| Central Oregon Web Log |
Spyware is one of the newer threats to Internet security with its ability to take information from your personal computer. Some programs have the ability to track every key stroke you make as you type.
Spyware Guide is an online guide to spy and anti-spy software and an excellent resource for information about this subject. It also a free online scanner for a quick check to determine if your computer is infected. The odds are very high that it is.
Spybot is a highly-recommended program for searching for spyware and getting rid of it. It is free, but the fair thing to do is make at least a small donation to the publishers. You will most likely find your donation to be a bargain. The search and destroy function needs to be activated on a regular basis, at least weekly. This process only takes a few minutes and can easily be accomplished while you take a break from your computer.
Microsoft programs have been among the most targeted by hackers and others seeking unethical and unlawful entry to personal computers, so it is not surprising makers of spyware have utilized Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser. Consequently, articles on Internet security have recommended a switch from Internet Explorer to another browser.
Mozilla Firefox is an excellent choice for a replacement browser that comes with very good recommendations including one from Walt Mossberg who writes a Personal Technology column for the Wall Street Journal. This program is also available as a free download. Mozilla publishes and sells other products you can purchase to support this great enterprise and show your appreciation for no longer having to put up with those annoying pop-up advertisements.
Spybot and Mozilla may not solve 100% of your security problems but in combination they will very likely come close to doing so.