|
ChiliTech recognizes the problem our users are having with adware and spyware
being installed and causing havoc to their computers. This guide will give an
overview of adware and provide some solutions on how to avoid and remove
spyware.
What is Adware?
Adware, also known as spyware or malware, can do a number of nasty things to
your computer, from profiling your online surfing and spending habits to popping
up annoying ad windows as you surf. Some types of spyware will hijack your
browser, changing your default home page or search page to pass all searches to
a certain site. Some malware will make it impossible to use the internet
altogether.
There is another strain of malware called a dialer. A dialer is a program
that without your knowledge creates a new or changes your dial up connection
settings so that instead of calling ChiliTech, your PC calls some very expensive
0900 or international phone number.
Common Spyware Symptoms
From the Microsoft Knowledge Base Article -
Unexplained computer behavior
may be caused by deceptive software.
You may experience any one or more of the following symptoms:
- When you start your computer, or when your computer has been idle for many
minutes, your Internet browser opens to display Web site advertisements.
- When you use your browser to view Web sites, other instances of your
browser open to display Web site advertisements.
- Your Web browser's home page unexpectedly changes.
- Web pages are unexpectedly added to your Favorites folder.
- New toolbars are unexpectedly added to your Web browser.
- You cannot start a program.
- When you click a link in a program, the link does not work.
- Your Web browser suddenly closes or stops responding.
- It takes a much longer time to start or to resume your computer.
- Components of Windows or other programs no longer work.
How does Spyware get on your computer?
In many cases adware has been bundled with different types of software, often
with peer-to-peer file sharing products, without the user's knowledge or hidden
in the fine print of a End User License Agreement (EULA).
A EULA or End User License Agreement is the agreement you accept when you
click "OK" or "Continue" when you are installing software. Many users never
bother to read the EULA.
Another way malware gets on your computer is "Drive-by downloads". Drive-by's
are accomplished by providing a misleading dialogue, pop-up box or by taking
advantage of your Internet Browsers or Operating Systems security flaws. Many
times users have no idea they have installed the application.
How do I get rid of Spyware?
Getting rid of spyware can be a difficult task. Often adware makers make
their application very hard to uninstall. There are thankfully helpful utilities
available that will scan your computer, much like a Virus Scanner to detect and
attempt to remove all instances of spyware.
We often recommend the following programs to help route out your spyware
problems:
These programs are free to download and use for non-commercial use. Most
spyware scanning programs offer a more powerful pay version that offers active
scanning that is always running.
Additional Help
Sometimes, even after running one of these detection/removal tools,
additional steps are needed to completely remove all traces of the unwanted
software.
Some sites that can provide additional help and guidance for removing
spyware:
Spyware-Guide Database
- http://www.spywareguide.com
This site provides a searchable database for help finding the specific spyware
you are having problems with and steps on how to remove them.
SpywareInfo - http://www.spywareinfo.com
Provides a helpful community forum discussing spyware and overviews of just
about every spyware removal tool available.
Microsoft on Spyware and Deceptive Software
Microsoft has ackowledged the problem with Spyware on their Trusworthy Computing
site.
Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites
Be very careful what anti-spyware software you install! Some programs claiming
to be anti-spyware or spyware removal, actually install spyware on your
computer. If you are not sure, check out this site that has a list of rogue and
untrustworthy anti-spyware programs
GetNetWise
A wonderful way to learn how to get smart and stay safe on the Internet.
|