Detangling the web -beware spyware

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Detangling the Web--
Beware Spyware
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2.  Did you know that most major Web sites--some
of them popular and respected Web sites--
download unwanted spyware on your computer
when you visit?
At its most benign level, spyware is used by
Web sites to track your browsing and
purchasing habits. Taken a step further,
spyware might even capture personally
identifiable data and credit card information.

3. * SPYWARE IS NOT THE SAME AS A VIRUS
A misconception for many is that anti-virus software protects from
these unwanted intrusions. But that's not the case. Just as a
"virus" in the real world is different from a "bacteria" or "parasite,"
the same can be said of a virus in the cyber- world. It's NOT the
same as spyware.
Anti-virus software protects against KNOWN computer virus
attacks. A virus is best described as malicious programming code
intended to replicate itself and in so doing render a user's
computer system or network inoperable.
Spyware is something different. It's meant to stealthily co-exist
with your computer's system and program files, tracking and
reporting information through your Internet Explorer browser--
usually without your knowledge. Like a parasite, spyware infects
the host with hooks into your computer's registry and system
files--hooks that you most likely don't know about.

4.  * TOUGH STUFF
At it's most insidious, spyware parasites can actually
hijack or take over your Web browser--making it non-
responsive to your commands, and forcing you to sites
against your will.
Recovering from a spyware infection can sometimes
be a daunting and frustrating task. But luckily there are
resources available to help guard against getting
infected by this silent menace.

5.  * HELPFUL RESOURCES
As my primary (but not only) protection, I use "Spybot Search &
Destroy (v1.3)" which is a very popular, very effective and FREE anti-
spyware application (donations are 'welcome' says the program's
author). This tool is easy-to-use and can be configured to run silently
on your system, preventing the download of known spyware and other
such malicious code via Internet Explorer.
As with all such tools, however, it's only effective when it is kept up-to-
date! Use at your own risk and be sure to read carefully the
instructions for downloading and setting up the application.
For more information, visit http://www.spybot.info/
A great informational resource can be found at
http://www.majorgeeks.com/. This Web site is a forum for discussion,
downloads, advice, and information related to all sorts of computer
problems and technical issues, with an entire thread dedicated to the
topic of spyware. Simply use the "Google" search utility on the
"Majorgeeks.com" home page (mid-way down the left-side column) to
search the site for the information you want. But be forewarned--much
of this site is for the technically inclined!

6.  * PROTECT YOURSELF
There are countless other anti-spyware and anti-
parasite tools available out there, some for free,
some at a cost. Some are fairly automated, some a
bit more hands-on. My advice, if you're not
comfortable navigating the spyware landscape
yourself, is to contact a trusted technical resource
and have him or her set-up protection on your
computer and/or network.
 By: Matt McGovern

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