Becoming web savvy & getting aware of web know-how is not enough when you come to know that your privacy is no more now. With increasing Internet availability & accessibility, privacy, security, and functionality issues have cropped up. Well, I am talking about spyware here. It may be installed on your system even without your approval and monitors or controls your computer use. This spyware software may disturb you by popping-up ads, redirecting your computer to websites, keeping an eye on your web surfing, and worst it can trace your keystrokes, which could lead to theft of your confidential information.
Therefore it is of utmost importance that every internet user becomes aware of spyware software & learns how to recognize spyware, avoid it and delete it. One should be intelligent & alert to detect the spyware or it signs of getting installed in the system in order to avoid the loss & take appropriate preventive steps.
Given below are certain signs that inform you on the presence of a spyware on your system;
•A sudden change in your home page or changed entirely by another unfamiliar web page
•Thumping pop ads while surfing
•Presence of a hijacked browser that takes you to sites other than those you type into the address box
•Presence of new & unexpected toolbars
•Presence of new & unpredicted icons on the system tray
•Regular keys like Tab & Shift may not work
•Appearance of random error messages
•Slow speed of Internet while surfing or opening system files
You can stay away or get rid of this unnecessary hurdle by just keeping these few tips & tricks in mind:
•Update your operating system and Web browser software regularly; this will enable your system to close loopholes that allow the spyware to enter.
•Don't rely upon any site that is offering free software or games etc. as these may be associated with hidden spyware. Download software from sites you are aware of & find trustworthy.
•Never install any software haphazardly without knowing exactly what it is. Give little time to go through the end-user license agreement (EULA) before installing any software. If you find any difficulty in locating the EULA then it's better to shun such software.
•Keep your browser security setting high enough to detect unauthorized downloads.
•Think twice before clicking any link on a pop-up window as it may contain spyware.
•Don't count on links in spam that claim to offer anti-spyware software as some of these software actually installs spyware.
•Don't forget to install a personal firewall, like zone alarm, to stop unwanted users from accessing your computer. Firewall will alert you if spyware is already on your computer and is sending information out.
Still if you doubt that you may have spyware installed on your system, follow these three steps;
•Get an anti-spyware program from a reliable vendor
•Scan your system on regular basis with this software.
•Delete all undesirable & unknown software programs detected by the anti-spyware.
The author is an expert on internet business and online shopping related issues. To have a peek into her business and technology oriented articles visit the website http://www.infysolutions.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Catherine
http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-Your-Privacy-Intact?-Have-a-Check-on-Spyware-in-Your-Computer&id=397645
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