Make Your Computer Run Faster!
Spyware is a generic term for programs that install themselves on your computer without telling you that they are there. They run in the background tracking where you go online and sending the information off to the company that built the program. Hence the term Spyware or Spying Software. The reason for spyware being built originally was to use it as a marketing tool. If you know where a person surfs then you can target advertisements toward that person based on their surfing habits. Newer spyware programs are becoming more malicious and harder to remove than they were before. This is where the term Malware comes in . . . or Malicious Software. The term Malware also refers to Trojans or Virus depending on what it does.
So how do I get it off my computer? In most cases spyware removal is a fairly simple process. There are some excellent Free Tools available to help keep your system clean.For best results I suggest using more than one. Also, it is good to plan on doing a cleanup/spyware removal at least once a month to keep your computer in top working order. The tools I find work best are (in no particular order): Spybot Search & Destroy AdAware Microsoft Spyware Removal ToolThese are all free tools and work well in conjunction with each other.(Special Note for the Microsoft Spyware Removal Tool: If you do not have a Valid copy of Windows XP you will NOT be able to install this. Microsoft implemented a Validation Test to check for illegal copies of Windows XP.)
So now, we'll break down the steps to keep your computer spyware free and in excellent running order. If you follow these steps your computer will run much faster. After many years of doing cleanups this is the fastest way I know of to complete this process. You can do it in any order but the time it takes to complete will vary. On a reasonably new machine, a complete cleanup and spyware scan usually only takes about an hour if you follow this order. Steps:1. Create a Folder on your desktop called CLEANUP2. Open your browser and go to http://toddarsenault.com/cleanup.html or download them directly from the internet.3. You can download the tools used in this article there.4. Download a copy of Adaware.5. Download a copy of Spybot.6. Download a copy of VoptXP (Only program that is not free.)7. Download a copy of RegCleanerXP.8. Download a copy of CrapCleaner (sorry . . . I didnt name it)9. If you do not currently have an Antivirus program, please feel free to download a copy of Avast from my site. It is a free and excellent Antivirus tool.Now . . . what do we do with all this?1. Open your CLEANUP folder and install VoptXP first.
2. When that is complete install CrapCleaner. (You can leave all the settings default when you install these programs.)
3. Run the CrapCleaner program and click on Analyse. This will take some time depending on how many junk files are on your computer.
4. Once it is done analysing your computer click on the RunCleaner button. This will eliminate all the junk files that windows tends to store.
5. Close the CrapCleaner program now and open VoptXP.
6. Click on the Checkmark to Analyse your hard drive.
7. Once that is complete Click on the button to the left of the checkmark. It looks like a stack of rectangles.
8. Do not run any other programs while this is running. VoptXP is defragging your hard drive.a. Just a note on why I suggest using VoptXP: You can use the defrag program that comes with XP if you prefer, Vopt is just faster at defragging a drive. This is not a FREE program but will work for 30 days.
9. Once the defrag is complete close VoptXP and reboot the computer.
10. Now install Adaware and Spybot.
11. We are going to run Spybot first for a couple of reasons. It immunises the computer and does a registry backup before making any changes. It will also ask to update the files . . . please do this as you will want the newest definitions to catch all the spyware.
12. Once Spybot has completed scanning it may ask you to reboot or tell you that it could not clean all the spyware. If it asks to do a scan on reboot, say Yes.
13. Now we want to run Adaware. Whew . . . seems like a lot of work when I type it ;-)
14. Adaware is fairly easy to work with. Simply click on Start when it loads. You dont have to change any settings. When the scan is complete you do have to right click on the spyware found and left click on Select All.Then simply click the Next or Finish button.
If you followed the steps above your computer will be running faster and your surfing habits wont be being tracked by spyware.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Spyware and Adware - where to get it and how to use it
Have you ever wondered what spyware and adware are? Have you then wondered where you can get them? We'll answer both those questions.
What is Spyware?
Spyware applications are programs that hide on your computer without your direct knowledge. Spyware programs allow hackers and advertising companies to track your every move, both on-line and even when you work off-line. They can track the websites you visit, the items that you buy online, the emails you send and receive, and your Instant Message dialog. Perhaps worst of all they can even record your credit card number, personal identification numbers, and all of your passwords. It even gets worse... if you use dial-up to connect to the internet then spyware can be used to bill 900 numbers to your phone bill. This is just a short list of the harm that spyware can cause.
