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OIT HelpDesk

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Keep your Computer Free of Spyware and Adware

Spyware and Adware are files that are installed on your computer without your knowledge. They allow companies to monitor your Internet browsing patterns and even allow companies to inundate you with those annoying pop up advertisements. Companies can track your surfing habits, profile your shopping preferences, hijack your browser, and even install unwanted software on your computer.

The results of Spyware and Adware can vary but here are some of the most common complaints:

  • Resets your Homepage - When you open up your browser, you are taken to a different homepage than the one you specified. If so, then you probably have a Spyware problem!
  • Changes Search Results - Have you noticed that when you click on a link, instead of going where you expected, you are taken to a different site than the one you clicked on? Pop Up Ads Displayed - Are you seeing so many pop up ads that you can't close them fast enough to keep up?
  • Install Unwanted Software - Have you noticed new programs installed on your computer like Golden Palace that you did not install?
  • Slow Browsers - Have you noticed that your web browser is taking longer to load pages than before?
  • Toolbars Added to your Browser - Have you noticed any new toolbars added to your browser?

Most Spyware is installed without you even knowing it when you click on pop up ads, download music files, install free programs, and so on.You can avoid getting Spyware and Adware by being more judicious about what you click on and what you install on your computer. However, if you have Spyware and Adware, you can either purchase a Spyware removal program or you can download a free one to help clean Spyware from your computer. Often, we have to download two or three different programs to completely clean computers. Please be aware that even if you use one of these programs, they might not catch all of the problems on your computer. Two of the free ones that we recommend are called Ad-aware and Spybot.



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