Web feature: Program protects from spyware
Date 5/13/2004 12:00 AM | Topic: OpinionThere's a new threat to computer users nowadays, and it has the potential to become an even bigger nuisance than viruses and worms. That threat is called "spyware."
Spyware is a general term for software that tracks your Internet usage and reports it back to an advertising firm, allowing them to display pop-up advertisements while you're surfing the Web.
Other forms of spyware include browser toolbars, download optimizers and search tools. Spyware is commonly installed without the user's permission - and very rarely serves a useful purpose. It can slow your computer down and annoy you with pop-up windows, and it also brings up some serious questions about privacy on the Internet.
Luckily, there's a way to cut down on the amount of spyware on your computer. A program called can detect and remove most types of spyware. Here's how:
1. Download Spybot from .
2. Run the installation program, selecting your preferred settings.
3. After installation is complete, launch Spybot (usually located in your Start Menu). "Easy mode" should be sufficient.
4. Click "Search for Updates" to make sure Spybot is up-to-date.
5. Click the "Immunize" tab on the left side of the Spybot window.
6. In the "Permanent Internet Explorer immunity" section, click "Immunize." In the "Permanently running bad download blocker for IE" section, click "Install." Both sections should now have a green checkmark by them.
7. Click "Search and Destroy." Then click the "Check for Problems" button. Spybot will start scanning your computer for known spyware programs. This process will probably take a few minutes.
8. When it's finished scanning, click the "Fix Problems Now" button. Spybot will attempt to remove the spyware it found.
That's it!
(Note: There is no Mac or Linux version of Spybot currently, because these types of computers don't have widespread spyware problems like Windows-based computers do.)--
In addition to running Spybot, here are some other things you can do to speed your computer up:
1. Use a browser that blocks pop-up advertisements. On a Windows PC, browsers that do this include and .
2. Remove programs that you don't use. On a Windows PC, go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.
3. Clear your browser cookies occasionally. The method of doing this varies from browser to browser.
4. Browse responsibly. If your computer warns you that a site is trying to install a program on your computer, say NO.
--
Elliot Jordan
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