Internet Safety - How Safe is Your Computer?

Most of us are familiar with online usage (you re reading this right now on the internet), but how many of us actually know the dangers that could invade and damage your computer, and even pose a danger to our lives? It s very important for every internet user and computer owner to know the dangers of adware and spyware, the difference between them, and how to protect yourself from them. This malicious software is dangerous to your computer, and can become a problem within your life if certain steps aren t taken to prevent them from getting into your system.
Adware is software that serves pre-made advertisement, usually in the form up pop-ups, to the host computer. These come as programs, within games and music, designed and distributed as freeware. This is less malicious than spyware since it s not supposed to track your movements throughout the web. It simply serves a bunch of annoying pop-ups, taking up space in you computer s memory, and causing you adding irritation. Companies want you to click on the pop-ups to sell their products, naturally. Adware is usually found within free downloads as a more targeted way to get traffic for the company.
Some adware programs come with more than just annoying pop-ups. Bundled within that is software that can track your movements across the web and collect personal data. It makes sense that it would be bundled with adware; it makes for smarter advertisements. They can push ads that are targeted directly to you, unique to your behavior on the net. However, they can also be used maliciously to track account numbers, passwords, and credit card numbers. What s worse is that most spyware is installed without the user s knowledge. Free downloads, peer-2-peer sharing networks, and free game downloads are notorious for being packaged with spyware. You may think you re getting your favorite song, but in reality you re getting much more. Spyware opens the door for other spyware programs to be installed, slowing your computer and compromising your security.
Spyware is very difficult to get rid of. If you try to uninstall it, there are ways for it to automatically reinstall since it spreads itself out within your hard drive in multiple files. To be completely safe on the internet, you should invest in anti-spyware software. Do your research before buying one, and only buy one. Having multiple spyware programs can actually create more problems as they tend to conflict with each other. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Learn from user reviews what your best option is.
Ashley writes on the effects and prevention of various types of malware (adware, spyware, viruses, and pop-ups). For more information about malware and product reviews visit her blog Malware: Adware, Spyware, and Viruses.



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