Anti-Spyware Software: What to Look For
Spyware gathers information without the knowledge or permission of the computer user. While spyware often obtains information for advertising purposes, these hidden programs can do much more. They can obtain credit card numbers, passwords, and email addresses. These programs can also monitor a user’s Web activity, scan files, create pop-up ads, log keystrokes, or change the default page on the Web browser. Spyware infiltrates computers as programs covertly bundled with downloaded software, through Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing, or as a result of Internet browsing. More than three out of five (67 percent) of U.S. consumers say they are using anti-spyware software, according to a recent study conducted for the Business Software Alliance by Forrester Custom Consumer Research. That still leaves nearly a third unprotected.
While all viruses cause potential risks to your computer, some spyware is harmless and is installed as part of a user’s agreement when free software is downloaded online. This relatively harmless variant is often called adware. For example, many of the free graphics programs that people use to enhance email messages or free online games contain adware. Other variants of spyware are anything but harmless.
Since spyware varies from harmless to harmful, anti-spyware software does not automatically delete these programs. If the software detects spyware, it will isolate it and ask you if you want it deleted. Most versions of anti-spyware software will provide a description of the spyware to help you make a decision.
Some people feel safer with all spyware removed from their computers. They accept the fact that a few of their downloaded programs, including some adware-supported programs, will no longer work after the spyware is removed. Other users consider spyware relatively harmless because they enjoy using the free programs.
A slowdown in computing, a rash of advertisements, or any number of anomalies indicates possible spyware problems. If you surf the Internet, plan to periodically scan your computer with anti-spyware software. Some users have anti-spyware software installed to scan their computers on a daily or weekly basis. It is imperative that you download the latest updates for your anti-spyware software prior to each scan, so that the program can account for and detect the latest spyware variations. A number of anti-spyware software programs provide the option of receiving automatic updates as new variations of spyware are discovered. There are a number of proven and legitimate anti-spyware programs available for free download. However, there exists spyware that actually pose as phony anti-spyware programs (often appearing in pop-up windows) that offer to remove or detect spyware, but in fact install them on your computer upon downloading.
If you feel more comfortable with a name brand product, you can often purchase anti-spyware software for under $50. If you will be running the same program for any length of time, then make sure your choice of software has automatic updates. This ensures that your software will be able to identify new variants of spyware as they are discovered. The developers of anti-spyware software usually charge a subscription fee to continue updates beyond a certain time frame after installation. The cost of the subscription is approximately equal to or slightly below the purchase price.
Recently, some anti-virus software companies have begun selling all-in-one bundles, combining anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall software. These packages can be found for less than $100. Whether you purchase a bundled package or a standalone product, make sure it offers an automatic update feature. Don’t hesitate to ask your local computer retailer to suggest an anti-spyware program that’s right for you.
