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Home > Help > Technical Support
Definition of Spyware
Spyware Resources
Programs for Removing Spyware
General Recommendations
Definition of Spyware
The Wikipedia defines Spyware thus:
Spyware is a broad category of malicious software intended to intercept or take
partial control of a computer's operation without the user's informed consent.
While the term taken literally suggests software that surreptitiously monitors
the user, it has come to refer more broadly to software that subverts the
computer's operation for the benefit of a third party.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware).
You can get spyware any number of ways. The most common is by installing a
program that looks like a good idea at the time such as an "Internet
Accelerator" or a toolbar for Internet Explorer.
Spyware Resources
There are many places on the Internet to get information about spyware.
Unfortunately many are forms for spyware. Indeed one of the most common
schemes is to hold your computer hostage until you pay the company to remove the
spyware. Here are some reputable sites.
The Federal Trade Commission
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/spywarealrt.htm
US-CERT
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-016.html
Programs for Removing Spyware
These programs generally work but you need both as there areas where they do not
overlap.
General Recommendations
The guides above offer many good suggestions for dealing with spyware. The
easiest way to deal with spyware is not to get spyware in the first place. In
order to avoid spyware stick to a few basic rules.
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Don't install any software on your computer you do not need and understand.
Therefore do not click on something just because it sounds like a "good deal".
- Don't open unknown attachments in email.
- Don't use Internet Explorer if at all possible. You are much safer using
Firefox or practically any other browser than Internet Explorer.
- Do not allow your browser to install software unless you know what it is first.
- Turn off System Restore in Windows.
- Make sure your computer is updated and patched.
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