By: Tom Jenson
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.
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