Frequently Asked Questions - Security

1.

What is spyware?
Spyware, or adware or malware, is a generic name for any program that ends up on your computer, usually without your knowledge or implicit consent, which serves no purpose to you. Most spyware has the following characteristics: 1) it is loaded without your knowledge, or only as a result of you “consenting” to load something totally different 2) it runs all the time, observing in particular the websites that you visit, and then selling that information to companies so that they can bomb you with pop-up ads, spam, etc. 3) it is usually very difficult if not impossible to remove.

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2.

How can I avoid getting spyware?
It’s usually simple: don’t download ANYTHING from the Internet unless you totally trust the source and you really need the download. If someone sends you an email suggesting you visit a website to see a video, download a screensaver, game or video, or view a greeting card, simply delete the message and forget it. Avoid peer to peer sharing sites like Kazaa, LimeWire, Morpheus, etc. Don’t download any music unless you have purchased it. And above all, don’t click “I Accept” to ANY user license agreement for any piece of software or Internet download unless you know exactly what you are getting and you need the software.

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3.

How can I get rid of the spyware on my computer?
There are free tools available that will really help, such as Spybot-Search & Destroy or Ad-Aware Personal Edition. There are some very good purchasable products such as Spyware Doctor, Spy Sweeper, CounterSpy, etc. Some particular troublesome spyware will defy removal by any of these tools and will require expert intervention to remove. SimpliTek has a lot of experience removing spyware and can usually get rid of whatever you have.

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