Preventing Spyware from Installing Itself on YOUR Computer
How did this happen? At some point while she was browsing normally, a window had opened up asking her a yes or no question, similar to what she had seen dozens of times before -- to upgrade RealAudio, for instance, such a window will appear, and most people will click "yes" without even thinking. But this time, it was actually a program asking her to click "yes" and thereby install this advertising program onto her computer.
It's scary to think that things are being added to your computer without your knowledge... but it's a fact, and you need to take precautions against it.
Postings to several online discussion groups regarding what she should do lead to many recommendations for the utility called "Ad-aware," which did, indeed, fix this online volunteer's problem. Ad-aware detects and removes spyware and other nasty covert programs from your computer system. A free download of Ad-aware is available at lavasoftusa.com and download.com
Other suggestions that were helpful to this online volunteer regarding this spyware problem:
Consider investigating and adding anti-advertising software to your computer, and always read a window careful before clicking "yes." When in doubt, click "no;" if it was a program you really did want, you will be asked the same question again.
Quick Links
Disclaimer: No guarantee of accuracy or suitability is made by the poster/distributor. This material is provided as is, with no expressed or implied warranty.
Permission is granted to copy, present and/or distribute a limited amount of material from my web site without charge if the information is kept intact and without alteration, and is credited to:
Otherwise, please contact me for permission to reprint, present or distribute these materials (for instance, in a class or book or online event for which you intend to charge).
