Help Corner Frequently Asked Questions

Here's a list of questions and answers I've compiled since I started using PC Spyware Programs. Got a question that's not answered here? Please use this contact form and ASK ME! If I don't know the answer, I'll do my best to find out from my contacts in the industry.

What exactly is a spyware program?

A spyware program can take various forms. Essentially it is a program or programmed information on your computer that sends information about you and your Internet activity to another person over the Internet. This may be a company whose business it is to collect user information, or an identity thief who is stealing your passwords, credit card numbers and other vital information.

Some spyware will place ads on your computer without your permission or knowledge, Internet cookies are classified as spyware although not malicious spyware. Cookies are pieces of data put in your Internet website browser to track computer users activity and habits.

Cookies can be helpful when users visit a web site that requires information about you. Cookies allow users to be identified when they visit the web site that collects data about them. Cookies keep track of your purchases or lack there of in a web site storefront shopping cart.

Why is spyware so damaging?

Spyware can consume tremendous amounts of your system resources, like your computers hard drive space, memory or RAM. If you notice your computer is running more slowly than it did before, your system may be infected with one or more spyware programs. These programs not only slowdown your system, but can also collect information about your Internet activity such as passwords and banking information.

What are Keyloggers?

Spyware called keyloggers can record what you type on your keyboard (your 'keystrokes'). And send the data to another person. This information collected by keyloggers may be your bank or other financial account password, email account passwords and credit card numbers.

Is a Trojan horse spyware?

Trojan horse programs is a form of spyware that allows another person to log onto your computer remotely and direct your system to send spam or participate in malicious attracts against other computers on the Internet. A Trojan horse program can make an innocent person look guilty because their computer system has been taken over.

How can you get rid of spyware?

Downloading and installing anti-spyware programs on your computer can eliminate spyware. There are plenty of good spyware programs to choose from. Once you'vr installed your chosen tool, scan your system and delete the known threats.

How did spyware get on my computer?

There are many different ways spyware can end up on your computer. Spyware can arrive in the form of an automatic download from a website you have visited. But usually spyware is downloaded without computer users knowledge or permission. This happens when they download and install other, seemingly harmless, software. Spyware programs are inserted into programs users download from the Internet, many of the legal software programs are free to users, the unwanted spyware program rides along embedded with the freebie.

What's the worst that spyware can do?

Spyware programs can damage your computer, steal your financial information and commit crimes using your computer without your knowledge or permission.

The spyware removal program you have on your computer doesn't remove the particular type of spyware program that has infected your computer, what should you do?

Your signatures must be updated on your anti-spyware program to catch new known threats or spyware programs that are newly released. Update the signatures on your spyware programs to include new known threats or new virus definitions.

My web browser has been hijacked, what should I do?

Conduct an Internet search for a free spyware removal program called "Hijack or browser hijacker remover", download and install the program. Spyware removal software or tools have "help" options available along with detailed instructions to follow.

Can I prevent spyware from infecting my computer?

Yes, spyware infection can be prevented by not downloading programs from companies you do not know and don't open E-Mail attachments unless you know the person the attachment seems to be coming from and you are aware of the attachment.

What should I do if I want to keep spyware off my PC?

Don't download or install pirate or illegal software programs or files. Set your Internet browser on the highest security option. For Explorer, go to "Tools" on the menu bar, down to "Internet Options, then select the "Security" tab and then move the slider to a "Medium" setting or on "High" if you are especially vulnerable or conduct many financial transactions online.

The best way to prevent infection is to use a good anti-spyware program and scan your computer system often to identify known threats for deletion.

Can I delete spyware myself manually?

Yes, download and install a spyware removal program or an anti-spyware software program, scan your system and remove any threats.

Some spyware is obvious and can install itself onto your menu bar. Spyware programs can also be represented or listed in your Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs list. Click on your "start menu", go to your Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs and look for programs that you do not recognize. You may see a "XXX" dialer or something similar to that. Select the program in doubt for removal and the unwanted spyware program is gone. Spyware programs are not always easily identified and you may have to get into your computer registry to delete entries. You may also conduct a search for specific files, or known threats on your computers hard drive for deletion.

Can My Internet website browser's homepage be hijacked by a spyware program?

Yes your Internet browser's home page can be hijacked by spyware. Search the Internet for "Hijack spyware removal program or Hijack anti-spyware removal program". Download two anti-spyware programs, install them both and use them both, one after another.

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