Scanning your computer system to remove any spyware invaders that may be present is a good first step to protecting yourself from potential threats on the Internet; however, it simply is not enough. All too often, spyware components can come back just as easily after they are removed. To provide future protection for your computer system you need a thorough spyware blocker.

Your computer, just like your pets and kids, needs to be immunized against potential threats. Spyware blocker programs are designed to provide that very protection and immunization.

Ideally, spyware blocker programs should have a variety of protection features to ensure your computer receives more than adequate immunization. Consider this for a moment. Which would you prefer, protection from ever developing a disease or a cure after you have it and become ill? It’s not an understatement to say that just about everyone would say they would prefer to never get the disease in the first place. That’s why we all line up at the doctor’s office as kids to receive immunizations and booster shots.

To keep your computer from becoming ill, you need to select a spyware blocker with real time protection. This type of feature will detect a threat as soon as it attempts to attack your computer and stop it right in its tracks; thus preventing your computer from ever becoming infected.

One of the number one ways that many spyware and adware components work is by sort of hijacking your home page. In some cases, you may have to turn on your computer one day to realize that your homepage has been changed or reset without your permission and in other cases you may not realize anychange at all, yet the problem is still there. To combat this, be sure to look for a spyware blocker that will prevent your home page from being hijacked. This feature works by sort of low-jacking your home page so that it can’t be reset without your permission.

Some of the best spyware blocker programs out there actually work by containing a list of restricted sites that prevent your computer from accessing sites that have been determined to be dangerous. If lack of control has you concerned, rest assured that many programs with such features also have a manual control option that gives you a choice of whether you want to visit the site but also informs you at the same time that this site may be dangerous.

Tags: spyware

Removing an unwanted item from your computer can range from the trivial, to the downright nerve-wracking. Part I of this article describes some of the most basic types of unwanted items. Part II discusses specific procedures aimed at their removal.

First let us classify the various types of ‘unwanted items’ in existence. Also for the purposes of this article, assume that a Windows-based computer is the object of this exercise.

Unwanted items in the most generic sense may appear in the form of files (items of data), or programs (executables), either fully installed in the normal fashion (using the Windows Installer program), or simply stored in some folder location. The latter simply needs to be clicked on for it to run as intended, or unintentionally triggered by some other process. Moreover, programs may be ‘hostile’. In other words they may be malware - a virus, trojan, spyware or Adware.

Below are listed some of the more common types of unwanted items that may be found on your computer.

Unwanted Data:
Removal of unwanted data can be simply by identifying, locating and deleting the data file, followed by emptying the trash can.

However, you should be aware that if security is an issue, simple file deletion as described above will not completely remove all traces of the data. To ensure that sensitive data is removed ‘forever’ the data must be overwritten with new data designed according to recognized secure methods. Details of such a procedure are beyond the scope of this article.

Since it is theoretically possible to retrieve even data that has been overwritten, some would argue that the only secure way to prevent sensitive data from ever being retrieved is to physically destroy the hard disk originally used to store the data. It is safe to say, though, that such retrieval would be way beyond the capabilities of all but the most technically sophisticated.

Cache Files:
Cache files are used by Windows to help speed up the execution of routing and/or repetitive operations. While these are not ‘unwanted’ in the strictest sense of the term, over time the cache file size may grow unnecessarily large, thereby degrading computer performance.

Internet Temporary Files:
During the course of the normal use of Internet Explorer of other Internet browser, many temporary files are created.

Windows Temporary Files:
Windows creates temp files during software installation as well as various other operations. These files provide the ability to easily recover from various possible ‘glitches’ that may occur during execution of a given process.

Similar to Cache files, Windows uses ‘temp’ (temporary) files to provide smoother operation of various installed programs. Temp files are conspicuous by their ‘.tmp’ file extension. For example, you will find temp files being created whenever programs such as MSWord or Excel are used.

Unwanted Installed Programs:
Any program originally installed using the Windows installer may be uninstalled by the usual (recommended) method of going to the Control Panel and running the ‘Add/Remove Programs’ utility. Many programs are also supplied with their own uninstaller. In such cases this feature should be used as a first option for its removal from your computer.

It should be noted that if the program’s own uninstaller and/or Windows Add/Remove Program utility fail to remove the program, other more intrusive means of removal may be employed. This option will be covered in Part II of this article.

Malware:
The removal of malware (spyware, adware, etc.) is typically the most challenging of all the procedures described thus far. In fact, the initial obstacle is recognizing that such an ‘infestation’ does indeed exist.

