Computer Hardware:
• Tools, Static & Cleaning
• Form Factor
• PC Case & Fans
• Motherboard
• Processor (CPU)
• Power Supply Unit
• RAM
• Hard Drive
• Solid State Drive
• Optical Drive
• Floppy Disk Drive
• Graphics Card
• Sound Card
• Network Card
• Computer Monitor
• Keyboard & Mouse
• Laptop / Netbook
• Building a Computer
• Overclocking
Operating System & Backup:
• Operating System
• Drivers
• Windows Tools
• User Accounts
• Backup
• Windows 10
Internet & Network:
• Internet
• Wi-fi or Cable
• Improve Broadband Speed
• Network Computers
Computer Peripherals:
• Printer
• Scanner
• External Hard Drive
• USB Flash Drive
Computer Security:
• Anti-virus
• Anti-Spyware
• Phishing
• Firewall
Common PC Problems:
• Slow Computer
• Hardware Failure
• Software Failure
• Printing Problems
Miscellaneous:
• Windows Shortcuts
• Glossary of Terms
• HTML Colour Picker
• Number Base Converter
• Tools, Static & Cleaning
• Form Factor
• PC Case & Fans
• Motherboard
• Processor (CPU)
• Power Supply Unit
• RAM
• Hard Drive
• Solid State Drive
• Optical Drive
• Floppy Disk Drive
• Graphics Card
• Sound Card
• Network Card
• Computer Monitor
• Keyboard & Mouse
• Laptop / Netbook
• Building a Computer
• Overclocking
Operating System & Backup:
• Operating System
• Drivers
• Windows Tools
• User Accounts
• Backup
• Windows 10
Internet & Network:
• Internet
• Wi-fi or Cable
• Improve Broadband Speed
• Network Computers
Computer Peripherals:
• Printer
• Scanner
• External Hard Drive
• USB Flash Drive
Computer Security:
• Anti-virus
• Anti-Spyware
• Phishing
• Firewall
Common PC Problems:
• Slow Computer
• Hardware Failure
• Software Failure
• Printing Problems
Miscellaneous:
• Windows Shortcuts
• Glossary of Terms
• HTML Colour Picker
• Number Base Converter
Anti-Spyware Software helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software.
Spyware is software that gathers information about a person without their knowledge and usually sends it to a company that will target you with adverts.
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How does my computer get infected with a spyware?
Many websites will automatically install a small file called a 'cookie' on your computer when you visit their website for the first time. The 'cookie' gathers information such as how often you have visited the website, what products you have looked at and are interested in etc, and this information is used to tailor the website on your next visit so that it advertises the products that you are interested in. 'Cookies' are not really meant to be malicious but some people prefer not to have them on their computer. Your web browser can be set up to disable or enable 'cookies'.
Spyware can also be used for malicious purposes such as installing a 'Keylogger' on your computer which monitors the keys pressed on your keyboard to find out your passwords etc. Spyware called 'Highjackers' can also redirect your web browser to another website or can change computer settings. Trojan horses called 'Trojans' can pretend to be legitimate software but will install spyware, and 'Dialers' can secretly dial up premium rate telephone numbers incurring costs but this affects dial-up internet rather than broadband internet.
Spyware does not replicate like a virus but just installs itself on your computer without your knowledge. Your computer may get infected by multiple spyware which can slow down your computer as it uses system resources. Stability issues, such as applications freezing, failure to boot, and system-wide crashes are also common.
How do i detect and remove spyware?
There are several Anti-spyware programs available or your existing Anti-Virus software may include an Anti-spyware feature.
Anti-Spyware software include the following:
• Spybot Search & Destroy - http://www.safer-networking.org/
• Ad-Aware - http://www.lavasoft.com/
• SpywareBlaster - https://www.brightfort.com/spywareblaster.html
• Malwarebytes - https://www.malwarebytes.org/
These Anti-Spyware programs are free to use or in some cases can be upgraded to a better version if paid for. SpywareBlaster relies on donations.
Anti-Spyware software can be installed along with Anti-Virus Software as they detect and remove different kinds of malware.
How often should i run an Anti-Spyware program?
You should run an Anti-Spyware program frequently, especially after visiting many websites, and performing downloads etc. You will probably be surprised how much spyware is detected, however much of this may be cookies which are mostly harmless.
Most Anti-Spyware software will allow you to set up a schedule for scanning your computer regularly.
Always check if there are any updates for your Anti-Spyware software so that it can detect the latest spyware.
As well as installing Anti-Spyware software, you should also install Anti-Virus Software, and a Firewall.