Software That Spies
Someone could be spying on you. A new form of parasite program, often called "spyware," is used to record the activities of uncounted computer users, many of whom may not be aware. If you have downloaded free software from the web, installed video codecs, or agreed to free upgrades offered by web pop-ups, odds are that your system is infected.
What does spyware do? First, with virus-like cunning, it settles in your computer and becomes nearly impossible to remove. It can record your favorite web sites, the software that you use, and even the searches or purchases that you make online. It sends this data to the software's maker, who resells it as "market research" to advertising companies, spammers, and other groups. In less obvious capacities, spyware consumes system resources, steals hard disk space, and interferes with other programs.
Spyware's hidden operations are often overshadowed by its very annoying counterpart - adware. Adware is often more responsible for pop-up ads while you are surfing the web than the websites themselves. In a manner similar to spyware, adware often comes bundled with free software or codec downloads. Instead of recording your internet activity for research purposes, it your online behavior to put targeted advertising on your screen. Visit a travel site, and pop-ups for competing travel agencies or airline ticket vendors may appear. Use a search engine, and whatever you enter in the box may trigger a slew of "related" pop-ups. Adware often does not hide from the user as spyware does; one of the most common signs that your computer is compromised is the notorious Gator icon in the system tray.
How do these undesirable programs sneak onto your computer? Free software downloads are the most common cause. The makers of no-cost software often bundle it with spyware, adware, or both. Notorious for doing so are such popular programs as KazAa, ICQ, and in-browser search toolbars. Many of these will mention the parasite software deep within the user agreements (who reads those?) or release notes. Others will indicate that if you don't want the software installed you must uncheck one or more boxes. In one example of subversive tactics, an adware program called FriendGreetings sends you a notice that you have received an e-card and tells you where to pick it up. When you visit that site, you are prompted to install an ActiveX control that is "necessary" to view the card. Buried in the user agreement are statements saying that you permit FriendGreetings to send an e-card to everyone in your address book. Review user agreements carefully, especially for free software.
Adware and spyware are not only a breach of your computer's security, but their resource hogging and pop-ups can seriously affect your work productivity. Often users with infected systems spend more time closing advertisements than actually using the web's resources. Third parties could also use the information gleaned through spyware to send e-mail as you, or even modify files on your computer. The worst part is, even if you determine that your system has a parasite program, removing it can be nearly impossible.
Fortunately, there are ways to fight back. Several companies offer applications that find and remove undesired software from your system. PepiMK Software offers a free program called Spybot - Search and Destroy, which detects and removes both adware and spyware. Another very popular program is Ad-Aware by Lavasoft, which is also free to download from www.download.com. One word of caution: sometimes the result of using these programs is that the freebie with which the adware or spyware came ceases to function. It appears that even in the online world, nothing in life is free.
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