|
|
|
|
|
Spyware / Adware Some websites and commercial organizations attempt to track a user's online activity through the use of what is called "spyware". Spyware comes in many forms, and the most common form is what is called a 'cookie'. These enable the website from where the cookie originated to build up information about where you go on the web. This information in turn is most commonly used to gather your demographics, and then deliver banner advertisements targeted specifically toward you the next time you visit the website of the cookie's origin. While seemingly innocent, some companies take this a step further, and go as far as to install software on your computer to further aid in this action. Sometimes the software originates from a website, in which the user will be prompted if they would like to install something, with very sketchy information as to exactly what it is. They bank on the assumption that most users will just click 'Yes' to get the prompt out of the way. Also, the software will many times be installed along with so-called free software such as 'Kazaa' and 'Limewire'. The companies that provide such software are able to release it for free due to deals they make with advertising companies, hence the reason for the additional installations. When spyware is installed in this manner, it usually does a bit more than simply track your online actions. Most go as far as to deliver pop-up advertisements to your computer when you use your web browser. Not only is this an annoyance, it is also deceiving as it makes it falsely appear that all the websites you visit are using pop-ups. This is what is known as "adware". Some adware is aggressive to the point that it virtually takes over your computer, and is extremely hard to remove in most cases. Regardless of the way spyware and adware gets on your computer, there is help available, in the form of what is known as "anti-spyware" software. Two of the more popular free programs are Spybot Search & Destroy and Adaware. For your convenience, we provide both programs on our servers for easier downloading, and we also provide installation and usage guides for both as well. Follow the links below to get started:
Click here to download Spybot Search & Destroy |