Block Spyware With These Three Habits!

July 26, 2009 · Filed Under Data Recovery · Comment 

Above all else, it is the change in the user’s mindset and behaviour, which can help achieve effective levels of protection. The purpose of this article is to demistify spyware and outline three simple yet powerful habits for spyware protection.

 

Adware Vs Spyware - The definition of adware is simply that of any type of software package that automatically plays, displays or download advertisements on your computer. Some adware are also known as spyware (privacy-invasive software), that obtain and share information from computer users without their knowledge or consent. The main reason for learning about blocking spyware is that they can help third parties steal key information. Click on how to remove adware for more information. 

Habit No 1 - Avoid Freeware. Free content (song, movies, document etc) will always be tempting for many users who see them as a bargain. Freeware and peer to peer software often end up giving you more problems than you bargained for in the long run. Frequently, downloading these software also installs dangerous software on computers as well.

Prudence always work to the users advantage in the long run and with this in mind, users should only download freeware from trusted sources only. 

Habit No 2 - Ignore Pop Ups. Like most computer users, you may have experienced popup ads, clicked on their links and accidentally downloaded spyware and adware threats, which now undermine the integrity of your system. The Google and MSN toolbars are free software from trustworthy sources, which can also keep popups at bay. The downside of these free programs however, is that they do not deal spyware already installed on your computer, and that they create a false sense of security for many users. Click on block spyware for more information. 

Habit No 3 - Be sure of what you install -You may be wondering also how you even exposed your computer to spyware threats in the first place. The answer may be surprising to you: Often minor tasks which are routinely performed can jeopardise the integrity of your system. A common scenario is that you may be on line and a dialogue box appears unexpectedly asking you to download a program. You may be enclined to accept any download provided that they are free and unkowingly install spyware and adware on you computer. It is a sad fact of the internet today that some programs or files cannot be downloaded unless spyware end up on your hard disk as well. We hope that the next time you think of your options on how to block spyware, you will consciously avoid any suspicious downloads. Do not download programs unless you understand their purpose. Be particularly cautious when you are visiting unfamiliar sites and are instructed to download something.

Click on how do I get rid of spyware for more information

Popups and Spyware Protection Need Better Tools Than Google and MSN Toolbars !

June 16, 2009 · Filed Under IT Support Services · Comment 

This article exposes the limitations of the most common and often free ways to prevent and eliminate popups in the wider context of adware and spyware protection.

A common definition for adware is that of any software which runs, displays or downloads ads on computers. Some adware are also known as spyware because they invade the users’ privacy by obtaining then sharing some of their personal information without their knowledge. 

Adware popups have become a common irritation for most users and many are now looking for free ways to disable them. For many users, using free popup blockers such as the Google and MSN toolbars is the preferred solution. Most users do not think beyond blocking popups, very few know about the relationship between popups and spyware. Only a minority of users take the right steps to protect themselves. Yet experience shows that both the removal of adware and spyware, as well their prevention are necessary steps to protect users privacy, preserve the integrity of their systems and enable a pleasant on line experience. By contrast, simply blocking popups whilst browsing creates a false sense of security. This is the consequence of the most serious problem with popups: Popups are not just “irritating”, they are symptomatic of spyware infection. This is also evidenced by popups appearing when users are not even on line.

Changing the browser settings is free and a step in the right direction

Blocking adware popups whilst browsing is easy enough. Changing the privacy settings so that popups can no longer appear on screen can be done as follows:

·      Select Control Panel in your computer 

·      Click on the Internet Options icon 

·      Click on the Privacy tab. 

·      There is a box next to “Turn on Pop Up Blocker”. 

·      Tick this box and you will block adware popups. 

Once the settings have been changed, users should adjust the privacy levels on their computer. Another option is to download the MSN and Google toolbars. Both toolbars will improve security when users browse the Internet. For more information, click on free popup blockers.

But, what about achieving full protection? Are most users missing the bigger picture?

Unfortunately, most users simply focus on blocking popups then forget that their computer is probably infected with adware and spyware. Popup blocker software, like those which user can access with the Google and MSN toolbars, are undoubtedly useful, however they only deal with one aspect of protection against privacy invasion, and threats to computer integrity. For more information click on block spyware.

