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What is Spy-Ware
What is Ad-Ware
How did I get this Spy-Ware/Ad-Ware
What you can do about Spy-Ware/Ad-Ware
Links
Spy-Ware are programs that can hide in your computer and do things like
take up computer resources and other annoying things without your knowledge.
These programs are known to steal information like websites you visit, email
addresses and even credit card information. They can also pop-up browser
windows and change your homepage as well as other odd things.
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Ad-Ware is like Spy-Ware accept that it is usually more annoying than malicious.
It's main function is to advertise.
Ad-Ware will randomly pop-up browser windows, change your homepage and add
search bars, add icons to your desktop and do other annoying things to your
computer. It will also take up your computers resources.
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These programs can be installed in many ways and usually without you knowing.
Some ways they might have been installed are:
- Packaged along with software like Kazaa and other P2P software.
- Tricky pop-ups that get you to allow them by using misleading buttons, images etc.
- Exploiting bugs in Internet Explorer or Windows etc.
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If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Spy-Ware/Ad-Ware or Virus-like
symptoms and your Virus Protection Software is up-to-date, you may be seeing a
Spy-Ware/Ad-Ware program in action.
Here's what you can do:
- Update your virus definitions and software. Scan your computer for viruses to make sure it is
free of viruses.
- Download and run this Free program, Ad-aware
or
- Download and run this Free program, Spybot - Search & Destroy
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Below are a few sites that explain a bit more about Spy-Ware/Ad-WAre etc. Some are
homepages for removal software but still contain good information.