Can You Answer These Questions?
Over 60% of Fortune 500 purchasing agents check out a supplier's website before confirming an appointment to see the representative. Broadband (High Speed) internet service connections surpassed dial-up for the first time in 2004. The internet is...
HDSL (High bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line) - Description
HDSL is a type of broadband technology that allows for digital data to be sent at high speeds along already-existing copper telephone lines, while allowing for the transmission of analog (voice) data at the same time. HDSL was the first DSL...
SDSL (Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line) - Description
SDSL is a type of broadband technology that allows for digital data to be sent at high speeds along already-existing copper telephone lines, while allowing for the transmission of analog (voice) data at the same time. SDSL connections are...
Some DSL Broadband definitions
Some DSL Broadband definitions, Often too many people get confused with all the definitions, here we have explained in easy to understand terms. ADSL: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line - asymmetric meaning it's faster downstream than upstream. ...
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) - An Overview
You've probably at least heard of the word "VoIP", even if you
didn't quite understand what all the excitement is about. VoIP
stands for "Voice over Internet Protocol" and is going to change
the way you think about making long distance phone...
What IS Spyware?
You've heard all kinds of terrible things about it, but just
what IS it - and how does it get on your computer in the first
place?
Spyware is a real pain in the arse, to put it bluntly. It bogs
down your computer's memory, causes you to be spammed to death
with pop-up ads, and tracks everywhere you go while you surf the
web! Worst of all, 99% of all spyware downloads itself to your
computer without your knowledge - or your consent.
Can they do that? Yes, unfortunately, they can - but you don't
have to sit back while your computer is destroyed with malicious
software. Spyware scanners and removal programs are a must on
any computer that gets online.
But, first, let's talk a little more about spyware - and what it
truly is.
Broadbandinfo.com makes things a little clearer:
Spyware--gathers information about Internet users without their
knowledge or consent and delivers that information to
advertisers or others who have access to the information. Users
can get spyware in their systems by downloading certain programs
or in the form of a virus.
Sort of scary, isn't it? There are two main ways to "get"
spyware:
It downloads itself into your computer, without your knowledge
or consent, when you visit a certain website or click on a
certain pop-up ad.
It downloads itself to your computer
along with something you
chose to download, usually under the guise of "free extras" -
you may or may not (usually not) be notified that the extra
content is included with the download.
Short of never downloading anything, or ceasing to ever surf
online again, the only sure way to keep your computer clean of
spyware is to periodically "clean" it up with a good spyware
removal program. The only true, and reliable, preventative
measures that can be taken are to never click on pop-up ads and
to be careful of where you surf - regardless, though, you are
always going to end up with some spyware.
One of the things about spyware that people don't realize is
that most of it is programs. That's right, it's a program
running in the background of your machine - eating up your
resources. You can imagine what would happen if you had hundreds
(and without a removal program, you will) - eventually your
computer would be inoperable - slow as a snail, for want of a
better term.
Since spyware is inevitable - as much so as taxes and death
these days - you'd best go ahead and download a few reputable
spyware removal programs on your pc.
About the author:
Professional i.t. tech & geeky-girl gamer who feels her duty to
warn the average user about the dangers of the Internet. Feel
free to use, please link back to homecomputersafety.com