Some of the first signs of possible malware infestation are:
- Erratic computer operation.
- Computer crashes.
- Slower-than-normal operation.
- Pop-up messages warning of virus infestation or other problem (trying to scare you into taking some particular action, such as visiting a website promising to fix the problem).
- Your Home Page suddenly being changed from the normal site (home-page hijacking).

To be sure, there are other factors that may slow down your computer or cause erratic behavior, such as file corruption, or software bugs. However, there are a few procedures you can follow which will reduce or eliminate the possibility that your computer is in fact the victim of a malware ‘attack’.

It makes good sense to run a complete check for malware and remove any items found, and then perform routine maintenance procedures (temp file removal, etc.).

Tags: Computer Security, Computer Protection

As we sail through 21 century, internet becomes a way of living for many people around the world. No matter how you access the internet to check emails, read news, do shopping, or conduct business, there is no doubt that internet becomes a big part of our daily life. However, statistics shows that more than 80% of the internet users experience slowdowns in their computer performance in the past even if there is only one or two programs running on a T1 connection.

The most likely cause of loss of computer performance is called malware (spyware, adware, key-loggers, or drive-by downloader, etc.) that enter your system by various means, slowing things down to a crawl. This malicious software can gather your surfing information and send it to places you don’t want sent or track your personal information for future use. Unfortunately, these malicious software programs are everywhere on the internet, including some “friendly” websites such as websites run by the government and the large, reputable companies.

As the web technology advances, viruses and spyware get smarter and harder to detect and kill, too. In order to protect your computer from malware you need to understand what they are and how they work.

Basically, there are three types of malware presented in this article because they are the most common problems we encounter:

1. Viruses
2. Spyware
3. Adware

Let’s take a look at viruses first.

Viruses not only can damage your system but can be contagious to other people’s system through yours. Through duplication, viruses can be sent to other people in your Microsoft Outlook mail list. Sometimes, virus can be embedded in other programs, such as the notorious Trojans, or hidden in an executable file through a well-wrapped email. Since viruses can be very dangerous to your computer, their entry should be prevented before they damage your system.

Unlike viruses, spyware usually is not an executable file and doesn’t damage your system or wipe out your data; instead, they “spy” on your personal information, such as your web-surfing habits or even worse stealing your credit card information, then install tiny software, called cookies, to your computer without your permission when you download information from a website. They silently hide all over the system, usually in registries, cookies, or temporary files.

Similar to spyware, adware primarily gathers information about your surfing behavior so they can provide the ads and other related information you are interested in when you surf the web. This can be viewed as personalized marketing and can be very helpful if you visit a certain site frequently. It becomes a problem when too many cookies installed in your system and slow down your computer performance.

So what we can do to solve the problems with viruses, spyware or adware?

The best way to minimize and eliminate damage from malware is to frequently update anti-virus and anti-spyware software, properly set browser options, and surf wisely with common sense.

For anti-virus software, most ISPs offer some kind of virus protection but most of the time it is inadequate for proper computer security. Therefore, investing in good anti-virus software is a must for the health of your computer.

Norton is by far the most well known anti-virus software on the market. Its new version includes virus and worm protection along with spyware protection. It allows owners to set the “Live Update” to automatically make timely downloads of the so-called “virus definitions”. Since new viruses are continually developed almost everyday, the anti-virus software uses “definitions” to identify and handle viruses. Frequent updates of the “definitions” is highly recommended.

McAfee is another leading brand for anti-virus software. Many of the features in this software come defaulted to fit the users’ needs, including preset updates and weekly virus scans. It is a great software for novice users.

Other anti-virus software such as Shield Deluxe is also good for prevention of virus attack. This software is easy to use for anti-virus and anti-spyware. It updates and scans on a weekly basis with a pre-scheduled interface. It is also cheaper than the leading brands.

In addition to software, applying common sense to avoid your computer’s exposure to viruses is also important. These include, but are not limited to:

* never open emails if you don’t know where they come from
* don’t run an executable file in your email or downloaded
from a website unless you know exactly it is safe
* don’t click “Yes” for a popup box when you surf the web
unless you know exactly what it is for

With regards to the anti-spyware software, PCTools Spyware Doctor has long been a PC Magazine Editor’s choice for anti-spyware protection. It is a freeware/shareware with very thorough scanning. With its latest version, Spyware Doctor added anti-virus function as well. However, Spyware Doctor doesn’t remove the spyware it identifies. It just prevents them from harming your system. Unless you buy the full featured software, spyware gets to stay in your system forever.

Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.2 is another piece of anti-spyware software that gets good ratings. Spy Sweeper 5.2 has similar functionality to Spyware Doctor 2007 but its user interface is more clear and concise. It is a good idea to supplement Spy Sweeper 5.2 with one or two free programs since no single anti-spyware software can catch every threat.

The free version of Ad-Aware by Lavasoft is also a good choice to supplement the primary anti-spyware software. It is not as robust as Spyware Doctor 2007 and Spy Sweeper 5.2 but it doesn’t offer real-time monitoring in free version so it doesn’t take many resources from your system.

At the browser level, you can minimize downloading certain types of spyware by going to Tools–>Internet Options–>Security–>Custom Level and selecting disable for

1. “Download unsigned Active-X controls”
2. “Initialize and script Active-X controls not marked as
safe”
and set Java permissions to “High Safety”

If this does not solve your spyware/adware problems, you can also disable the following two options:

3. “Active scripting”
4. “Scripting of Java applets”

The drawback is that you will limit the functionality of web surfing and may make your favorite sites unavailable. To overcome this, you can manually add your favorite site URLs to “Trusted Sites” under Security and uncheck “Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone”.

Frequent updates and full scans of anti-spyware software should be performed on a regular basis. It is also recommended for a monthly Windows update to apply latest patches to your system. You can set up an automatic update through Windows Control Panel or within Internet Explorer under Tools menu.

Tags: Malware

Too many computer users neglect to do the basic maintenance of their computer. The result is a clear path to their personal information. Hackers are diligently at work everyday trying to find the weakness in your system so that they may be able to steal your personal information. Others would simply like to create trouble and destroy your hard drive.

There is a wide variety of protective software available, such as adware removers, antivirus tools, keypatrol agents, spyware blasters and so on. These are effective only if put to good use.

Think of yourself as a pilot doing a pre-flight inspection. The pilot is responsible for doing a thorough inspection of his airplane before any passenger boards the plane. He needs to be sure that all safety precautions have been taken to guarantee that all mechanical and electronic devices are working and that the mechanical inspections are up to date. He needs to verify that the aircraft is in good operating condition. Once the plane is off, it is too late to start wondering if such and such a device is working properly.

Your computer is your responsibility. Just like a pilot needs to go through a checklist, you also should make yourself a checklist of things to verify before you surf the Internet. Once connected, it is too late to realize that your system is not up to the challenge. If your system is not checked, if you are vulnerable to the attacks, you could pay a severe price.

You need to purchase good tools for this job. It is acceptable to try free tools to evaluate their quality but once you have found a good tool, purchase it and put it to work.

One of the biggest problems for the average computer owner resides in the fact that he/she simply refuses to take the time to read about their new tool. They would like to simply buy it, install it and never think about it again. You need to take the time to educate yourself on the functioning of any tool you buy.

Generally software is well written by qualified programmers. Professionally written software will include all the instructions that you need to obtain the best performance of the tool. If this is not the case, keep on searching. Go to a trusted site such as CNET and read the comments from other users about the tool you are thinking of buying. Take the time needed to do good research and remember you are putting all your information at risk when you connect to the Internet.

Once you are confident that the software you are purchasing is of the highest quality, then take your time and read all the documentation provided. Once you have done this, and only then, install the software. Make sure to add the tool to your list of daily maintenance.

If you have not done so yet, locate and read all the recommended procedures for the software that protects your computer.

Create a text file and save it on your desktop. You will want this file to contain your checklist of things to do everyday before you start surfing the Internet.

Here is a possible list of the things that should be done before you start surfing:

1) Check your antivirus for updates. Regularly run your antivirus. If at any time your antivirus locates a virus, you need to update your antivirus, disconnect from the Internet and do a full scan of your computer with the updated antivirus. Always make sure your antivirus is actively protecting your computer.

2) Clean your computer cache and your temporary files. You can pick up software for this at CNET: http://www.cnet.com

3) Clean your history

4) Update your adware remover. Run your adware remover. Again you can try free adware removers from CNET but please buy the full package when you find one that you know will protect you. You truly need all the functions of the software, not just a portion of the functions which is usually the case with Trial Version software.

5) Update your firewall and check the settings. Some clever hackers can change the settings of your computer, therefore putting you at risk.

6) Check for mail protection agents and make sure that they are active.

7) Run a scandisk

Update your browser

This is a sample list. Create one that applies to your computer and to the software installed on it. Keep your list updated and make sure that you do what you put on your list. Creating a list and not following it will be of no use.

We cannot totally protect ourselves against the perils of the Internet but we can at least make sure that we do all that we can. Take the proper precautions and you too can have a safe journey on the Internet.