What is Adware?
Adware applications are installed onto your computer by internet advertising companies. Adware allows them to bury you with pop-up ad after pop-up ad all day long. Have you ever noticed a strange icon on your desktop or start menu and wondered where it came from? Have you ever logged on to the Internet and found that your home page has been switched? Are there strange search bars on every page you visit? These are all adware programs. Adware programs can place icons almost anywhere on your computer. Adware programs can change your home page whenever they wish, and Adware can control your Google search results so you see the results that they want you to see.
Where can you get Spyware and Adware?
"This Internet spy software is without a doubt our top choice for monitoring a home computer. If you need a spy software system to know the Internet activities of your child or spouse, this is the product we recommend." - Eye Spy Magazine (July 2003).
Do you want to know what other people type on your computer when you are away? Do your kids visit porn sites? Is your spouse cheating on-line? Are your employees wasting company time while surfing the internet?
KeyLog Pro records every keystroke made on your computer. Every window, even on password protected boxes, is recorded. You can secretly record keystrokes, chats, emails, instant messages, Hotmail, Yahoo! chat, AOL emails and AOL chat with KeyLog Pro Spy Software.
The software starts up whenever your computer does. You can then record and later see everything being typed -- emails, messages, documents, web pages, usernames, passwords and more.
Stealth technology ensures that KeyLog Pro is completely hidden from everyone except you. It will not appear in the Windows Desktop, Task Manager or in any other Menu.
These are unique and extremely powerful PC monitoring software.Monitoring Software has managed to make the software secretly extract text from specific windows, monitor all keystrokes, and extract screen shots -- all without hindering a computer's performance. While many have tried to copy the software, these programs are known for their reliability and many satisfied customers.Monitoring Software is so confident in their software's performance, your complete satisfaction is guaranteed.
There are three spyware products for your needs:
-- ComputerGOD 1.00 - Remotely monitor and control all computer activities. Take control of a remote desktop, transfer files, record email, passwords, chat conversations, keystrokes, websites visited, and even make a remote computer talk. This software does it all.
-- Online Recorder 5.74 - This spy software lets you monitor web sites visited, emails, chat, instant messages, and more. With a built in keylogger, you can also secretly record keystrokes.
-- Keyboard Monitor 3.0 - The Keyboard Monitor is a keylogger that secretly records all keys typed on a computer along with the window titles that were typed on. It also records the time they occurred.
These are two examples of quality spyware program vendors. You can buy and start using their products today. There are many more spyware and adware programs out there. Check out these vendors:PopUp Master Pro and PC Tracker Pro
Have you ever wondered what spyware and adware are? Have you then wondered where you can get them? We'll answer both those questions.
What is Spyware?
Spyware applications are programs that hide on your computer without your direct knowledge. Spyware programs allow hackers and advertising companies to track your every move, both on-line and even when you work off-line. They can track the websites you visit, the items that you buy online, the emails you send and receive, and your Instant Message dialog. Perhaps worst of all they can even record your credit card number, personal identification numbers, and all of your passwords. It even gets worse... if you use dial-up to connect to the internet then spyware can be used to bill 900 numbers to your phone bill. This is just a short list of the harm that spyware can cause.
What is Adware?
Adware applications are installed onto your computer by internet advertising companies. Adware allows them to bury you with pop-up ad after pop-up ad all day long. Have you ever noticed a strange icon on your desktop or start menu and wondered where it came from? Have you ever logged on to the Internet and found that your home page has been switched? Are there strange search bars on every page you visit? These are all adware programs. Adware programs can place icons almost anywhere on your computer. Adware programs can change your home page whenever they wish, and Adware can control your Google search results so you see the results that they want you to see.
Where can you get Spyware and Adware?
"This Internet spy software is without a doubt our top choice for monitoring a home computer. If you need a spy software system to know the Internet activities of your child or spouse, this is the product we recommend." - Eye Spy Magazine (July 2003).
Do you want to know what other people type on your computer when you are away? Do your kids visit porn sites? Is your spouse cheating on-line? Are your employees wasting company time while surfing the internet?
