About spyware and malware

What is spyware and how do I get rid of it Joe ! ?

*disclaimer (please read first!)*

Spyware is variously referred to as "Malware," "Adware," and "Scumware," among other things. Basically, spyware can be defined as a class of software that is designed to take over various aspects of your computer. It does this in order to generate profit for unscrupulous people or businesses or to use your computer for various illegal or immoral reasons. Spyware is generally installed by you, the user, either wittingly or unwittingly. Trojans and Viruses are either installed by you or installed by taking advantage of security exploits that exist in Microsoft Windows. This article will focus on Windows, since spyware is not a phenomenon that has hit the Mac or Linux world yet. Consumers with relatively large disposable incomes. Spyware was born

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Now i've worked on several.......wait....MANY systemz with Malware....I discuss that the most cause it seems to be the worst......obviously. So please read below and I hope you remember some of it, cause trust me, you can save yourself ALOT of headaches and $$ by not having to pay to have it repaired......let the reading begin!

ACTIVE X

Now this is another way that some webpages will force an executeable to run. Sorta like forcing you to download something without you knowing. Or it will popup a box asking you if you want to "run" it or not. Well that right there can be where it all starts from. An example would be like when you go to Micro$oft for an "update" when you get there a box will popup and when you click "yes" it then installs an "Active X control which will scan your system and check for any kind of updates you might need. Its very helpful and good in this case. But remember others can do this for the "dark side" if you will. So one recommendation would be in my own opinion is to not use Internet Explorer....instead try another browser, like Opera, or Mozilla. Just "GOOGLE" it and you'll be able to find more information and where to download'em at.

TOOLS

I find that the following tools are quite helpful....

First of all....I HIGHLY suggest some sort of a "firewall"....ok sure....so you've heard the expression or people talking bout their "firewall" and stuff like that. There are two kinds.....a "hardware" and "software" firewall.

A hardware firewall is just that - a box that sits between you and the internet that performs the filtering function. Traffic that is filtered out never reaches your computer. Broadband routers perform the function of a firewall quite nicely, and are typically what I recommend. The downside for a hardware devices is that most will not filter outgoing traffic.

A software firewall is a program that runs on your computer, and at the very lowest level, monitors your network traffic. The firewall prevents filtered traffic from getting through to the operating system. All network traffic reaches your computer, but the firewall prevents your system from actually doing anything with it.

The good news is that if you're running Windows XP, you already have a firewall built-in. It's a simple matter of turning it on to get the protection you're looking for.

So next are some lil utilities that i've used......numerous times on customers and for my own personal computers at times. Peer Guardian is no longer, but was a very kewl mini firewall.

Methlab is the maker of Peer Guardian, small yet healthy firewall. But the link doesnt seem to work anymore but i'll keep this banner up in the meantime...just incase you wanna "google" it and maybe find it, if it becomes active. Was one of my favorite mini firewalls.

Lavasoft is the maker of Adware 6, spyware removal tool

Spybot is another adware/spyware removal tool

Wanna test how fast your DSL or CABLE internet speed really is?


This one is called CLEAN UP came on a recommendation from a co-worker, but please NOTE that there is a setting that can delete your browser bookmarks! Aside from that its fast, clean and does a nice tuneup on your system and definately frees up alot ohard drive space depending how bogged down your machine is. After installing check around the OPTIONS area and check out the setting you can apply.

* PLEASE READ cause seriously I am not responsible for any technical steps given on this page. Steps above mentioned are intended for computer technicians who know the importance of backing up their Registry or any other needed information prior to making any changes....on anyones computer. I just have to say all this cause......well.....its a disclaimer and truth lol!* [top]
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