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This document
applies to computers with Microsoft Windows 98, Me, XP and an Internet
connection.
This document
explains the differences between spyware, adware, and hijacking software.
It helps resolve problems that can be caused by these types of software.
Some indications that your computer may contain spyware are:
·
Poor
system performance, especially while browsing the Internet.
·
The
computer stops responding more frequently.
·
Computer
takes longer to open the Windows desktop.
·
Browser
closes unexpectedly or stops responding.
·
Performing
a search from a search page provides results on a different site.
·
Clicking
a link does nothing or goes to a non-related Web site.
·
Browser
home page changes and may not be able to be reset.
·
Pop-up
advertising windows appear when the browser is not open or over Web pages
that do not normally have pop-ups.
·
Additional
toolbars are added to the browser.
·
Web
pages are automatically added to list of favorites.
·
Desktop
icons are automatically added to the desktop.
NOTE: This document is
not about viruses or security vulnerabilities. A virus may actually
provide an opening that allows someone to insert Spyware onto your
computer, but this is not discussed further in this document
CAUTION: Be wary when
installing software distributed as no-cost. The cost of installing the
software may be slower Internet connection times, annoying pop-up ads, or
even an increase in unwanted e-mails (spam).
Spyware, adware, and
browser hijacking definitions
There are many types of software related to
advertising and aggressive marketing. The types of advertising software
vary, but are generally the following:
·
Adware - Software that supports itself or another program by displaying
ads while you are connected to the Internet. Most adware programs track
how you browse the Internet and report the information to an interested
party.
·
Spyware - Software that gathers and transmits information without one's
knowledge. Spyware programs usually track information about the Web sites
visited, browser and system information, and your computer IP address
(the number that represents a network device on the Internet).
·
Browser hijacking software - Aggressive advertising software programs
that change the settings of your browser without your knowledge. These
can be very annoying and may appear as a virus at first (slow Internet
connection and lots of network activity). Typical changes from hijacking
software are: the browser's home page address, search bars, tool bars,
the creation of desktop shortcuts, and intermittent advertising pop-ups.
Once a browser is hijacked it may also redirect links to other sites that
advertise or collect your usage information.
Preventing
and removing unwanted ads and marketing material
The following steps help you find unwanted adware and
spyware, and remove or disable them:
Preventing
adware
To prevent adware from being installed on your system,
purchase and use full versions of software that are not supported by advertising.
If you want to download and use software that claims to be free,
carefully read the license agreement and cancel the installation if there
is something that you do not understand or agree to. Know the software
before you install it.
Preventing
spyware and hijacking software
Normally, spyware and hijacking software are installed
when you "consent" to a security warning window that appears
over a Web page. The Security Warning window contains the following
similar text:
Do you want to install
and run <name of free program that may contain spyware>. Signed on
<date and time> by <name of software vendor or advertiser>.
By clicking yes on a malicious Security Warning
screen, a script or control is integrated into the browsing system. The
script or control changes the behavior of your Web browser to suit the
needs of the aggressive advertiser.
To prevent this from happening, never click Yes on
Security Warning windows that appear with Web pages that you don't trust.
Close these windows by clicking No or pressing the Alt and F4 keys together at the same
time.
Detecting
and removing adware, spyware, and hijacking software
Aggressive spyware and browser hijacking software can
be extremely difficult to remove. Do not attempt to remove these kinds of
software without the aid of spyware removal software. You can manually
remove most non-aggressive adware by uninstalling the software that it
came with or removing the adware itself using Windows Add/Remove
programs.
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