Mal-ware Detection
Detection and Removal of Spy-ware and Ad-ware In Your Computer
Many free downloads contain spy-ware and ad-ware programs hidden within them. Know how to detect and remove them.
There is an old adage that says “nothing in life is free”. This saying rings true when we consider the programs that contain spy-ware and ad-ware.
Spy-ware is a hidden part of a program that basically monitors the users browsing and use of the computer. It is a program that is designed to show the user pop-up ads (which we all know can be quite annoying) and also leaves a marked trail so that your e-mail can be targeted for solicitation from the companies that it is covertly advertising for. One is usually unaware of the presence of spy-ware so it often remains on your computer undetected for months until you use a spy-ware remover tool (software) to get rid of it.
Ad-ware is not so covert. It is usually downloaded by a user and arises when the user is installing a program. The presence of the ad-ware is defined in approval boxes that are usually pre-checked indicating that you are aware and approve of the ad-ware being installed. The ad-ware consists of the products that sponsor the program. If you download a file sharing program that offers free unlimited use, this program is paid for by the use of placing ads in the program. There is often spy-ware that accompanies the ad-ware so a person unwittingly gets a double dose of these programs when they download their “free” version of a specific program.
Some may ask, “What is the harm of having a few programs like this on my computer?” Well the programs themselves are not harmful, but the programs that the spy-ware and the ad-ware attach themselves to are affected. Upon closer examination one will find that these programs (ad-ware and spy-ware) need a specific program or programs to attach their files to in order to execute and perform what they were meant to. This uses up much needed space and memory. Ad-ware can also create a bond with the sponsor’s page and change the user’s home page accordingly. Spy-ware acts much like a Trojan virus and tries to remain undetected throughout its stay on your computer. In many instances you will try to open a program and be greeted by a pop-up that has been hidden in the program and the ad-ware has acted as a leech file and used this program to execute or activate it.
Ironically enough many programs that can be downloaded off of the Internet to rid a person of these irritating programs contain ad-ware and spy-ware so you will be getting a fresh dose of the offending programs.
There are programs that can be purchased to rid your computer of ad-ware and spy-ware and there are also certain virus scanners that see the hidden programs as Trojan viruses as they are being loaded onto your computer’s hard drive. Avast anti-virus is one such anti- virus program that lets the user know if there are traces of ad-ware being loaded within the new software you are adding. There is also a program called “Spy-bot Search and Destroy that picks up hidden instances of spy-ware on you computer. In regards to ad-ware, a program called Ad Aware has served people for years now as the leader in detecting and removing all traces of ad-ware from your computer.
One must be aware that once the ad-ware has been removed from certain programs, they will no longer function properly or in most cases they will not work at all. Be very selective in the ad-ware that you decide to remove and always remember that if it is a free program chances are that it is sponsored by the ads that are contained within it.
