trying to catch up with my pc?

Question

can you explain spyware and adware to me...do I need them?

Answer 1

Spyware is any software that covertly gathers user information through the user’s Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. However, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about E-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers.

Spyware is similar to a Trojan horse in that users can unwittingly install the product when they install something else. A common way to become a victim of spyware is to download certain peer-to-peer file swapping products that are readily available on the internet. But more and more, users can be infected with spyware simply by surfing the internet. Many times spyware objects are invisibly and unethically embedded into web pages by the webmaster. And by simply visiting one of these websites, the user is unsuspectingly infected.

Aside from the questions of ethics and privacy, spyware steals from the user by using the computer’s memory resources and also by eating bandwidth as it sends information back to the Spyware’s home base via the user’s Internet connection. Because spyware is using memory and system resources, the applications running in the background can lead to system crashes or general system instability.

Because spyware exists as independent executable programs, they have the ability to monitor keystrokes, scan files on the hard drive, snoop other applications, such as chat programs or word processors, install other spyware programs, read cookies, change the default home page on the Web browser, consistently relaying this information back to the spyware author who will either use it for advertising, and/or marketing purposes, or sell the information to another party.

Licensing agreements that accompany software downloads sometimes warn the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested software, but the licensing agreements may not always be read completely because the notice of a spyware installation is often couched in obtuse, hard-to-read legal disclaimers.

All of these are ones that I personally use and all are free.After you install any of them,make sure you update them to get the full affect.

AVG Removes I-Worm/Stration · BackDoor.Generic3.GBB and .GBC · Worm/Generic.FX · Exploit.WMF
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/...



Spybot - Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware, a relatively new kind of threat not yet covered by common anti-virus applications. Spyware silently tracks your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile for you that is transmitted without your knowledge to the compilers and sold to advertising companies. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you haven't intentionally installed, if your browser crashes inexplicably, or if your home page has been "hijacked" (or changed without your knowledge), your computer is most probably infected with spyware. Even if you don't see the symptoms, your computer may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging. Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm giving it a try to see if something has invaded your computer.
http://www.spybot.info/

http://superantispyware.com/
SUPERAntiSpyware is the most thorough scanner on the market. Our Multi-Dimensional Scanning and Process Interrogation Technology will detect spyware that other products miss! SUPERAntiSpyware will remove ALL the Spyware, NOT just the easy ones!
Easily remove over 100,000 pests such as SmitFraud, Vundo, WinFixer, SpyAxe, SpyFalcon, WinAntiVirus, AntiVermins and thousands more!

Answer 2

Spyware is a hidden program that gets installed on your computer while you are connected to certain websites or downloading files. It allows people to track information in your computer such as keystrokes, passwords, documents, visited websites, bank information, and etc. It can be worse than a virus! You need an internet security suite(McAfee, PC Cillin, and other companies make that).
Adware is also hidden. It gets installed the same way. However instead of tracking information, it sends pop-ups, and fake solicitations to you. It can cause your internet to lock up, or even worse, annoy the heck out of you. The internet security suite will protect you from all harmful things like spyware and adware. It is definitely worth the money to purchase the security tools to fight viruses, spyware, and adware, or else they may cause damage to your computer and damage to your bank account!.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

You need one anti spyware and anti adware program which you need to use about once a week(if your computer is already spyware free)

If you have not already scanned your comp with spybot do that now .Update it and then run it so it gets rid of all the spyware and trojans

Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer.
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
http://www.download.com/3000-8022-10122137.html

Spybot Search & Destroy v1.4 Install Tutorial
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial43.html

Ps:- Always check the rogue list(link below) before downloading any antispyware software.If the software you are downloading is on this list then it is spyware itself
http://spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

Answer 4

Adaware/Spyware is not good anyway you put it. Use the programs below to rid and protect your computer.

Download, update and run Spybot---http://www.safer-networking.org/ . Don't forget to use the Immunize feature.


Download, update and run Adaware---http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/products/select_your_product.php


Download SpywareBlaster---http://majorgeeks.com/download2859.html

SpywareBlaster doesn't scan and clean for spyware - it prevents it from ever being installed.

It's main features include:
- Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted pests.
- Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox.
- Restrict the actions of potentially dangerous sites in Internet Explorer.

Answer 5

You need spyware and adware like you need a broken leg. They are, as it says, spies and commercials. To delete them, go to www.majorgeeks.com and download AdAware and run it.

Answer 6

no you def dont need them, spyware is so people can track what your doing on the internet and adware is those annoying popup adverts.

Answer 7

You do need antivirus and antispyware programs on your computer. That is not all you need. Firewall are important and needed.

I recommend you go to this site and read it completely. It will give you a very good basic education in protecting your computer.

http://www.internetinspiration.co.uk/computer_privacy_and_security.htm