It is highly advisable, to think more broadly about the methods to safeguard the users privacy, and the integrity of their computers against the threat of adware and spyware attacks. Users should also remove spyware and adware from their computer using appropriate tools, then run an up to date anti-virus software. Frequently users download adware and spyware unknowingly.

The removal of adware and spyware can be achieved easily using popular anti adware and spyware programs, which usually also offer the functionality to block popups. The most popular adware and spyware removal programs rely on research teams to detect and review the latest known threats. These software are frequently updated. Using adware and spyware removal programs deals with the root causes of adware and spyware infections by removing undesirable software then blocking adware and spyware. This method is therefore far superior than just relying on free popup blocker programs. For more information click on adware spyware removal.

Popups and Spyware Protection? Why Users Should Not Just Rely on the Google and MSN Toolbars!

June 12, 2009 · Filed Under Computer Training · Comment 

This article describes the disadvantages of relying on freeware to block popups, in the wider context of adware and spyware protection.

A common definition for adware is that of any software which runs, displays or downloads ads on computers. Some adware are known as spyware due to their function, which consists of collecting then sharing some personal information about the users without their knowledge or consent. 

Adware popups have become a common irritation for most users and many are now looking for free ways to disable them. The preferred solution for many users is to rely on the popup blocker function of either the Google or MSN toolbar. Unfortunately only a minority of users think about the relationship between popup ads and spyware, and even fewer think about spyware protection and prevention beyond blocking popups whilst browsing. The fact remains, that both the removal of adware and spyware as well as their prevention are necessary to protect the users privacy, safeguard the integrity of their computers and achieve a pleasant user experience on line. By contrast blocking popups simply creates a false sense of security. This is the consequence of the most serious problem with popups: Popups are not just “irritating”, they are symptomatic of spyware infection. This is also evidenced by popups appearing when users are not even on line.

Changing the browser settings is free and a step in the right direction

Blocking adware popups whilst browsing is easy enough. Changing the privacy settings so that popups can no longer appear on screen can be done as follows:

·      Select Control Panel in your computer 

·      Click on the Internet Options icon 

·      Click on the Privacy tab. 

·      There is a box next to “Turn on Pop Up Blocker”. 

·      Tick this box and you will block adware popups. 

Once the settings have been changed, users should adjust the privacy levels on their computer. Another solution is to use the Google or MSN toolbar. Security when browsing the Internet can be improved when using these toolbars. For more information, click on free popup blockers.

But, what about achieving full protection? What is the bigger picture for most users?

Users who seek to block adware popups, often forget that there is a high likelihood that their computer has already been infected with adware and spyware. Popup blocker software, like those which user can access with the Google and MSN toolbars, are undoubtedly useful, however they only deal with one aspect of protection against privacy invasion, and threats to computer integrity. For more information click on block spyware.

It is highly advisable, to think more broadly about the methods to safeguard the users privacy, and the integrity of their computers against the threat of adware and spyware attacks. In addition to running an anti-virus software that is up to date, users should remove the spyware and adware on their computer. Frequently users download adware and spyware unknowingly.

Getting rid of adware and spyware is easily achieved with the most popular adware and spyware removal programs, which can also block popup ads. The most popular adware and spyware removal programs are constantly being kept up to date as they rely on research teams to update the software in order to deal with the latest threats as they first occur. Adware and spyware removal programs can also block popups, and this deals with the root causes of adware and spyware infections. This method is therefore far superior than just relying on free popup blocker programs. For more information click on adware spyware removal.

How To Verify The Real Popularity of Any Computer Optimization Software In 15 Minutes or Less?

June 6, 2009 · Filed Under IT Support Services · Comment 

Overview - This article describes a fast method that anyone can use to independently assess the popularity of any computer optimization software (e.g. Registry fix software, registry cleaner software, error fixing software etc..). It also uses the real life example of a website dedicated to help users fix computer errors, which has already adopted this method for screening relevant software for further review.

Readers should be aware that, although the method described in this article is new and not perfect, it does present a distinct advantage over most other alternatives.   

