Spyware -a growing nuisance and threat

Spyware is becoming the most talked about topic in PC repair and network management. Recognized by numerous pop-up advertisements, having your home page changed without your authorization, and even sluggish PC and internet performance, spyware has been rooting itself into approximately 75% of Jerry's Computers service calls.There are many ways that spyware and adware can be introduced into your computer. Some of these are silent and do not require any action, intentional or not, on the part of the user. However, there are some common culprits that can be avoided to help prevent spyware from being reintroduced into your PC. These include:

Filesharing programs
•These are applications that allow users to share files, such as music and movies, using a peer-to-peer network over the internet. The top Windows filesharing programs include: KaZaa, Limewire, Bearshare, BitTorrent, SoulSeek, and Ares.

Most gambling, video game, and adult websites
• Also some lesser known search engine sites. Use these types of sites at your own risk. They are commonly known to install spyware into their users' PCs.

Internet windows asking to install a program
•Don't click on the Yes or No buttons, or even the "X" in the corner to close the window. These could all be coded to initiate the download. Instead, hit the keys ALT and F4 on your keyboard simultaneously, this will close the most prominent window on your screen.

Unfamiliar emails and attachments
•This is an old rule we're all familiar with. It is recommended that you turn off the "Preview Pane" for your emails so that they're not automatically viewed when you click on them. In Outlook, go to the View menu, then Preview Pane or Reading Pane to turn it off. In Outlook Express, click on View, then Layout, then uncheck the "Show Preview Pane" checkbox.

Online spyware removers
•Many of these programs either are spyware themselves, or remove other spyware while allowing their own to remain.

Uninformed PC users
•Be sure to educate all those who use your machine and the machines on your network. Done intentionally or not (most likely not), it could take only one uninformed click to start the whole spyware process all over again.


Remember, even with all instances of spyware removed, any internet user is vulnerable to further reintroduction of these nuisances. This even applies to a brand new computer right out of the box. Though with safe internet habits, the number of instances you encounter should be reduced to an acceptable level.

Call Jerry's Computers at (352) 223-5142 for more advice, or to schedule a trained technician to properly clean and remove spyware from your Computer or network.