In the following article I will explain what exactly Spyware is, what its purpose is, whether it's legal and what free anti-Spyware programs you can use to prevent infection on your computer.
Why Does Spyware Exist?
Spyware is the annoying neighbour next door who just won't be quiet. Spyware can change certain settings on your computer, namely your Internet home page, monitor keystrokes that you type on your computer, spy on other applications on your computer and install other spyware [or even worse] programs without your knowledge.
The Spyware program will then relay the information back to the spyware author who can use the information for good, advertising purposes or evil [hint, its either for advertising or evil]. Spyware will ultimately slow down your computer and especially the Internet connection as it watches over what you do records information and reports on what you do. This strains the computer. So if your computer has become sluggish or is slowing down, Spyware could be the cause of it.
Is Spyware Legal?
In a word no. Spyware is illegal, as any type of software installed onto your computer without your knowledge is not legal. Although some spyware does come bundled with legitimate programs that mention the spyware in the small print, but in such a way that skirts around the fact that spyware will be installed onto your computer.
Shareware or freeware programs can be the main culprits when Spyware 'legally' appears on your computer. You agree to the Spyware being installed onto your computer when you agree the EULA [end user license agreement]. So be careful when installing programs onto your computer, especially share/freeware and check the EULA for the agreements before installing the program.
Wikipedia states "Unauthorized access to a computer is illegal under computer crime laws, such as the U.S. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, the U.K.'s Computer Misuse Act and similar laws in other countries".
What Can I Do To Protect My Computer From Spyware?
As I said above, most Spyware will infect your computer from shareware or freeware programs. Your computer can also be infected via programs pretending to be anti-Spyware programs, when in-fact they are Spyware programs in their own right.
The other main way of insuring that your computer will become infected is to download software programs from torrent sites. Many pieces of software available 'illegally' will contain all sorts of nasty additional files, such as Trojans, Viruses and Spyware. So if you download programs this way, seriously think is it worth the hassle if your computer does become infected?
Be careful clicking on any pop-ups or clicking on links to 'free' programs as these occasionally will lead you to a website that will tempt you to download a handy free program that you will regret.
Recommended Anti-Spyware Programs?
For free recommended anti-Spyware programs I strongly recommend the following below. All of them do have a paid for version that will find more Spyware infections from a larger database and some offer real-time protection. I have found that the free versions suffice for me, however a paid for program that offers real-time protection will ensure that you prevent infections rather than cure them.
- Spyware Doctor Starter Edition
- Super Anti-Spyware
- Ad-Aware Free 2008
- Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
For Internet browsing, you may already use Firefox. If not download it now!! Firefox is a much safer browsing program which can prevent many infections. Another benefit of it is that it's quicker and more scaleable than Internet Explorer.
Summary
Spyware is a hassle when you use a windows based machine, and other than switching over to Linux or a Mac, unfortunately it's something you have to suffer. By taking some and hopefully, all of the advice above and installing anti-Spyware programs and using Firefox you should reduce the amount of Spyware files you encounter.
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