installed in your computer without your knowledge monitors your internet habit and this information is sent out to a third party who can use this for advertisement purpose.
Different types of spyware exist so it becomes very difficult to remove them from the infected computers. The most common form of spyware is adware. Adware works through sending one pop up ad after another pop up ad for different products and services while you are working online on your computer. The adware maker is thus able to collect your personal information and then starts bombarding you with spam and junk emails. This can at times become very frustrating to the user. In fact at times spam and junk emails outnumber the normal emails which you receive daily in your mail inbox.
There are some online companies that give its customers free trail of the spyware removers. You can read spyware reviews and find out about sites which provide its customers with such facilities. You can visit such sites and download the software and see for your self if it is effective for you or not. Such offers will help you in buying the spyware remover that will suit your requirements.
Always ensure that you go through different spyware reviews before you actually purchase the one. If you do not purchase the proper spy remover you could end up causing damage to your computer. Spyware reviews are the best sources to help you out in buying the best spyware remover.
About the author:
Matt Garrett, http://www.xoftspy.co.uk
Spyware reviews contain all the features of the spyware remover. The reviews tell the customers about all the different features of the particular spyware remover. You can come to know about the effectiveness of the spyware remover. You can find the reviews from magazines, newspapers and different online sites. Reviews are reliable as they are written by people who have already used the product. Thus you can also come to know about the negative aspects of the software as well. The spyware reviews can help you in choosing to buy the remover which best suits your requirements.
Spyware is not the same as worms and virus found in the computers. Spyware is designed to exploit the infected computers for commercial gains by the makers. The typical tactic adopted by spyware is through the use of pop up advertisements, theft of personal information and also monitoring the web browsing activity of the user. The spyware which gets installed in your computer without your knowledge monitors your internet habit and this information is sent out to a third party who can use this for advertisement purpose.
Different types of spyware exist so it becomes very difficult to remove them from the infected computers. The most common form of spyware is adware. Adware works through sending one pop up ad after another pop up ad for different products and services while you are working online on your computer. The adware maker is thus able to collect your personal information and then starts bombarding you with spam and junk emails. This can at times become very frustrating to the user. In fact at times spam and junk emails outnumber the normal emails which you receive daily in your mail inbox.
There are some online companies that give its customers free trail of the spyware removers. You can read spyware reviews and find out about sites which provide its customers with such facilities. You can visit such sites and download the software and see for your self if it is effective for you or not. Such offers will help you in buying the spyware remover that will suit your requirements.
Always ensure that you go through different spyware reviews before you actually purchase the one. If you do not purchase the proper spy remover you could end up causing damage to your computer. Spyware reviews are the best sources to help you out in buying the best spyware remover.
About the author:
Matt Garrett, http://www.xoftspy.co.uk
Spyware - Your Web Browser is the Culprit!
My first experience with a spyware BHO based infection was several months ago. I had gone through all of the usual steps with the client's machine to clean it. Ad-Aware was run, Spybot: Search and Destroy was as well. Nothing looked suspicious in the system's startup. All appeared well, but it wasn't.
After extensive testing and no further symptoms I returned the computer to my client's home. I hooked it back up, and dialed the internet. Everything so far was progressing smoothly. But, as SOON as I loaded Internet Explorer: BAM the same pop-up advertisements and other annoying things started happening again. With much embarrassment I had to take the computer back to my office and try again.
It was all Internet Explorers fault. Microsoft Internet Explorer comes with a feature that is designed to add third-party functionality to their browser. It's actually a very good idea. Unfortunately, it now gets taken advantage of.
The producers of spyware know that many people now have spyware removers installed on their computers. They also know that quite a few people have the ability to check what is in their start-up. Because of this, BHO's are crafted so that the spyware lies dormant until Internet Explorer is opened. Then it can start its dirty work.
The best program to remove an errant Browser Help Object is HijackThis. This program was originally designed to remove homepage hijackers and gradually morphed into an all-around removal tool for everything. If there's any one tool that I couldn't part with it's HJT.
To start, download HijackThis 1991.
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn
Once you've got it, open it. Click the button that says "Do a system scan only". Following that, scroll down to the items labeled 02 - BHO. Remove anything here that looks suspicious. Internet Explorer does not require any BHO's to run. Just keep an eye on the path that it loads from, and the name of the file. A legitimate one will be fairly easy to spot, as it'll have a legit title and OK looking path.
If the filename looks like it was randomly made, like ASGSRT32.DLL or whatnot then there's a good 90% chance that it's bad. Even if you do remove one that's good, you can always use the restore feature of HJT to bring it back.
About the author:
Kevin Souter is a full time computer technician and operates a computer repair site, as well as a free spyware removal site. http://TweaksForGeeks.comhas articles and tutorials on all sorts of computer problems from internet issues to hardware defects, for the novice and the expert. http://EradicateSpyware.nethas been set up to teach you how to remove annoying Spyware/Adware/Malware from your computer.
After extensive testing and no further symptoms I returned the computer to my client's home. I hooked it back up, and dialed the internet. Everything so far was progressing smoothly. But, as SOON as I loaded Internet Explorer: BAM the same pop-up advertisements and other annoying things started happening again. With much embarrassment I had to take the computer back to my office and try again.
It was all Internet Explorers fault. Microsoft Internet Explorer comes with a feature that is designed to add third-party functionality to their browser. It's actually a very good idea. Unfortunately, it now gets taken advantage of.
The producers of spyware know that many people now have spyware removers installed on their computers. They also know that quite a few people have the ability to check what is in their start-up. Because of this, BHO's are crafted so that the spyware lies dormant until Internet Explorer is opened. Then it can start its dirty work.
