User Documentation:Spyware and Viruses
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[edit] Spyware, Viruses, and Trojan horses.
[edit] What is spyware? What are viruses and Trojan horses?
[edit] Spyware
Spyware programs often cause a large number of popup advertisements to appear randomly. These are also referred to as "Adware" programs, although the word is sometimes also used to refer to programs which are not necessarily malicious, but display advertisements with the user's consent. Spyware programs, however, are usually installed without your knowledge and send information about your computer use back to those who created the program. They are annoying, they violate your privacy, and we don't like them.
[edit] Viruses
Viruses are a bit more malicious than spyware. Viruses generally spread through email with interesting subject lines such as “funny video.wmv.exe” or “check this out.exe.” “awesome pic.pif.” Once infected, your computer tends to act strangely. Shortcuts may not work. Your computer may not shutdown properly. Viruses can turn your machine into a zombie computer, a computer used to stage other internet attacks or send large amounts of spam e-mail without the owner’s knowledge.
[edit] Trojan Viurses
Trojan horses are just as dangerous. These allow attackers access to your computer.
[edit] Is my computer infected?
Symptoms of infection from spyware, viruses, and Trojan horses include pop-up advertisements, slow response, broken Internet Explorer and other strange occurrences.
[edit] How do I fix these problems?
- Always run an anti-virus program. Free programs such as AVG or Avast! and commercial programs such as Norton and McAffee offer good anti-virus protection.
- Use anti-spyware programs regularly and keep them updated. Free programs such as Spybot-Search and Destroy, Lavasoft’s Ad-aware SE, and Microsoft Anti-spyware and commercial programs such as Webroot’s Spy Sweeper are good choices.
[edit] How can I keep my computer safe?
- Keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs up to date.
- Keep Windows updated. Turn on Automatic Updates.
- Under Tools>Folder Options>View, turn on “Show Extensions.” This will allow you to see if a file ends in .exe or not.
- If you are not running the latest version of Windows, use a pop-up blocker such as the Google Toolbar in Internet Explorer.
- Use alternative web browsers such as Firefox and Netscape.
