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What is Spyware?
Spyware is a general term used to describe software that has been installed on your computer illegally. You are not given adequate warning it will be installed and are not provided with the means to easily remove it from your computer. Spyware will allow companies to display advertising on your computer, collect personal information, or change the configuration of your computer. If your computer has some or all of the following symptoms, it may have spyware or other unwanted software:
You see windows opening without your initiating their activity. These windows contain advertisements (called pop-up advertisements). They can occur even when you are not on the Web.
The page your Web browser opens to when starting it for the first time is no longer the page you had pre-selected.
There have been changes to your browser settings that have affected the security settings. In many cases the new settings cannot be permanently restored. In some cases, you will not be able to browse to a new page at all.
Your computer is slower than it use to be. If you look closely, you may see programs running on your computer that you did not intentionally install. 70% of computers have unnecessary programs running on them.
You notice a new toolbar in your browser or on your desktop that you didn't expect to be there.
Your computer starts to display more error messages.
Spyware is often associated with software that displays advertisements (called adware) or software that tracks personal or sensitive information. That does not mean all software which provides ads or tracks your online activities is bad. For example, you might sign up for a free music service, but "pay" for the service by agreeing to receive targeted ads. If you understand the terms and agree to them, you may have decided that it is a fair tradeoff. You might also agree to let the company track your online activities to determine which ads to show you.
Other kinds of unwanted software will make changes to your computer that can be annoying and can cause your computer slow down or crash. These programs have the ability to change your Web browser's home page or search page, or add additional components to your browser you don't need or want. These programs also make it very difficult for you to change your settings back to the way you originally had them. These types of unwanted programs are also often called spyware.
The key in all cases is whether or not you (or someone who uses your computer) understand what the software will do and have agreed to install the software on your computer.
There are a number of ways spyware or other unwanted software can get on your system. A common trick is to covertly install the software during the installation of other software you want such as a music or video file sharing program. Whenever you are installing something on your computer, make sure you carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement. Sometimes the inclusion of unwanted software in a given software installation is documented, but it may appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement.
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If you haven't done so already, you may want to consider a complete PC tune-up and clearing out of all threatening files. Simply schedule a service call and we'll get you one big step toward optimal PC performance.
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