Spyware Reminder
Many companies, even so-called legitimate ones, continue to employ Spyware.
Spyware is computer software that collects personal information about users without their informed consent. The term, coined in 1995 but not widely used for another five years, is often used interchangeably with adware and malware (software designed to infiltrate and damage a computer respectively).
Personal information is secretly recorded with a variety of techniques, including logging keystrokes, recording Internet web browsing history, and scanning documents on the computer's hard disk.
Purposes range from overtly criminal (theft of passwords and financial details) to the merely annoying (recording Internet search history for targeted advertising, while consuming computer resources). Spyware may collect different types of information. Some variants attempt to track the web sites a user visits and then send this information to an advertising agency. More malicious variants attempt to intercept passwords or credit card numbers as a user enters them into a web form or other applications.
The spread of Spyware has led to the development of an entire anti-Spyware industry. Its products remove or disable existing Spyware on the computers they are installed on and prevent its installation. However, a number of companies have incorporated forms of Spyware into their products. These programs are not considered malware, but are still Spyware as they watch and observe for advertising purposes. It is debatable whether such 'legitimate' uses of adware/Spyware are malware since the user often has no knowledge of these 'legitimate' programs being installed on his/her computer and is generally unaware that these programs are infringing on his/her privacy. In any case, these programs still use the resources of the host computer without permission.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware
Symptoms of Spyware infection range from a "weird search engine" appearing when you mis-type a web address to dozens of porn sites with pop up windows.
However, modern perpetrators usually choose to remain invisible, tracking your Internet activity in the background for sale to spammers later.
There are many anti-Spyware programs out there for purchasing but the below [FREE] program should keep you safe IF YOU USE IT ON A REGULAR BASIS - say once a week.
http://www.spybot.info/
This is sort of a big deal, especially if you have kids in the house who might go anywhere on the "NET." However, as stated above, even some so-called legitimate companies are attempting to track your activity.
Be safe ... download http://www.spybot.info/, use it regularly and keep it up to date. [And donate to the cause if you find it helpful].
-Pat Curtis (Webmaster)
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Haven't we all learned that Mike and his staff are on the level? He gives away so much information and tips, code illustrations in various newsletters, magazine articles, etc.
If you wonder if this is real- check out Kim Komando - Komando.com - you will find the same reccomendations. or any computer magazine.
Inspector32513
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Lavasoft's Ad-aware is also excellent in the battle against spyware....
Is this similar and/or what are your thoughts on Ad-Aware (from Sweden)?
Adware is why I won't install the Real Media Player. Unfortunately, that is what your sight requires to view video files sometimes attached to your news letters.
Although spybot is a very good software I personaly prefer Max secure . Their software tends to get rid of spyware that Spybot does not catch. It does cost $29.95 but you can also get a registry cleaner for $9.95 if you buy both . Live updates are also included and 24 hour support . 5 star rated
Another free-ware program that works well is from Lavasoft. ADWARESE does the same thing. http://www.adaware-antispyware.com/ I also think the new version of spybot requires a onetime purchase but the older versions are still readily available on many boards.
Spy ware is for real. There are several different brands out there. Some for free, other are subscription base. I personally run 2 different programs. Yes, they do catch a lot of tracking software and ruduce ad pop ups.
Maybe people should consider Linux. There are many flavors that are easy to use, easy to test drive.... and Spyware and Malware are rare, partly because Linux is more secure than any other operating system.
I am a full time controls tech and use computers constantly. We have used the spybot but have shifted to adware and adwatch pro avaliable from lavasot on the web, the address ends in de. The pro versions are not free but do a constant scan for adware, malware and spyware. The program has been very heavly tested here and have given excellent service.
Also, Microsoft has the Defender addin for windows xp, we are useing it as well but the jury is stillout on it.
Mike, thanks for the note. I upgraded to 1.4. Our IT guy recommended Spybot several months back and it certainly has done a good job for me. Just update the files and run once a week..at least.
is this for real??? Could this be another scam? It seems that it is exaclty what he saying we should not do, forward e-mail to unknown addresses.
Miguel
McAffee and Symantec/Norton also make good products.
ADware - any software that is designed to bring advertisements to you.
SPYware - any software that is designed to send information from your computer to someplace else without your direct consent each and every time.
Either of the above can be MALware. Both of the above are frequently MALware. Both of the above often are multi-purpose such as being both ADware and SPYware at the same time.
MALware is a controversal term because of money and therefore lawyers. MAL is a root meaning harm. Lawyers are involved to keep groups like Symantec from labeling ADware or SPYware products as MALware if the harm is self-inflicted. Therefore the legal description of MALware does not match the common description of MALware.
Some common identifiers that a piece of software is MALware to the common person: 1 Did not require a separate approved installation by the owner of the computer. 2 Does not appear in the Add/Remove program list. 3 Cannot be uninstalled easily from the Add/Remove program list. 4 Uses stealth techniques to hide its presence like not appearing in the task manager process list 5 Uses stealth techniques to disquise its presence like using nonsense names (ieuzioci.exe) or names that imply other products (msiebrowser.exe).