The Verse - Volume Two

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Tech Tips - Is Your Computer Spying On You?

Is your computer running slow? Is it making strange noises or seemingly operating on its own? Well, it might be spying on you, too. Computers can become infected with more than just viruses, Spyware and Adware can infiltrate your PC and cause all kinds of problems.

Spyware is a program that sends information from your computer whenever it connects to the Internet. Usually the information that is sent is not critical and centers around marketing information, but the spyware could be capable of getting specific information like credit card numbers. At any rate, this information is transmitted without your consent. Spyware is often poorly programmed software and can contain bugs that cause problems with the operation of your computer. Not to mention the invasion of your privacy.

Adware is advertising supported software that can be downloaded free from the web, but contains banner advertisements. These ads create revenue for the company that created the Adware. Adware, like Spyware, installs components on your computer that send out marketing information whenever you are online. Unlike Spyware, Adware contains a disclosure telling you that your information will be used. Licensing agreements that accompany software downloads sometimes warn the user that a Adware program will be installed along with the requested software, but the licensing agreements may bury the notice of a Adware installation in hard-to-read legal disclaimers.

Three small (and free!) programs can greatly reduce the impact of Spyware and Adware on your computer.

The first two are both detection and removal tools and will scan your system for unwanted Spyware and Adware and remove them with your permission.

Spybot

Ad Aware 6

The third program is Spyware Blaster, a tool that is used to prevent spyware getting through to your system.

Spyware Blaster

If you have trouble with any of these tools, or they don't fix your problem, call your friendly purple guys from Versent at 816-221-3900 or go to www.purpleguys.com .