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This article introduces beginner level computer users to Spyware. It explains what Spyware is, what it effects in your computer and how you can get rid of it.
by: Syd Johnson
Spyware is a program that once loaded on your computer unknowingly collects information from your PC and sends it to another party. The most dangerous types of Spyware programs copies personal information that you would not share with anyone such as passwords, files and credit card numbers.
Other types of spyware programs act as a forced advertising program. The program will track your keystrokes and web surfing habits. Once the program, and company running it, knows your habits they will try to change your web page to get you to go to specific sites and purchase something or surf on their site.
The corporations who create and distribute spyware, get many benefits from their dishonest marketing practices. They can build up a huge database of so called opt-in marketing participants, sell you their own products or terrorize you with unwelcome pop-ups.
They’re counting on the fact that a lot of web surfers don’t know that the program is on their computer. The few that do know that they have spyware programs, don’t know how it got there and how to prevent themselves from getting it again.
Spyware usually get on your computer when you download unverified programs online. Everyone eventually downloads something from the internet. Spyware software is usually attached to some kind of free software. The software could be games, wall paper programs, music files or file swapping software. Most web surfers will not take the time to read the long disclaimers and terms of use that are attached to freebies on the web. This is where you will usually find a line in the agreement that states that extra programs are attached to your free download.
Other time, it is clear that there are extra programs but their purpose and functions are not explicitly explained. Almost any program can be described as a user friendly application to help you enjoy your surfing experience. Make sure that you read the fine print before you download and save anything on your computer.
The best way to combat spyware is to not let it into your computer system. You should never download free software unless you trust the source of the software. You won’t find too many spyware programs coming from the larger, more reputable corporations in our society. They depend on selling real products to make money instead of trickery and stealing your personal data. You should get a copy of several commercial applications that you can use in addition to your AntiVirus software to detect and remove these intrusive software pests.
To find out more about pop-up killers and other spyware removal programs, visit the ebook and information directory at http://www.raidlingo.com
About The Author
Syd Johnson is the editor of the RapidLingo directory of ebooks and software programs. You can always add your listing for free. Visit: http://www.rapidlingo.com
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PiciFix would like to add...
If you are looking for a decent spyware killing application, PiciFix would recommend you check out Spyware Doctor. It has a very user friendly interface and is very simple to use. It scans your entire hard drive looking for Spyware files. If it finds one it puts it into "quarantine", which means it can no longer work, but you can always go back to the PC's previous state if you need to.
Depending on the size of your hard drive and how fast your PC is, a full scan can take over 30 minutes. It is best to run the search and go off and watch TV or something and come back every 30 minutes.
The article mentions that you can get spyware from file swapping software. One example of this is Kazzar media desktop. When you install the free software it also installs some spyware as well. With Kazzar you can always remove the spyware but this also removes the main program too. They offer a spyware free version of the program, but you have to pay for it.
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