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Gday and Welcome to Tech Talk , Throughout my
time in Kalbarri fixing computer problems I have identified key problems
with general computer maintenance that can be rectified by the owner of a
troubled computer , For Windows XP and Vista only.
This Month I will be covering some ways to improve your
computer performance , you will need to take this advice at YOUR OWN PERIL ,
I will not be held responsible for any complications you may encounter.
Spyware
Spyware - also known as Adware
or Parasite. It is in installed in a system to secretly gather information
about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties. Spyware
is usually bundled in a software that are offered as free program or shareware
and website service.
Security Issue - A
spyware has all privileges of the user who installed it. Spyware cause conflict
with an operating system and applications. It can slow down the system. It can
delete, read, write, download, install another software, change or edit users'
preferences. Others can even format the hard-drive!
The above PC and security issue should convince any user already
(whether you are a home or business user) that an anti-spyware helps
to prevent unwanted application to control or damage your systems. If it does
not convince you read on...
Why do you need anti-spyware software?
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There is no 100% secure Operating System or
browser (software in general) - if you visit security related sites or forums,
you'll learn that everyday (no holidays! no Sunday fun days) a security hole is
being discovered and reported.
Most of this security holes can be exploited by many method and one of which is
to bypass some security programs and even you're security, program and operating
system settings.
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Most freebies or goodies are too good to be true
- Ever wonder what is the catch of installing a freeware?
Some program that is free to a user is truly free but not free from spyware.
The above definition of spyware are some of the catch.
Most of the spyware can't be controlled by the user. You say no already but it
keeps showing or installing itself after you've removed it.
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Anti-virus is not enough - not all anti-virus will prevent installation of
spyware! A program that is bundled with spyware can't be detected by your
anti-virus program as “infected with spyware“.
Why?
It is because the setup file is not infected. When the user execute the exe
file and agreed with those many license agreements or terms of use of the
software during installation, YOU gave your permissions away in just a
snap by allowing the said application to spy on you or gather your private data
.
Persistent spyware application does not only spy on you but can caused
instability with your programs or system.
Westnet provides links to FREE anti spyware programs by visiting
this link below
www.mywestnet.com.au/services/vault/
Ad Aware and Spybot search and destroy are two popular freebies
out there that Westnet has links to , and best of all you do not need to be a
Westnet customer to take advantage of these free anti spyware programs, and
remember you can always GOOGLE more information on Anti spyware
Further help can be found at the
Kalbarri Telecentre (See Marg) with courses that may be run throughout the year.
Cheers Wayne Dewar
www.mykalbarri.com |
Mykalbarri
