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Spyware





 • What is Spyware?

 • How do I get rid of Spyware?

 • How can I prevent Spyware?



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What is Spyware?
Has your computer seemingly developed a mind of its own. You open your browser and find that the homepage has been changed to something you've never seen before, and no matter how many times you change it, it keeps going back. Or possibly you've started receiving large numbers of pop-up ads that advertise everything from prescription medicines to pornography. Sometimes you can't even open a webpage, all that returns is 'page cannot be displayed' error messages.

These are all possible symptoms of spyware. Spyware and adware are generic terms for programs that are installed without your knowledge on your computer. These programs can come from the install files of other programs or from banner ads from websites you may have visited.

There are several programs that can remove spyware and even some that can help prevent it from attaching itself to your computer.

FREE Spyware Removal
Ad-Aware - One of the most well known and easiest programs to use in spyware removal. This program has almost daily updates and is very easy to keep current to remove even the newest threats. Once you download and install Ad-Aware, make sure to click on the "Check for updates" button before starting a scan on your computer.

Ad-Aware SE - 

Spyware Prevention
Prevention is the key to protecting yourself from spyware. If you have recently cleaned your computer of unwanted spyware, review the tips below to keep it that way. While these tips will help you prevent spyware, they are also examples of good habits that will help protect your privacy and security while online.

Spyware Blaster - This program helps to block ad- or spy- ware programs from installing on your computer through various methods, including adding a large number of restricted sites in your IE options. Notice: This is only effective for Internet Explorer users.

Spyware Blaster -  (2.2 MB)

Be skeptical about installing strange or free software: Make sure you know what EXACTLY is being installed onto your computer when you download applications off the Internet. Use the custom install option -- if offered -- to see the programs that will be placed on your computer with the downloaded application. Sypware is often bundled with many free software downloads. Many of the file sharing or peer-to-peer programs include spyware in the installation package.

Pay Attention to Security Warnings: "Security Warning" screens alert users to new software being installed from Web pages they visit. This software can include ActiveX controls and other executable files. You should not blindly accept such "Active-X" software installations; and be sure you trust the company installing the software.

Read the End User Licensing Agreement: Almost all legitimate software installations will include an End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) that includes a lot of information. You should make a habit of reading these EULAs. Ideally, they should tell you exactly what they intend to install on your machine and the limitations to your use of the software. If the EULA is hard to find, or if the documentation is unreasonably difficult to read and understand, then maybe you should think twice before agreeing to install the software.

Always Use Anti-Virus Software: And keep the software up-to-date. Over 500 new viruses are discovered each month. You are not just protecting yourself when using virus software, but also others you communicate with.

Keep Your Software Up To Date: You should always make sure that the software on your computer is up to date with the latest security patches. The makers of your software (most often Microsoft) will offer security updates to your Web browser program, your email client and your operating system. For Microsoft this is done from their web site or the "Windows Update" icon on your computer.


* Disclaimer: None of the programs listed here are developed by YHTI. Because of this, YHTI makes no guarantee that these program will operate properly on your computer and we take no responsibility for any damage that may be caused by spyware or the attempted removal of spyware on your computer.

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