Adware, Spyware, and Malware: What it is and how to get rid of it.
Spyware, adware and malware are types of programs with many purposes. Some try to track your Internet browsing habits. Some alter your web browser so words may be links to ads. Some masquerade as browser helper objects (BHOs), such as add-on toolbars. Some of these programs attempt to log what you type; others change your network settings or alter your computer's registry files. They can all affect your ability to use LiveJournal, but more than that, they can affect your privacy and your computer's security. The vast majority of spyware is for the Windows platform, and so this article will discuss Windows-specific methods of detection and removal.
There are many ways that your computer can be infected with spyware or adware. One common method of infection is downloading untrusted software or running a program you've been sent by a friend. You can also become infected by visiting certain websites, if your browser is configured to automatically trust content from websites or to run ActiveX controls. You cannot get spyware from LiveJournal, but there are many other sites, particularly sites with banner ads, that can infect your computer.
There are some simple ways to avoid spyware infection:
There are many symptoms of spyware infection. Some of them are obvious, while others are less noticeable. If your computer is showing any of the following signs, you might be infected:
There are many programs which claim to remove spyware. Unfortunately, many of them are spyware themselves. If you are infected, or believe you are infected, it is very important to choose a removal program carefully. You should carefully research any spyware removal utility you find, to make sure it is well-respected.
You can find information on removing spyware by using your favorite search engine. It is best to research spyware removal programs on another computer, because if a computer is infected with spyware, that spyware may work to prevent you from finding information about spyware removal.
Two programs which are very well-respected for spyware removal are Ad-Aware, by LavaSoft, and SpyBot Search and Destroy. Neither Ad-Aware nor SpyBot are sponsored or endorsed by LiveJournal in any way, and LiveJournal cannot be responsible for your use of the programs. However, many people report excellent results from them, particularly working together. If you wish to download these programs, it's a good idea to be absolutely certain that you are visiting the company's homepage to download them, and not a third-party download site. This can prevent browser redirection. It is a good idea to read the documentation and warnings for whatever program you choose before using it.
If you continue to have spyware problems after you have taken these basic steps, you will need to consult a computer professional for further advice.
There are many ways that your computer can be infected with spyware or adware. One common method of infection is downloading untrusted software or running a program you've been sent by a friend. You can also become infected by visiting certain websites, if your browser is configured to automatically trust content from websites or to run ActiveX controls. You cannot get spyware from LiveJournal, but there are many other sites, particularly sites with banner ads, that can infect your computer.
There are some simple ways to avoid spyware infection:
- Only run software from trusted sources. Many programs such as peer to peer downloading software, popular chat or instant messaging programs, and others come bundled with adware or spyware.
- Never click on strange attachments in email. Even if it doesn't contain spyware, there is a good chance it's a virus.
- Make sure your antivirus software is up-to-date. You should update your virus definition files frequently.
- Make sure you update your operating system software frequently when new security patches are released.
- Consider using a browser other than Internet Explorer if possible. Internet Explorer is more vulnerable to spyware infection than other browsers such as Mozilla or FireFox.
- If you must use Internet Explorer, consult the documentation for information on how to raise the security settings to block untrusted content from running on your computer.
- Use a program to scan regularly to find and remove any spyware.
There are many symptoms of spyware infection. Some of them are obvious, while others are less noticeable. If your computer is showing any of the following signs, you might be infected:
- You see pop-up ads, even when you aren't actively using the Internet.
- Your browser's homepage has been changed to another site, and you can't change it back.
- Random words or phrases are turned into links in your browser.
- You notice a new toolbar installed in your browser.
- There are files on your computer that you or any other user of your computer didn't put there.
- Your LiveJournal or instant messenger profile is displaying links which you didn't put there and can't remove.
- Your computer is running unusually slowly, takes a long time to start, or crashes frequently.
- There are processes running on your computer that you can't identify and can't delete or remove.
- You have trouble staying connected to the Internet, or suddenly can't use LiveJournal or other websites (the site displays wrong or you cannot remain logged in).
There are many programs which claim to remove spyware. Unfortunately, many of them are spyware themselves. If you are infected, or believe you are infected, it is very important to choose a removal program carefully. You should carefully research any spyware removal utility you find, to make sure it is well-respected.
You can find information on removing spyware by using your favorite search engine. It is best to research spyware removal programs on another computer, because if a computer is infected with spyware, that spyware may work to prevent you from finding information about spyware removal.
Two programs which are very well-respected for spyware removal are Ad-Aware, by LavaSoft, and SpyBot Search and Destroy. Neither Ad-Aware nor SpyBot are sponsored or endorsed by LiveJournal in any way, and LiveJournal cannot be responsible for your use of the programs. However, many people report excellent results from them, particularly working together. If you wish to download these programs, it's a good idea to be absolutely certain that you are visiting the company's homepage to download them, and not a third-party download site. This can prevent browser redirection. It is a good idea to read the documentation and warnings for whatever program you choose before using it.
If you continue to have spyware problems after you have taken these basic steps, you will need to consult a computer professional for further advice.