Tags: Computer Security

As people become more comfortable using computers, it seems that people’s lives are being stored virtually on hard drives. Yet many people still do not take rudimentary actions to protect and back up their data. Having a backup for an emergency or securing your computer from intruders does not have to difficult or time consuming.

Think about all the music, text files, pictures, financial records, videos and other files that you have created or collected that is stored on your hard drive. What if that hard drive failed? Would you be able to recover those files? Would you want to? There is simply no reason not to have an external hard drive to back up your sensitive to. An external hard drive can make daily, weekly or monthly backups. You can set it to make backups on only those new files added to your computer or full backups every time. The software that controls the backup process is typically easy to use and very flexible. Do not be one of those people who suffers a hard drive crash only to realize that they did not have adequate copies of their files stored externally. Plan for the worst.

The protection of your data from unwanted intruders are accomplished with firewalls, virus protection and routers. Windows XP systems all have a built in firewall that should be turned on before the computer is connected to the internet. It is simply an On/Off button reached through the Network Properties Advanced tab. This built-in feature is not the most robust firewall available, but it is certainly better than not having one at all.

Virus protection is to be used to strengthen your computers defense against viruses, worms, adware and spyware. Viruses and worms can come from email and web sites. Adware and spyware typically come from web sites. Most viruses and worms can be thwarted simply by not opening email attachments or downloading a file that you are not 100% sure is legitimate. Spyware and adware can be a little more tricky to rid your computer of simply because so many websites are now using tracking software to get information on their website visitors. The more malicious of these programs can cause system degradation and even crashes. Always running virus protection and using software to periodically rid yourself of spyware and adware will help in the defense of your computer.

A more advance technique to protecting your computer is to use a router to reach the Internet. The Internet connection from your provider will be “routed” through the router. All your computers will then be connected to the router via wireless or wired connections. From an unwanted outsiders view they will only see the one public Internet address of the router, which in effect masks the addresses of the computers attached to it makes them virtually invisible.

You have spent a lot of time creating and collecting the files that are stored on your computer. It would be a shame to lose them simply because you did not take the necessary precautions to back up and protect all your data.

Tags: Computer Security

Adware and spyware have reach epidemic proportions. They have turned into malware due to their viral and very aggressive behavior. With the threat of identity theft and financial fraud looming on the Internet, adware and spyware can be more than just annoying. Here are four methods to remove or simply avoid adware and spyware without spending a dime on the latest “anti-virus” software.

1. USE Firefox. If you don’t use the Internet much, than perhaps you don’t know much about Firefox. All you need to know is that it is a browser that works REALLY well and has great security features.

2. Do NOT USE Internet Explorer. Internet Explorer is like Swiss cheese. It is open to the world by default. Microsoft is continually releasing patches to fix all the flaws in the Internet Explorer 6.X and lower versions of the browser. Although it can be “secured” by increasing the security it may loose much of its functionality once set to maximum security with certain exploitable features off.

3. Use a software or hardware firewall (not just Window XP Service Pack 2’s firewall). This may sound expensive and hard to do but it is not. If you have a DSL or broadband cable connection your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may have given you a DSL/Cable router with a firewall built in. All you have to do is turn it on. This may require you to take a few minutes to read the manual.

If your ISP did not give you a DSL or Cable broadband router with a built in firewall you can spend anywhere from $20 - $60 (or sometimes even cheaper with a mail-in rebate) to get a router. If you have DSL you will need a DSL router. If you have Cable broadband ISP you will need a Cable Router. Brands such as Linksys have built in firewalls and a feature called NAT, Network Address Translation, which is very effective since it hides your real IP address from the Internet. All routers come with instruction on how to hook them up. If you want to keep you computer security free, just use a free software firewall.

4. Remove Spyware/Adware with free Anti-spyware, anti-adware software. Lavasoft’s Adaware and Spybot Search & Destroy are two excellent methods of cleaning your system for free. Majorgeeks.com is a popular and trusted freeware site that has these and many other excellent spyware/adware cleaning and malware prevention tools (including free downloadable firewalls).

The best method is to use ALL of the above. Being proactive by surfing with a decent browser and getting a firewall is important, but it also helps to know about a couple of good anti-adware/spyware applications. If you get hit with a really nasty bit of malware that can not be cleaned with Adaware or Spybot, find yourself a geek. There are many great forums on the Internet dedicated to doing nothing but finding and cleaning such malware. Chances are if your system is infected with it, hundreds of others before you have been infected and have already figured out how to get rid of the malware.

Tags: adware, spyware, malware