What is Spyware? FREE Spyware Check - How to Remove Spyware

As this page loads it checks Internet Explorer v5.5 or later for spyware.

If no warning messages appeared above your browser is currently free from the most common spyware - which is nice! BUT (and there's always a but) you're not out of the woods yet, read on...

What is Spyware?

Spyware is a broad term for programs that sneak their way onto your computer without your knowledge - typically when installing other software. Most spyware programs silently monitor your surfing habits which slows down your browser and often displays unwanted pop-up advertising. Worse still are Trojans which allow hackers to gain access to your computer and steal your personal information which could lead to identity theft.

Where does Spyware come from?

Popular file sharing peer-to-peer network services like KaZaA used to share music, movies, TV programs and other files also install spyware! Screensavers, games, video clips, images, and even those "smiley face" icons that are doing the rounds are also prime suspects. Many of these so-called freebies trick you into installing AdWare and SpyWare programs. If you must share files the ONLY spyware free file sharing program we're aware of is Shareaza P2P.

How widespread is Spyware?

We're working together with other webmasters to help eradicate spyware. Currently over 35% of all computers visiting our sites are infected with one of more spyware programs and one PC was infected with 25 different spyware programs!

Spyware - Warning Signs to look out for...

1) When you run internet explorer your home page has been changed and although you can change it manually it soon changes back again.

2) You get pop-up ads on screen even when internet explorer is closed and even when you are not connected to the Internet.

3) Your phone bill includes premium rate calls you never made!

4) When entering a search term in internet explorer's address bar the search is not handled by MSN.

5) A new item has been added to your Favorites list and although you can manually delete it it soon reappears.

6) Your system runs noticeably slower than it did before. If you run the Task Manager you'll see an unrecognised process is taking up most of your processor time!

7) At times you're not doing anything online, the send and/or receive lights on your modem is showing internet traffic.

8) A new search toolbar or other browser toolbar appears even though you didn't request or install it. Although you can remove it comes back again.

9) Finally - Your PC appears normal and because the most devious spyware doesn't leave anything easy to spot we recommend you scan your system anyway.

Joe Connor

Spyware related: Anti Virus...   Spam Filtering...   Identity theft...

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