The best program to remove an errant Browser Help Object is HijackThis. This program was originally designed to remove homepage hijackers and gradually morphed into an all-around removal tool for everything. If there's any one tool that I couldn't part with it's HJT.
To start, download HijackThis 1991.
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn
Once you've got it, open it. Click the button that says "Do a system scan only". Following that, scroll down to the items labeled 02 - BHO. Remove anything here that looks suspicious. Internet Explorer does not require any BHO's to run. Just keep an eye on the path that it loads from, and the name of the file. A legitimate one will be fairly easy to spot, as it'll have a legit title and OK looking path.
If the filename looks like it was randomly made, like ASGSRT32.DLL or whatnot then there's a good 90% chance that it's bad. Even if you do remove one that's good, you can always use the restore feature of HJT to bring it back.
About the author:
Kevin Souter is a full time computer technician and operates a computer repair site, as well as a free spyware removal site. http://TweaksForGeeks.comhas articles and tutorials on all sorts of computer problems from internet issues to hardware defects, for the novice and the expert. http://EradicateSpyware.nethas been set up to teach you how to remove annoying Spyware/Adware/Malware from your computer.
How To Prevent Spyware Attacking Your Computer
Spyware is software or hardware installed on a computer without a user's knowledge. It gathers information and reports it back to its source. It ties up bandwidth, slows down CPU speed and generally is a nuisance.
In its more malicious forms, it can disrupt the PC so much that it is unusable; it can run up modem bills, it can spam or send copies of itself to everyone in your address book and it can download pornographic material to your PC.
The last is probably the one most likely to make everyone stand up and take notice. Downloading porn at the office can get you fired, downloading child porn anywhere can get you arrested.
The only way to keep these and all the other problems associated with spyware from infecting your life and disrupting your activities is prevention. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
There are numerous programs available (both for free and for pay) that offer protection from spyware and its related cohorts. Most free programs remove spyware that's already been downloaded and installed to your machine, such as Ad- Aware, one of the first original anti-spyware programs.
The free version requires that you scan to capture and remove spyware. The pay for version includes a real-time scanner that actually prevents spyware from downloading or installing itself.
There are numerous other products on the market, but don't be taken in by their pronouncements of being anti-spyware. Be wary, a few of the free programs are just spyware themselves.
Security for your PC at the home includes using up-to-date virus software, installing an effective firewall, employing reputable anti-spyware tools, making sure all patches and being sure to install all updates for the operating system. The best thing to do is to avoid risky online behavior or the downloading of every free offer that literally "pops up".
Never download anything from an unknown source. A lot of home PC users can find their machines besieged by problems because they downloaded something they weren't sure about or just assumed was safe. Don't assume, be sure. You can even check security settings for different websites you visit. Be sure what you're downloading is from a reputable source.
You wouldn't invite just anyone who knocked on your door into your house; you shouldn't let any file or program into your computer. Spyware at its best is a nuisance, and a potentially dangerous and damaging element that can cost you real time, and worse of all, money.
Discover all you ever wanted to know about spyware. Latest discovery methods, latest incoculation treatments, latest removal techniques. Click for useful info and daily updated blog of spyware news and articles. http://www.spyware-revealed.com/anti-spyware.html
About the author:
Tom Jenson has worked in software development for 20 years. He's seen spyware develop from an occasional problem, to a daily, hourly threat to all pc's. He made it a mission to research these threats, and work out how best to combat them. Now this series of article helps others protect their computers too.
In its more malicious forms, it can disrupt the PC so much that it is unusable; it can run up modem bills, it can spam or send copies of itself to everyone in your address book and it can download pornographic material to your PC.
The last is probably the one most likely to make everyone stand up and take notice. Downloading porn at the office can get you fired, downloading child porn anywhere can get you arrested.
The only way to keep these and all the other problems associated with spyware from infecting your life and disrupting your activities is prevention. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
There are numerous programs available (both for free and for pay) that offer protection from spyware and its related cohorts. Most free programs remove spyware that's already been downloaded and installed to your machine, such as Ad- Aware, one of the first original anti-spyware programs.
The free version requires that you scan to capture and remove spyware. The pay for version includes a real-time scanner that actually prevents spyware from downloading or installing itself.
There are numerous other products on the market, but don't be taken in by their pronouncements of being anti-spyware. Be wary, a few of the free programs are just spyware themselves.
Security for your PC at the home includes using up-to-date virus software, installing an effective firewall, employing reputable anti-spyware tools, making sure all patches and being sure to install all updates for the operating system. The best thing to do is to avoid risky online behavior or the downloading of every free offer that literally "pops up".
Never download anything from an unknown source. A lot of home PC users can find their machines besieged by problems because they downloaded something they weren't sure about or just assumed was safe. Don't assume, be sure. You can even check security settings for different websites you visit. Be sure what you're downloading is from a reputable source.
You wouldn't invite just anyone who knocked on your door into your house; you shouldn't let any file or program into your computer. Spyware at its best is a nuisance, and a potentially dangerous and damaging element that can cost you real time, and worse of all, money.
Discover all you ever wanted to know about spyware. Latest discovery methods, latest incoculation treatments, latest removal techniques. Click for useful info and daily updated blog of spyware news and articles. http://www.spyware-revealed.com/anti-spyware.html
About the author:
Tom Jenson has worked in software development for 20 years. He's seen spyware develop from an occasional problem, to a daily, hourly threat to all pc's. He made it a mission to research these threats, and work out how best to combat them. Now this series of article helps others protect their computers too.
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