KeyLog Pro records every keystroke made on your computer. Every window, even on password protected boxes, is recorded. You can secretly record keystrokes, chats, emails, instant messages, Hotmail, Yahoo! chat, AOL emails and AOL chat with KeyLog Pro Spy Software.
The software starts up whenever your computer does. You can then record and later see everything being typed -- emails, messages, documents, web pages, usernames, passwords and more.
Stealth technology ensures that KeyLog Pro is completely hidden from everyone except you. It will not appear in the Windows Desktop, Task Manager or in any other Menu.
These are unique and extremely powerful PC monitoring software.Monitoring Software has managed to make the software secretly extract text from specific windows, monitor all keystrokes, and extract screen shots -- all without hindering a computer's performance. While many have tried to copy the software, these programs are known for their reliability and many satisfied customers.Monitoring Software is so confident in their software's performance, your complete satisfaction is guaranteed.
There are three spyware products for your needs:
-- ComputerGOD 1.00 - Remotely monitor and control all computer activities. Take control of a remote desktop, transfer files, record email, passwords, chat conversations, keystrokes, websites visited, and even make a remote computer talk. This software does it all.
-- Online Recorder 5.74 - This spy software lets you monitor web sites visited, emails, chat, instant messages, and more. With a built in keylogger, you can also secretly record keystrokes.
-- Keyboard Monitor 3.0 - The Keyboard Monitor is a keylogger that secretly records all keys typed on a computer along with the window titles that were typed on. It also records the time they occurred.
These are two examples of quality spyware program vendors. You can buy and start using their products today. There are many more spyware and adware programs out there. Check out these vendors:PopUp Master Pro and PC Tracker Pro
Top 10 things everyone must know about computer viruses
1. What is a virus? A virus is the name for a parasitic program written to intentionally enter a computer without the user's permission or knowledge. The word parasitic is used because a virus attaches to files or boot sectors and replicates itself so it can spread. Though some viruses do little more than copy themselves, others can cause serious damage or affect program and system performance. Therefore a virus should never be assumed harmless or left on a system. 2. One way you can't get a virus You cannot get a virus simply by being on the internet or using an online service. You will only become infected via the internet if you download an infected file and then run that file.3. Three ways you can get a virus There are only three ways you can get a virus: i) by executing an infected program ii) booting from an infected diskette iii) opening an infected email attachment. Strictly speaking i) and iii) are pretty much the same, but most people think of them quite differently, so I will too.
4. What are infected program viruses? Infected program viruses are often attached to other software programs like games, disk utilities, the macros in office documents and screen-savers. They are activated when these normally harmless programs are started. When the infected application is run the virus activates and loads into memory, where it can infect any new program that you open. This means that ever more applications on your system will become infected, which will almost certainly cause system problems. Files downloaded directly from the Internet (either through file-sharing programs or direct download from websites), are among the fastest growing sources of computer virus infections. 5. What is a boot infector? Booting from an infected disk simply means allowing your computer to start up with a disc, CD or DVD in the drive. Even so called 'non bootable' diskettes, CD's, and DVD's can be infected by a boot sector virus, so make a point of removing all kinds of discs when you've finished with them. Once the 'boot code' on your hard drive is infected, the virus will be loaded into your computer's memory every time you start your computer, from where the virus can infect each and every disk that is put into your computer. Floppy disks, though not as commonly used as in the past, are still a very common way viruses being spread from machine to machine. Anyone with an infected machine, using a floppy disk to copy and save files, can also copy and transfer the virus. 6. How do email infections happen? Email is now a favorite way to spread viruses. They are contained in the attachments (the files that can be sent along with an e-mail message). Often the user of an infected computer unknowingly attaches an infected file to an email message, and then sends the email to a friend or colleague. When the email is received and the file attachment is opened, the virus launches itself. Email messages with animations, automated greeting cards, jokes, photographs, even spreadsheets and document files, all have been documented to contain virus files. Many of the most dangerous viruses are primarily spread through e-mail attachments. 7. One simple way to avoid infections Obtain software from reputable sources. Downloading a service pack for Windows NT from Microsoft's web site is a very different proposition than downloading a freeware disk utility from a company you've never heard of, on a site in a province of the former Soviet Union. You use common sense - for instance, beware of Automatic Downloads - take care when using programs that download and run update patches and programs automatically. While in most cases these will not be a problem, having downloaded software run automatically without virus checking exposes you to potential problems in my opinion. Regardless of where you get your software even shrink-wrapped CDs from a reputable supplier, ALWAYS scan it for viruses BEFORE you execute the program or installer.8. A second simple way to avoid infections Control your network connections and access to your computer. You could limit access just to those who have a need - fully 80% of damage caused to information systems is caused by action taken (either accidental or deliberate) by an employee or friend, and not from outside sources.9. Be safe rather than sorry Make sure you have backups for all your files. Backups are essential not only to safely recover from virus infections, but also to recover from the other threats to your data (such as a hard disk failure or a major coffee spilling accident).10. Use quality virus protection software Last, but certainly not least, use good quality market leading commercial virus protection software packages. The primary benefit of using top commercial software is the frequency and ease of updating the virus definition files that these programs use to detect viruses. With new viruses popping up all the time, unless your protection software is kept updated (daily and automatically), you become ever more vulnerable to infection.
