Free Spyware Software

Spyware is simply what it sounds like - software that spies on your online activity. You won’t even know that it’s installed most of the time since it is usually installed when you are browsing on the web or download another program and there are no informative pop-ups that ask, “Would you like to install some Spyware so we can spy on you?”

While Spyware is exactly what it sounds like, what it actually does may be even more malicious in nature. One of the main goals of Spyware is to get information about you. One type of information seems almost harmful, but “Big Brother” in nature, is that it tracks your online activity and sends this information to its installer. The question is, who is doing the installing?

So why would your online activity need to be monitored? Well, one purpose is probably for good and that is to monitor a child’s activity on the internet. Spyware for this use seems like a good thing since it is being used to protect your child. However, other purposes are for the government to spy on you or for companies to build marketing strategies around your online activities. All of these uses are an invasion of privacy, and while the parent may have the right to invade a child’s privacy, the government and ad agencies spying on your online activity seems a little Stalinesque and malicious.

The worst effects of Spyware, however, are seen by Spyware programs installed by hackers intent on stealing your personal information. The Spyware programs installed by hackers could put you at risk for identity theft. These spyware programs can search your hard drive and gather any information that might be useful for them to obtain your bank account numbers, credit card numbers, passwords and any other information that would allow them access to your money.

The best solution is to get good software that will scan your computer for any Spyware, Adware and Viruses you might already have installed as well as eliminate it and protect you from further invasions.

For more information and to get a free scan, go to Anti-Virus Now or Opinedmind - Antivirus Software

The author runs the website Opinedmind.com writing articles on computing and financial issues.

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Spyware and Adware programs are the latest tools in the insidious world of information farming and computer hacking. The terms Adware, Spyware and Malware are typically used in an interchangeable manner by many end-users of PCs, but in truth, the definitions of the programs are different.

Spyware programs and applications are often downloaded unbeknownst to the end user, and installed in the computer’s hard drive. These applications then (as their name implies) spy on the user, transmitting surfing habits, sites visited, demographic information and more to the company that inserted the program. A tremendous concern about spyware is not only breach of privacy for the end user, but a growing trend in identity theft, credit theft and other forms of illegal usage of the information harvested. Spyware programs are rife among sites that employ shareware downloads, such as Kazaa, Bonzi Buddy, Morpheus and other shareware sites.

Adware applications are generally applications that come bundled in with a software program in order to encourage the consumer to purchase more products, upgrade to a pricier version or to test out other programs.

Malware programs are programs designed specifically to destroy or bring harm to a PC and its functionality. Malware includes the typical viruses, Trojans and worms that are typically protected against by anti-virus programs such as Trend Micro’s PC-Cillin.

While most end users typically employ some type of anti-virus shield, an alarming number of PCs are vulnerable to a spyware or adware program. Specialized programs exist which will shield computers from these specific threats. These specialized programs protect the end users in two ways. First, they protect the end user by employing a scanning technology similar to an anti-virus program. They will scan the PC and identify and remove and existing spyware on the PC. The second functionality is real-time protection, which prevents the re-infestation of the cleaned PC from any additional programs by notifying the end user of potential threats and preventing insertion of malicious code into the registry or other programs and downloads.

Most Spyware protection programs are downloadable from the internet, and several of them, such as NoAdware (downloadable at www.spybreaker.com”>), offer a free scan of the end-user’s PC before purchase. An ounce of prevention, though, is worth a pound of cure, though, and I highly recommend downloading a spyware protection program before your information gets hi-jacked.

www.spybreaker.com”>Protect Remove Spyware, Adware & Toolbars

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When you turn on your computer, does it act like it needs a coffee to wake up? When you surf around the Internet, are you bombarded with pop-up windows? Does your computer freeze up or turn off for no apparent reason?

Before you decide to throw your monitor out of the nearest window, there may be a number of solutions to fix these problems that won’t require you having a degree in computer technology.

There are two primary ways to maintain your computer’s performance, and the maintenance should be done once a week or more. First, acquire and use software that will help you clean and protect your computer, and second, know how to use the programs already in your computer to keep it’s engines running smooth.

SOFTWARE

The software solutions below will not cost you any money, nor will they take you much of your time to download, understand, and implement:

1) Virus Protection - Avast AntiVirus is an excellent free program to guard yourself against Trojans, Worms, and Hacks.

2) Spyware - AdAware and Spybot are terrific free programs for eliminating pop-ups and other wares from your computer. It is recommended that you use them both, as one may find problems that the other may not … a great one-two punch to protect yourself.

3) Registry Cleaners - WinASO Registry Optimizer is a great program for repairing your computer registry. The free version allows you to clean or repair ten items at a time, so you will have to re-run it numerous times if you have many problems.

4) Internet Speed - If you use dial-up, or have a computer the size of a calculator, you may wish to use RamBooster to help give you the best speed possible for the limitations you have.

Go to http://www.download.com for these and other great resources.

PROGRAMS

Now that you’ve taken out the garbage, you should keep the place neat and tidy by using the programs already existing in your computer. Once again, you should do this once a week:

1) Clear your Internet History

2) Defrag your Computer

3) Use a Firewall

You can find the programs that will do this for you by looking in the System Tools or Security Center sections of your computer.

Another option for those of you who’ve got smoke billowing out of the back of your computer, with no seemingly useful solution in sight; you may wish to look at the System Restore feature that your computer may have. This allows you to revert back to a state when your computer actually worked well. It doesn’t work all the time, by it is an option … and not an end all be all … use it only when absolutely necessary.

Austin Culley is the Chief Operating Officer for Oil-Net.Com Inc.
http://www.oil-net.com

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