Stopping Spyware From Stopping You
Adrian Zhu
Spyware can be a real time waster. It makes its way onto your machine, usually without you knowing it, and eventually becomes a problem which causes you stress, costs you time and money and possibly leads to even worse consequences if not dealt with quickly. Learning how to eliminate spyware before it becomes a problem is critical for every computer user today.
Spyware is written with the intent to intercept or take partial control of your computer without your informed consent or knowledge. While the name suggests it is created to simply spy on you, spyware also refers to software that subverts the operation of your computer for the benefit of someone else. While the motivations of those who write software like this is beyond the scope of this article, it is important to at least understand that spyware certainly does not exist for your benefit and you should take regular steps to remove it.
By using a simple spyware scanning program, detection and removal of spyware is generally a quick and painless process. Instead of waiting for the results of spyware on your computer to become a problem, run a spyware scanner at a regular schedule to find and eliminate spyware software that has found its way on your computer. It typically is something you can start and leave running on your computer without any intervention on your part. If you look at it this way, keeping your computer safe, and operating at its best shouldn't take more than 5 minutes of your time a week!
New spyware is created constantly and your spyware scanning software should have a simple way to check for updated information to detect the latest threats. Again, this process is usually automatic and should require very little intervention on your part. Be sure to choose the option to check for updates in your spyware scanner before you scan your computer. This simple two step process will help ensure that you are always free from the latest threats.
It is unfortunate that it is necessary to deal with threats like spyware, adware, viruses and Trojan horses, but it is a simple reality. Fortunately there are excellent programs out there that will work to protect you from these threats and allow you to focus on the fun, enjoyment and utility your computer should offer you. By taking a few, regular steps to maintain your computer you will keep it running better longer. Just like a well-maintained car.
About the author: Ardian Zhu writes about spyware at http://www.preventspyware.net
The latest information and news on Spyware Removal Advice :
In what appears to be just a bad headline, the business publication says that Microsoft plans to introduce spyware. (It's actually planning free antivirus software)
Court Slams Door On Sale of Spyware (Slashdot)
coondoggie writes "The Federal Trade Commission yesterday had a US District Court issue a temporary restraining order halting the sale of RemoteSpy keylogger spyware. According to the FTC's complaint, RemoteSpy spyware was sold to clients who would then secretly monitor unsuspecting consumers' computers. The defendants provided RemoteSpy clients with detailed instructions explaining how to ...
Phisher-besieged PayPal directs users to faux log-in page (The Register)
Error.com's missed opportunity PayPal, the online payment service that is a major target of phishers, has been caught sending customer emails that confuse its own login page with a third-party landing site that offers spyware protection and a bevy of other products.?
FTC get CyberSpy?s RemoteSpy banned in the U.S. (Geek.com)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been successful in its bid to get the RemoteSpy spyware application released by CyberSpy Software banned in the U.S. For now the ban is temporary, but the FTC are pushing to make it permanent. The ban stems from a complaint (PDF) lodged by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) back [...]
Microsoft to offer free anti-virus software (The Manila Times)
Microsoft has announced plans to offer free anti-virus software to PC users starting next year. The Redmond, Washington-based software giant said the software, code-named "Morro," will "provide comprehensive protection from malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans."
Microsoft Will Replace OneCare with Security Software (NewsFactor via Yahoo! ...
Microsoft plans to stop accepting paid subscriptions to Windows Live OneCare in mid-2009. The security software is slated to be replaced by a free offering code-named Morro, which will focus on providing consumer PCs with core protection from viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans and other forms of malware.
Microsoft to offer free security in 2009 (ITP.net)
?Morro? to protect Windows users from malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans
Microsoft to offer free security software (MSNBC)
Microsoft Corp said Wednesday it will discontinue sales of its subscription PC security service and instead offer free software to help protect computers from viruses, spyware and other threats.
Court Orders Halt to Sale of Spyware (WAAY-TV Huntsville)
At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a U.S. District Court has issued a temporary restraining order halting the sale of keylogger spyware. According to the FTC's complaint, the Florida-based CyberSpy Software, LLC marketed and sold RemoteSpy keylogger spyware to clients who would then secretly monitor unsuspecting consumers' computers. The FTC seeks to permanently bar the unfair and ...
Microsoft to offer free security program (Sydney Morning Herald)
Microsoft to ditch its subscription PC security service and offer free software to protect computers from viruses, spyware and other threats.
