Spyware (also known as adware) are malicious programs that run on your computer. These programs often change settings of your computer so it can be used in illegal activities or to display advertisements on your screen.
Every time you click on those advertisements, the creator of the spyware/adware program makes money. This can be a very profitable business, which explains why there are so many different spy/adware programs on the Internet.
This software does not work like a virus. Viruses try to infect your computer by exploiting security holes in windows and Internet explorer. Spyware however tries to trick you in installing it and thereby circumventing any virus scanner or firewall. As an user you always have to be careful of anything that you download and install on your computer. You should especially be careful with:
Downloading serials and keygens. This is illegal but also a great way to get infected with spy/adware.
Free screen savers and msn messenger smiley packs.
P2P (Peer2peer) networks such as edonkey and bittorrent.
To protect your computer you should start by installing FireFox, and look for an spyware scanner. By using FireFox as your primary browser you have less chances of getting your computer infected with spyware.
The spyware that is already installed on your computer can be quickly detected and removed by a spyware/adware scanner. These programs scan the memory and hard drive of your computer for any malicious programs. Once it finds and identifies any spyware or adware it will remove it on your request.
Some of the more advanced spy/adware scanners can even protect your computer in real time by scanning all the files you download and run. Just like a virus scanner does with viruses.
Every time you click on those advertisements, the creator of the spyware/adware program makes money. This can be a very profitable business, which explains why there are so many different spy/adware programs on the Internet.
This software does not work like a virus. Viruses try to infect your computer by exploiting security holes in windows and Internet explorer. Spyware however tries to trick you in installing it and thereby circumventing any virus scanner or firewall. As an user you always have to be careful of anything that you download and install on your computer. You should especially be careful with:
Downloading serials and keygens. This is illegal but also a great way to get infected with spy/adware.
Free screen savers and msn messenger smiley packs.
P2P (Peer2peer) networks such as edonkey and bittorrent.
To protect your computer you should start by installing FireFox, and look for an spyware scanner. By using FireFox as your primary browser you have less chances of getting your computer infected with spyware.
The spyware that is already installed on your computer can be quickly detected and removed by a spyware/adware scanner. These programs scan the memory and hard drive of your computer for any malicious programs. Once it finds and identifies any spyware or adware it will remove it on your request.
Some of the more advanced spy/adware scanners can even protect your computer in real time by scanning all the files you download and run. Just like a virus scanner does with viruses.
Learn more about the most popular spyware/adware removal tools
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johan_Geuze
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johan_Geuze
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