What
is spyware and adware?
Spyware programs can
track how you use your computer or surf online without your
permission. It transmits information back to a third party
without notifying the user. It is often installed with other
'free' programs without your permission or clearly identifying
that it exists on your computer. Spyware can be difficult
to uninstall.
Adware presents popup/popunder
ads that are displayed when the main product is not running
or do not appear to be connected with the product (such
as popunder ads while web browsing). These ads may or may
not be targeted and are not displayed within the form of
an ad-sponsored application. Adware is often installed along
side other 'free' programs that provide file sharing (P2P),
clock syncing and weather reports amongst other uses.
These hidden programs
bog down your computer and can make it run very slowly or
not at all. Every day internet surfers install
SpyWare and AdWare components on their PC's without even
knowing it by clicking on pop up ads, downloading music
files, installing free programs and so on. Other consequences
from Spyware:
hijackedbrowsers
reset home pages
changed search results
spam emails sent to you
ip ads displayed
slow browsers
toolbars added to your browser
and many more....
For links to free spyware/adware protection see our Virus
Protection page. It is crucial you scan your computer
with some type of anti-spysoftware at least weekly. It is
also very important to make sure the software is updated
every time it is used. Most software make the update process
very simple.
SafeTsurf Internet Content
Filtering also blocks known spyware sites and other "bad"
bad sites, no matter who you ISP is.
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