1. What is a virus? A virus is the name for a parasitic program written to intentionally enter a computer without the user's permission or knowledge. The word parasitic is used because a virus attaches to files or boot sectors and replicates itself so it can spread. Though some viruses do little more than copy themselves, others can cause serious damage or affect program and system performance. Therefore a virus should never be assumed harmless or left on a system. 2. One way you can't get a virus You cannot get a virus simply by being on the internet or using an online service. You will only become infected via the internet if you download an infected file and then run that file.3. Three ways you can get a virus There are only three ways you can get a virus: i) by executing an infected program ii) booting from an infected diskette iii) opening an infected email attachment. Strictly speaking i) and iii) are pretty much the same, but most people think of them quite differently, so I will too.
4. What are infected program viruses? Infected program viruses are often attached to other software programs like games, disk utilities, the macros in office documents and screen-savers. They are activated when these normally harmless programs are started. When the infected application is run the virus activates and loads into memory, where it can infect any new program that you open. This means that ever more applications on your system will become infected, which will almost certainly cause system problems. Files downloaded directly from the Internet (either through file-sharing programs or direct download from websites), are among the fastest growing sources of computer virus infections. 5. What is a boot infector? Booting from an infected disk simply means allowing your computer to start up with a disc, CD or DVD in the drive. Even so called 'non bootable' diskettes, CD's, and DVD's can be infected by a boot sector virus, so make a point of removing all kinds of discs when you've finished with them. Once the 'boot code' on your hard drive is infected, the virus will be loaded into your computer's memory every time you start your computer, from where the virus can infect each and every disk that is put into your computer. Floppy disks, though not as commonly used as in the past, are still a very common way viruses being spread from machine to machine. Anyone with an infected machine, using a floppy disk to copy and save files, can also copy and transfer the virus. 6. How do email infections happen? Email is now a favorite way to spread viruses. They are contained in the attachments (the files that can be sent along with an e-mail message). Often the user of an infected computer unknowingly attaches an infected file to an email message, and then sends the email to a friend or colleague. When the email is received and the file attachment is opened, the virus launches itself. Email messages with animations, automated greeting cards, jokes, photographs, even spreadsheets and document files, all have been documented to contain virus files. Many of the most dangerous viruses are primarily spread through e-mail attachments. 7. One simple way to avoid infections Obtain software from reputable sources. Downloading a service pack for Windows NT from Microsoft's web site is a very different proposition than downloading a freeware disk utility from a company you've never heard of, on a site in a province of the former Soviet Union. You use common sense - for instance, beware of Automatic Downloads - take care when using programs that download and run update patches and programs automatically. While in most cases these will not be a problem, having downloaded software run automatically without virus checking exposes you to potential problems in my opinion. Regardless of where you get your software even shrink-wrapped CDs from a reputable supplier, ALWAYS scan it for viruses BEFORE you execute the program or installer.8. A second simple way to avoid infections Control your network connections and access to your computer. You could limit access just to those who have a need - fully 80% of damage caused to information systems is caused by action taken (either accidental or deliberate) by an employee or friend, and not from outside sources.9. Be safe rather than sorry Make sure you have backups for all your files. Backups are essential not only to safely recover from virus infections, but also to recover from the other threats to your data (such as a hard disk failure or a major coffee spilling accident).10. Use quality virus protection software Last, but certainly not least, use good quality market leading commercial virus protection software packages. The primary benefit of using top commercial software is the frequency and ease of updating the virus definition files that these programs use to detect viruses. With new viruses popping up all the time, unless your protection software is kept updated (daily and automatically), you become ever more vulnerable to infection.