The problem - Despite the range of software claiming to optimize computer performance, most computer users do not tend to rely on impartial information in order to verify the popularity of computer optimization software before making their purchase. This is problematic because computer optimization software which are not popular are either new, unproven or both. Either way they are riskier.

The options - Most users still rely on forums. This method is problematic, in that forums only provide anecdotal evidence of the popularity of any software, another challenge is the risk that participants will promote their own products using forums rather than share any independent perspective.

Another approach is to visit the software vendors’ websites. The obvious problem with this method is that the vendors are partial to the software they are selling.

Independent sites which compare similar computer optimization software, for example Anti-virus programs, Registry Cleaning Software, Adware & Spyware removal programs etc…, represent another method. The challenge with this method is that the vast majority of these websites focus primarily on the detailed functionality and do not provide independent data on the real popularity of the software they are comparing.

So how can users looking to optimize their computer form their own independent opinion of the most popular software to purchase? (click on registry fix software example)

15 Minutes Method - A superior method is to look at the data provided by digital market places such as Clickbank for example, which is the largest of them all. Digital market places are now selling many of the most popular computer optimization software and also give these software an indicator of popularity often called Gravity. This indicator is usually linked to the volume of sales for a particular software over a period of time. The Gravity measure of any digital product is calculated and compared independently from any software vendor by Clickbank. Gravity is therefore a good independent measure of popularity. Users can in any event, independently verify the actual popularity of any computer optimization program by visting Clickbank or a similar digital marketplace. Even if this method is not perfect (some Computer Optimization Programs are not sold via Clickbank), it is probably the most accessible for anyone to follow independently.

Example - Some software review sites have adopted this method and are now referring to the Clickbank popularity of the digital products that they are also reviewing independently (Click on fix registry errors for a live example).

Anyone Can Check The Popularity Of Any Computer Optimisation Software In 15 Minutes or Less!

June 5, 2009 · Filed Under Data Recovery · Comment 

Overview - This article draws attention to a fast method that anyone can use to independently review the popularity of any computer optimization software (e.g. Registry fix software, registry cleaner software, error fixing software etc..). It also uses the real life example of a website dedicated to help users fix computer errors, which has already adopted this method for screening relevant software for further review.

Readers should be forewarned that this method is still new and imperfect, yet that it still represents a superior alternative to most of other approaches available .   

The problem - Despite the range of software claiming to optimize computer performance, most computer users do not tend to rely on impartial information in order to verify the popularity of computer optimization software before making their purchase. This is a challenge, because computer optimization software which are popular also tend to be proven and effective. Conversely those which are not may be new, unproven or both and are inherently riskier.

The options - Most users still rely on forums. Yet the problem with this approach is that forums provide, at best anecdotal evidence of the popularity of any software. Another obvious downside is the risk that participants to the forum may seek to just promote their own software instead of providing their independent opinion.

Software vendors’ sites provide another method. Clearly vendors are not independent and this is an inherent limitation of this method.

Another option, is to review independent sites, which usually compare several computer optimization software in the same category for instance Anti-Virus software, Registry Repair Software, Anti Adware/ Spyware software etc… The challenge with this method is that the vast majority of these websites focus primarily on the detailed functionality and do not provide independent data on the real popularity of the software they are comparing.

So how can users looking to optimize their computer form their own independent opinion of the most popular software to purchase? (click on registry fix software example)

15 Minutes Method - A superior method is to look at the data provided by digital market places such as Clickbank for example, which is the largest of them all. Many of the most popular computer optimization software are sold at least partly through digital market places and are given an indicator of popularity known as Gravity. Gravity is an indicator, which is linked to the volume of sales for a particular program over a period of time. Clickbank calculate and compare the gravity measures of any digital product independently from any other software vendors. However imperfect, this indicator is a good independent way to measure popularity. Any users can independently check the popularity of any computer optimization software by checking out Clickbank or another digital marketplace. Eventhough this method also has its own limitation (some Computer Optimization Software may not be sold through Clickbank), the fact remains that it is one of the most accessible method of independent review today.

Example - Some software review sites have adopted this method and are now referring to the Clickbank popularity of the digital products that they are also reviewing independently (Click on fix registry errors for a live example).