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Spyware

Spyware is a term used to describe a type of software that is responsible for spying on your Internet/computer usage. These programs run in the background of your computer and monitor your usage and report the details back to a server where it can be used for many purposes. It can result in increased junk email (spam), popup ads, browser hijacking, more spyware downloading, viruses, etc.

Quite often these programs come in the form of a program designed to help you. You may download something free on the Internet and spyware is included, or it may offer something like the weather or time/date but its real purpose is to take over your computer and flood you with popups and email.

These programs will reach out over the Internet and invite in other programs, using up valuable memory and CPU power, slowing your system down considerably. Eventually you will find your system is almost unusable and most of your Internet bandwidth is being dedicated to behind the scenes traffic leaving little for you.

Programs to avoid:
Free Icons or Smileys
Toolbars
Weather Programs
Time/Date Programs

Windows XP Service Pack 2 includes security enhancements that prevent these programs from installing themselves without your permission. Until Service Pack 2, simply visiting a website could result in programs being downloaded and installed. After Service Pack 2, a yellow bar should appear in Internet Explorer below the address bar that tells you a program has attempted to install but was blocked. Should you desire this program, you can right click the yellow bar and choose to install it.

To remove these programs a free utility called Ad-aware is available from http://www.lavasoft.com that will scan your system and can be used to remove the undesired software. Be advised, these programs can weave themselves into your windows configuration so deeply that you may find you no longer have Internet access after you clean them up. It is wise to scan your system often to keep it clean and working efficiently. Should you have trouble removing them, or trouble with the computer after they have been removed, you may have to bring your computer in for some professional help.

We offer a tune-up special for $60 + tax, that includes a physical cleaning on the inside, a complete scan and cleanup of spyware and viruses, and a scan to eliminate browser hijacking.

Email joe@joecomputer.ca or call 658-2314 for an appointment.

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