Difference between Hardware and Software
Computer hardware is the physical part of a computer, including the digital circuitry, as distinguished from the computer software that executes within the hardware. Memory chips, mice, monitors, and keyboards are all hardware.
Software is the information stored on the computer, so programs and data are considered to be software. Basically, if you can email it to someone, it's software. Computer software is so called in contrast to computer hardware, which encompasses the physical interconnections and devices required to store and execute (or run) the software.
Computer technology is employed in nearly every facet of modern society. Many software programs used in industry are proprietary, which means they are designed for a specific function. This differs from computers that are generally multi-purpose, with many different kinds of software programs for various tasks.
Hardware is the nuts and bolts of a computer; the parts you can touch. Software is the program that contains the instructions that tell a computer what to do. Hardware without software is like a lamp without electricity; all the parts are there, but nothing's working! Every computer, therefore, needs software. That software can be obtained in one of three ways. It can be:
* Pre-installed on the computer. * Purchased on a CD. * Downloaded from the Internet.
Not every computer needs the same software, of course. The software you need depends on what you want your computer to do. Hardware and software are constantly improving in a kind of leapfrog fashion. Hardware is most often the bottleneck when it comes to data transfer speeds, or how fast a software program can work. Therefore, as hardware improves, it becomes capable of running more robust software programs. Old hardware from just ten years ago may not run current software, as the software might be designed to take advantage of hardware in ways that older hardware cannot support.
For this reason, when shopping for software, the buyer should check the specifications for recommended minimal hardware requirements. The central processing unit (CPU) of a computer is nearly always mentioned, as this hardware is responsible for the overall speed of the computer, generally speaking. The amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) is another factor, and graphics capability or video card requirements might also be mentioned.
If you would like to purchase software but are not sure what hardware you have, most operating systems have a built-in program for displaying hardware and software system information. In Windows XP, navigate by clicking the Start button, then All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and System Information. You may want to print the initial system summary page, then click on the appropriate heading in the tree to the left to see new information displayed on the right. For example, click on "Components" then "Display" to see details about the video card in your computer.
Computer hardware is the physical part of a computer, including the digital circuitry, as distinguished from the computer software that executes within the hardware. Memory chips, mice, monitors, and keyboards are all hardware.
Software is the information stored on the computer, so programs and data are considered to be software. Basically, if you can email it to someone, it's software. Computer software is so called in contrast to computer hardware, which encompasses the physical interconnections and devices required to store and execute (or run) the software.
Computer technology is employed in nearly every facet of modern society. Many software programs used in industry are proprietary, which means they are designed for a specific function. This differs from computers that are generally multi-purpose, with many different kinds of software programs for various tasks.
Hardware is the nuts and bolts of a computer; the parts you can touch. Software is the program that contains the instructions that tell a computer what to do. Hardware without software is like a lamp without electricity; all the parts are there, but nothing's working! Every computer, therefore, needs software. That software can be obtained in one of three ways. It can be:
* Pre-installed on the computer. * Purchased on a CD. * Downloaded from the Internet.
Not every computer needs the same software, of course. The software you need depends on what you want your computer to do. Hardware and software are constantly improving in a kind of leapfrog fashion. Hardware is most often the bottleneck when it comes to data transfer speeds, or how fast a software program can work. Therefore, as hardware improves, it becomes capable of running more robust software programs. Old hardware from just ten years ago may not run current software, as the software might be designed to take advantage of hardware in ways that older hardware cannot support.
For this reason, when shopping for software, the buyer should check the specifications for recommended minimal hardware requirements. The central processing unit (CPU) of a computer is nearly always mentioned, as this hardware is responsible for the overall speed of the computer, generally speaking. The amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) is another factor, and graphics capability or video card requirements might also be mentioned.
If you would like to purchase software but are not sure what hardware you have, most operating systems have a built-in program for displaying hardware and software system information. In Windows XP, navigate by clicking the Start button, then All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and System Information. You may want to print the initial system summary page, then click on the appropriate heading in the tree to the left to see new information displayed on the right. For example, click on "Components" then "Display" to see details about the video card in your computer.
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