Adware Protection - A Complete Guide

By Craig Wilson
What is Adware?
Adware results in the continual showing of unwanted ads on your computer screen with you having little or no control over them. If you have downloaded freeware or shareware files then there is a good chance you have come in contact with this nuisance. If your computer screen is bombarded with Pop-Up or Pop-Under ads even when you are not connected to the Internet or your system is running slow after downloading files, your computer is infected with Adware.

How is it downloaded?
The software used to fill your screen with these ads is usually downloaded with other ‘safe’ software, sometimes without your knowledge or consent. A trick sometimes used by programmers is to write a clause in the End User Agreement, usually towards the end and stating that you agree to receive this form of advertising, but of course you read right to the end of the user agreements don’t you? Not likely, me neither! To avoid knowingly receiving Adware we need to change this habit and read all the fine print. A few minutes spent reading an agreement could save yourself hours of frustration and the costs associated with removing the Adware.

Does it pose a threat?
Adware by itself does not pose any security threat, however Adware is often accompanied by Spyware that can track your movements online and report back your personal details. This poses a serious security threat and needs to be dealt with before your sensitive information ends up in the wrong hands. The Adware itself may only be an annoyance but the problems with Spyware extend much further than that.

What can be done?
The easiest way of dealing with these problems is the use of anti-spyware/adware programs. Like anything else though there is good and bad amongst this group. Do a search for anti-spyware/adware programs and there is plenty of free downloads available. One thing to keep in mind when considering these free programs is that they will offer a free scan of your computer, but the software needed to remove the spyware/adware will cost you. What is the point in knowing that your computer is infected and not being able to remove the problem?

Reviews of the programs available are an excellent resource when searching for the right product for you. Learn from other people's experiences and make an informed decision before spending your hard earned dollars by checking out our Anti-Spyware/Adware Program reviews.

For more information and access to reviews and downloads of the top six anti-spyware programs available please visit our Anti Adware reviews.

Craig Wilson is the author of triedntested, a review site for online products and services.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Wilson

Top Ten Spyware and Adware Threats Identified

By Lisa Smith
On December 8, 2004 Webroot, an award winning anti-spyware solution provider, released a press release identifying the ten most significant emerging spyware and adware threats. Most of these you probably haven’t heard of and a few may surprise you.

It is estimated that 9 out of 10 computers are infected with spyware, also known as, adware, scumware, malware and many others.

Here’s the top 10.

• PurtyScan – popup ads that trick users into installing by claiming to find and delete pornographic images.

• n-CASE - adware program that delivers targeted popup adds. This program is usually bundled with freeware.

• Gator - adware program that displays banner ads based on your Web surfing habits. This program is usually bundled with the Kazaa file-sharing program, as well as other free software programs.

• CoolWebSearch – hijacks home page, Internet Explorer settings, and Web searches.

• Transponder - monitors sites visited and any data entered into online forms, and then delivers targeted ads.

• ISTbar/AUpdate – spyware posing as a toolbar. Has been reported to display porn, pop-ups, and to hijack homepage and Internet searches.

• KeenValue – an adware program that collects personal information and delivers advertisements.

• Internet Optimizer – hijacks error pages and redirects them to its own site.

• Perfect Keylogger – records all keystrokes (including personal information, passwords, etc), clicks and web sites visited.

• TIBS Dialer – hijacks phone modem and redirects to pornography pay by the minute phone sites.

The following precautions are recommended in the fight against spyware: install Microsoft security patches, avoid downloading and using freeware; and disable ActiveX downloads in Internet Explorer. In addition, install at least one anti-spyware program, some experts actually recommend that you have two installed. For starters you can download one of the free spyware removal programs such as Spybot Search & Destroy or Ad-aware. There are also a few good anti-spyware programs on the market that proactively protect your computer (alert you before the spyware is installed). When purchasing an anti-spyware program you need to be sure it is from a reputable company as many of the anti-spyware programs available actually place spyware on your computer. They do this by offering a free scan, which places the spyware on your computer as it is scanning. Then they entice you to purchase the product to remove the spyware.

In conclusion, if you take a few precautions and install anti-spyware software on your system you should be well protected in the fight against spyware.

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Lisa Smith is the webmaster of 1stSpywareRemoval.com

offering in depth information on spyware, anti-spyware reviews, news and free spyware scans.
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This article may be reproduced as long as the above resource box is included in its entirety.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Smith