"Spyware" generally refers to computer programs that track your online activities. You may unknowingly install spyware when you download programs from the Internet, install software from disks, or open suspicious email attachments.
What is spyware?
"Spyware" generally refers to computer programs that track your online activities. The activities that are tracked include, Web sites you visit, advertisement banners you click on, and search engines you tend to use. Spyware is generally used by Internet advertisers to collect data and statistics for online Web usage. You may unknowingly install spyware when you download programs from the Internet, install software from disks, or open suspicious email attachments.
Symptoms of spyware
The following symptoms may indicate that spyware exists on your computer.
- • Your computer is acting slower than usual: One of the most commonly noticed symptoms of spyware is that your computer may responding much slower than usual.
- • Your Internet connection appears slower than usual: Spyware can use significant computer memory resources. Multiple instances of spyware running at the same time can create “memory leaks,” which can give you the impression that your Internet connection is much slower than normal.
- • Advertisement pop-ups appear when you're not browsing the Web: Spyware can also serve you pop-up advertisements that appear while you are not surfing the Web--even if you don’t have a Web browser open.
- • Your homepage has changed, or keeps changing: Sometimes spyware will change your default homepage, or render your computer incapable of changing your homepage again.
- • Redirecting Web sites: Spyware can cause your browser to automatically redirect to different Web sites. This symptom is especially common with Internet search engines.
- • Search tool bars appear in your browser: You may notice that search bars appear directly in your browser. These bars, also known as plug-ins, can sometimes be installed by spyware programs.
- • Spyware software appears in menus: Another indication that spyware has been installed on your computer is when suspicious programs and folders appear in your Start menu, startup menu, or system tray.
Removing spyware
Spyware is often very difficult to remove without the help of specialized anti-spyware programs (also known as spyware scanners). Spyware scanners, such as Ad-aware and SpyBot Search & Destroy (both available for free), identify and remove spyware from your computer. It is strongly recommended that you take advantage of these programs rather than attempting to remove spyware programs through conventional program un-install methods, like the “Add / Remove Programs” utility in Windows.
Click here for our list of free Software/Shareware programs
Spyware protection and prevention
Here are some basic guidelines to follow to help protect your computer from spyware in the future.
• Always be careful to fully understand what an application will be doing on your computer before you download it.
• Beware that sometimes spyware programs are bundled with other software applications (especially file sharing applications), and will automatically install.
• Be aware that spyware can be hidden in files shared through some popular file sharing applications, including KaZaA, LimeWire, BearShare, WinMX, iMesh, Morpheus, and XoloX. You can find more information on file sharing programs and spyware by reading this article: What is file sharing and how can I protect myself from spyware?
• To prevent future spyware installation on your computer, you might try prevention utilities like SpywareBlaster, and SpywareGuard. Both utilities are currently offered on the Internet free of charge.
• Links to download free spyware prevention utilities (to help protect your computer)
Click here for our list of free Software/Shareware programs
Please Note:
Some spyware and/or adware may be included as part of software that you have licensed from a third party pursuant to a separate license agreement. This separate license agreement may require that you install and run the spyware or adware in order to receive the other software. SBC Internet Services strongly recommends that you review all software licenses to which you have agreed. SBC Internet Services is not responsible for any breach caused by your removal of required spyware or adware.
*Lipcrepair.com (Long Island PC Repair) makes no guarantee as to the availability or reliability of the sites linked above and/or the products available for download. Lipcrepair.com (Long Island PC Repair) cannot be held responsible for any damages that result from an attempted software installation. If you are unsure of your ability to install software, we recommend that you have a professional computer technician complete the installation.
Lipcrepair.com (Long Island PC Repair) Online does not provide support or endorse most third party applications. If you have questions, concerns or problems with a third party software application, you will need to contact the software manufacturer. In no event shall Lipcrepair.com (Long Island PC Repair), its agents or officers be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages to computer Hardware or Software) arising out of the use of or inability to use the Software mentioned above, even if Lipcrepair.com (Long Island PC Repair) has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
