Protect your Computer from Ad-ware, Spyware, Malware

What is an Adware?

Adware or advertising-supported software is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertising material to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. It is usually seen by the programmer as a way to recover programming development costs, and in some cases it may allow the program to be provided to the user free of charge or at a reduced price. There are concerns about adware because it often takes the form of spyware, in which information about the user's activity is tracked, reported, and often re-sold, often without the knowledge or consent of the user.

What is a Spyware?

The term spyware refers to a broad category of malicious software designed to intercept or take partial control of a computer's operation without the informed consent of that machine's owner or legitimate user. Spyware is a type of program that watches after what users do with their computer and then send this information to a hacker over the internet. Spyware differs from viruses and worms in that it does not usually self-replicate.

What is a Malware?

Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system, without the owner's consent. Malware is commonly taken to include computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware and adware.

Adware, Spyware, and Malware also degrade the performance of the computer. 

How to protect your Computer from Adware, Spyware, and Malware?

In order to protect your computer from Adware, Spyware, and Malware one can install Lavasoft Ad-Aware, Spybot, or Windows Defender (Beta 2).

Ad-Aware is a program from Lavasoft that detects and removes software on a user's computer that is determined to be spyware. It also detects dialers, trojans, malware, data-mining, aggressive advertising, Parasites, Scumware, Browser hijackers, and tracking components.

Spybot - Search & Destroy is a malware, spyware and adware removal program which works on Microsoft Windows 95 and later. Like most malware scanners, Spybot-S&D scans the computer hard disk and/or RAM for malicious software.

Windows Defender (Beta 2) is a free program from Microsoft that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected, and a new streamlined interface that minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive.

            These programs are similar to Anti-Virus Programs and needs updating the Virus definitions regularly and scheduling a scan daily to protect from Adware, Spyware, and Malware.

 Please contact VPUR IT Staff if you want to install any of the Anti-Spyware programs. The VPUR IT staff can be reached by e-mail, phone, remote assistance, or Windows Messenger.