Internet Tips & Tricks
By MARK DAVIS
General Manager, CommSpeed Internet Service
Vice
President, Prescott Computer Society
Visit the Computer Society Website
www.prescottcomputersociety.org
Spyware
You might not know it, but
your computer may be watching everything you do. It may
be recording everything you type, monitoring every site
you visit on the Internet.
This may sound like the
work of a hacker, but it's an accepted practice by
companies that want to make a buck off your personal
information. They do this by using software called
“spyware.”
www.spywareinfo.com
calls the methods spyware companies use to generate
revenue “disgusting.” The site says, “Spyware
companies treat users like livestock to be branded with
tracking devices and monitored as they conduct their
personal business. They are parasites on the body
of the Internet.”
Spyware can install tons
of programs you don't want, such as suspicious toolbars
or search prompts added to the top of your web browser.
All of this slows down your PC and can potentially cause
your computer to crash. Plus, you might be
bombarded with random pop-up ads.
Spyware most often comes
with shareware programs, many of which are great
additions to your computer. But, some arrive with
so much spyware and bad behavior that they are just not
worthwhile.
Before you download a
program, check it at
www.spychecker.com. It has a list of programs
containing spyware. Some programs to avoid are
Bonzi Buddy, Gator, Go Hip, HotBar, and Kazaa. If
you don't want this stuff on your computer, here are
some ways to block spyware.
-
Install a software
firewall, such as ZoneAlarm -
www.zonelabs.com.
Most will not let a program report back to the Internet
without your permission.
-
If you have spyware on
your computer or suspect that you do, download a spyware
removal program such as Ad-Aware at
www.lavasoftusa.com.
Before you download a
program that has spyware, decide whether a few free
songs or a free game is worth losing your privacy and
the possibility of messing up your computer.
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