|  Welcome
to my hot flashes!
I'll start off this hot flash
with one of my pet annoyances, Spyware .
Many calls I've been getting
recently are from PC users having serious
stability problems, sometimes requiring
a complete recover/restore of their operating
system due to invasive programs commonly
called "spyware" or "malware".
How will you know if you have programs like
this on your PC? You will usually have more
than one.
Do you recognise
some of these symptoms?
If you have a dial-up connection that keeps
popping-up attempting to log on to the internet,
chances are you have some type of malware/spyware
on your PC. Other signs include the presence
of xxx dialers on your desktop, your home
page has changed (hijack!) and you can't
change it, or general system instability
or sluggishness. When you sense that your
PC is not behaving as it should, don't ignore
the problem. It won't go away on its own
and could possibly get worse.
What can I do to stop these kind
of programs getting on my PC?
Be discreet when you browse the Internet. If you visit porn
sites, hacker sites, or other "off-the-beaten-track"
sites, you stand a good chance of picking up some malware
or spyware. When a site requests a download to view the site,
think twice before you give it permission. Is it worth the
risk? If it is, then be prepared to "catch" something.
If you choose to go to risky/risque sites, then be sure your
anti-virus program is up-to-date and is capable of blocking
scripts.
Generally, these days
it is almost impossible to avoid questionable
sites. Some spyware/malware is associated
with certain free screensavers, toolbars
and music sharing programs, so if you are
in doubt, "Google" the program
name and you will usually find information
on it that will help you make a decision
on whether to download it or not.
Make sure you have the
latest patches/critical updates for your
browser, mail, and operating system. A lot
of users never go to their operating system's
site to see if there have been updates/patches
to correct the sometimes gaping security
holes that malware and virus writers love
to exploit. Just like a car, you need to
keep your PC serviced.
Movie Tip:
For those of you who'd like to see a good
movie about computers, the Internet, web cams as well as a
bit of a love story, go see "Three Blind Mice".
Rated M, it is not for the young ones.
2 December 2003
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