SDI Computer Consulting - Midland Texas

Sometimes, computer problems are due to malicious people finding ways to hijack your computer. Programs can be installed without your consent, and these programs can create slowdowns, lockups, and other strange and annoying behaviors. This article will explain the dangers and offer some advice for fixing and preventing it. Computer users with moderate to expert experience will be able to apply the advice on their own.

Recently, I have had many clients with computers suffering from all kinds of nasty symptoms:

• computers lock up or crash
• Internet pages appear at random
• computers run slowly
• computer tries to connect to the Internet, or disconnects at unexpected times

These are all symptoms of Spyware and Adware on a computer. I have found this to be far more common than even virus infections, and some spyware will load virus- and worm-type programs in addition to their 'tracking' activities.

What is Spyware and Adware?

Spyware is designed to watch your computer activity - most spyware only cares about your Internet browsing habits, but the worst spy programs watch absolutely everything you do on your computer. They can sometimes record keystrokes, allowing them to discover your passwords and login information. At best, they watch where you go on the Internet and report back to a marketing company that will then categorize you and sell advertising space to merchants wanting to hit a target audience. At worst, they can steal your logins and other information, or load 'dialers' that copy pay-per-view porn or gambling software to your PC without your knowledge, or use your PC as a spam-sending 'zombie'.

Adware is a class of programs or web scripts that show commercials on your computer. Some do this by adding toolbars to your web browser, and others accomplish their goals by popping up extra browser windows to display ads. On some occasions, programmers will offer free software (especially games) that display ads while the program is in use. The ads make money for the programmer, but sometimes the ad display engine can create problems for your computer like the list of symptoms at the start of this article. Both types of programs often sneak in by promising to add a nice toolbar to your browser, or a search tool to help you save money on travel or shopping. They promise to keep your clock synchronized, help you remember your passwords for web pages, or give you a weather forecast. They let you download music, pictures, and program files for free. It all sounds like a great thing until your computer starts crashing, or someone uses your credit card information to by a new X-Box.

What can be done to defend my computer?

Fortunately, there are programs that will help you combat these annoying and sometimes dangerous programs. I recommend that you download them from the vendor site, or a reputable download site like download.com. My two favorite tools are Spybot Search & Destroy and Ad-Aware. I actually recommend that you use both tools, as they complement each other and each detect problems the other tool misses. The newest version of Spybot can install a real-time protection tool called TeaTimer which will make sure you are protected every time you use your computer.If you remove adware that came as part of a free program like Kazaa or some game or utility, you may find that the free program no longer functions. You will have to decide if the instability of your PC or the potential theft of your personal and financial data is worth it. Personally, I will not use any program that requires spyware or adware to function. There are too many options on the Internet that are free or very inexpensive. You just have to be willing to look. As always, virus protection is critical, as is a decent firewall. If you don't have a virus checker, I recommend the free version of AVG Anti-Virus which has a constantly-updated virus signature file that can update itself automatically. For firewalls, the simplest solution is to have a firewall-enabled router. I don't presently have a recommended software firewall solution, since I use one that is far too technical for a non-tech user, and haven't tested many of the recent firewall offerings. My clients, however, have been very successful with the protection built into their routers.


Can someone help me?

If you are in the area around Midland, Texas, I will be more than happy to visit your home or office to remove these nasty Internet villains. Elsewhere in the world, consider our web-based remote support. Spybot and Ad-Aware make the job pretty easy, but heavy infestation may require other more technical tools which most folks don't want to use. My fees are reasonable, especially considering the stability and performance improvements are usually very dramatic. In addition, you may find that it is time to add other protection like a firewall or virus scanner, and I can recommend or install any of those items that will be a help to you.