SpyWare and AdWare Protection

 

What is it?

Spyware and Adware are two different but closely related types of applications that anyone who surfs the Internet is susceptible to.  Basically, they both seek to track personal information on an individual's Internet habits.  Adware is often part of free software downloads, especially file-sharing client programs such as Kazaa.  You will be asked if you are willing to allow your activities to be monitored as a condition of using the "free" software.  Spyware functions similarly, but you are never prompted for consent.  In
addition to the inconvenience and performance costs associated with these programs, they also represent a grave security risk.

 

 

Not a Virus?

Unfortunately, the usual anti-virus and firewall programs can't protect you from adware and spyware. Antivirus apps won't detect these pests because they aren't technically viruses. And firewalls block only outgoing messages from adware and spyware; the components themselves remain deep within your PC.

The following link lists reviews of numerous tools to help remove such programs.  Spybot Search & Destroy is a popular recommendation, and you may find it included on the conference CDRom.

 

Advice:

As with all programs that scan and ãcleanä your machine, it is highly recommended to make sure you have a valid backup of your important files, especially the registry, before beginning.

 

Resources:

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CNet:Ê Spyware cures may cause more harm than good

http://news.com.com/2100-1032-5153485.html

This packet as well as the Conference CDRom was made possible in part by contributions from students at the LBJ Graduate School of Public Affairs, participating in a Policy Research Project:Ê http://www.communitynetworking.org