Anti-virus and Spyware

Spyware and adware are files that are installed on your computer without your knowledge which allow companies to monitor your Internet browsing patterns. They also enable companies to send pop-up advertisements targeted to your browsing patterns. Besides tracking your surfing habits, spyware and adware also can profile your shopping preferences, hijack your browser, and install unwanted software on your computer. The results of spyware and adware can vary, but some of the symptoms of spyware and adware are: resetting your homepage, changing search results, displaying pop-up ads, installing a new program on your machine, slowing down browsers, and adding toolbars to your browser.

GETTING RID OF SPYWARE

You can either purchase a spyware removal program or you can download one of the free ones to help clean spyware from your computer. Two or three different programs are sometimes needed to completely clean spyware from computers. 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. You can download them for free at http://download.cnet.com/windows.

DO I HAVE TO USE ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE?

If you are connecting to the university network, you have to use the university-provided software on your machine and be diligent in updating the software on a timely basis. Not only is it in the Acceptable Use of Information Technolgy Resources Policy that you have already agreed to abide by, it is also the best way to protect your machine from the latest viruses, some of which can render your machine useless. It is downloaded from http://antivirus.utk.edu.

 

If you are having problems accessing the wireless network or just have some questions on how to get started, contact

OIT HelpDesk at 974-9900

or visit the OIT Service Center, located in the Commons South, second floor, Hodges Library.

Join our OIT Technology Training Group on Facebook and find out about all the great free computer training classes that are offered to help you in your academic classes!