Why Use Spyware Detection Software?

If you don’t have spyware detection software running, then spyware usually installs itself on your PC by clicking out of a pop-up window, piggy backed with an application that you are loading or when you install a software package that asks you to add different functions to use the programs.







Some of the Ways Spyware Installs Itself Are:

  • Peer-to-Peer File Sharing (P2P) – Some programs install spyware as part of their standard package. This is especially true of the “free” versions of software. Examples are Kazaa, Gnutella, Limewire etc.
  • Drive-by-Download – When a website or a pop-up automatically tries to download spyware, you will get a security warning asking if it is okay to install the software.
  • Browser Add-ons – These are toolbars or special icons to help with your web use. Sometimes they do what they are intended but also include spyware as part of the deal. Browser hijackers embed themselves and are hard to get rid of.
  • Masquerading as Anti-Spyware – This type of spyware masquerades as a tool to detect and remove spyware. It says your computer is clean and then installs its own spyware programs.

How to Protect Yourself from Spyware

There are several types of spyware detection software. The best way to protect your computer is to purchase an Internet Security Suite from one of the top security software companies that include spyware detection software. Install it, and keep it current with updates. You will have to purchase a yearly “subscription” in order to keep updating the program (make sure that you “update” the subscription and not “upgrade” the program). Take time to learn how to set up the various sections of protection to avoid over-securing your computer which will limit your internet access.

You can build your own security suite with some “free ware” programs that you can download from the Internet. You will have to download a separate program for each type of protection. Here is my suggested list of free programs:

  • Anti-virus: AVG
  • Firewall: Zone Alarm
  • Anti-spyware: Spybot
  • Popup stopper: Panicware
  • Windwos XP SP2 - The Service Pack 2 (SP2) upgrade of Windows XP has a popup stopper for Windows Internet Explorer.

Here's my suggested list of software that you need to purchase for keeping your computer safe from spyware and everything else:

CA Internet Security Suite 2007 - including CA Anti-Spyware and CA Anti-Virus!

All In One PC Protection - Defender Pro

McAfee

Be wary of a request to install new software when you enter different websites. It’s best to not install the software and see if you can work without it. If you really need it, you can download it later. For further information on anti-spyware programs, you can contact ROZtech Computer Services.


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