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Differences Between Spyware and Adware

Any Internet user in today’s world has surely heard of and seen many different variations of spyware and adware on their computers. Though both these types of programs can invade your privacy, contain malicious code and serve as a nuisance to even the most patient of Internet surfers, they have their differences as well. What are the differences between spyware and adware programs?

Spyware

Spyware is a program, similar to a Trojan Horse, that is generally installed unknowingly while installing another program, usually a freeware-type program. Once spyware is installed, it monitors your activity on the Internet, such as visited URLs, email addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers and transmits this information to a third party. Spyware programs can even monitor your keystrokes, scan files on your computer’s hard drive, monitor activity on chat rooms and messenger programs, install other spyware programs, read cookies and other invasive activities and relay this information back to the spyware creator. The spyware author then uses this information for advertising and marketing purposes or sells it to another party to use for advertising, marketing or other purposes. Spyware can be added to your computer during the installation of many freeware or other programs, but the most common way to unknowingly obtain spyware on your computer is to download certain peer-to-peer file sharing/swapping programs. User agreements and license agreements that are linked on software installations usually warn users that spyware programs are included and will be installed along with the wanted software. The problem, however, is that most users do not read the user/license agreements thoroughly and, when they do, the spyware disclaimers are often tangled in confusing, complex and lengthy legalese.

Adware

Many programs and applications today are designed and distributed as freeware programs, which means that the user does not pay to download and use these programs. In some instances, mostly in free trial versions, certain features and functions of the program are blocked and unusable until you pay to register the program. As an alternative, many freeware creators are developing and offering their freeware programs as “sponsored” programs to consumers who install these programs and use them, either for the duration of the time it is installed and used, or just until the user pays to register. In most instances of sponsored freeware, all features of the program are useable, but the user will be viewing advertisements while the software is being used. The sponsored advertisements normally run in a small portion of the interface while the program is running or as pop-up windows on your screen. When the program is exited, the sponsored advertisements disappear and stop running as well. In most cases, adware is a legitimate revenue source for developers who offer their programs for no cost to users, unlike spyware, which is much more intrusive, malicious and privacy-invading. Also quite different is the fact that adware usually stops running when the installed programs are exited. With spyware, these malicious programs continually run on your computer and track most of your Internet usage.

As the use of technology rises in the world today, so does the chance of obtaining spyware and adware programs on your computer. It is wise to err on the side of caution and be sure to research user and license agreements, terms of service and privacy policies that accompany all programs you download and install, as well as running anti-spyware software, such as Spybot and Ad-Aware, on your computer. Gaining knowledge of the many differences between spyware and adware can also prove to help you in combating unwanted software from your computer.

 

April 17th, 2007

Protect your self against the many hazards of Computers

Nowadays there are many threats which pose serious hazards to the wellbeing of your computer. You’ve invested hundreds of dollars just to buy one, why not keep it protected?

By following these simple computer security guidelines, you can protect your investment and make sure it remains fully functional for many years to come.

The most common threat to your computer’s health comes in the form of computer viruses.

When viruses first started appearing many years ago, they were usually spread when an infected file was transferred from one computer to another, usually via a floppy disk. Nowadays, with the advent of e-mail, the internet, and new programming languages, viruses have become smarter and more capable of spreading themselves. By installing an anti-virus program, you can make sure your computer is protected from these damaging viruses at all times. Anti-virus programs run silently in the background while you use your computer, scanning new files and e-mails for potentially dangerous viruses. You can also scan your computer regularly to make sure there are no viruses still hanging around from before the anti-virus software was installed.

Symantec (Norton) and Network Associates (McAfee) are two of the most commonly used pieces of software, although they do cost money. Several free anti-virus programs can be found quite easily on the internet with a simple search. Anti-virus software is a must-have for anyone serious about protecting their computer.

Another important aspect of maintaining security is making sure your computer is constantly up to date with the latest security patches. Most popular operating systems such as Windows will automatically download these updates for you. Hackers and other people looking to exploit security holes are constantly devising new ways to get around security features. By downloading these patches, you can make sure that any holes that have been exposed are closed up and inaccessible. Aside from providing additional security measures, patches may also make your system run smoother and you will encounter fewer errors and software crashes. By staying up to date with patches, your computer will remain secure and run smoother than ever.

Aside from software and security patches, there are many other ways to prevent malicious programs and intruders from invading your system. Simple common sense can help you avoid many problems.

When checking your e-mail, never download an attachment from a sender you do not know. Make sure you trust the source of every e-mail, and only open attachments that seem legitimate based on the context in which they were sent. If you’re ever unsure of a files authenticity, you can always open up your anti-virus software to run an exclusive scan of that particular file. If the anti-virus software says its clean, you’re good to go. If the results of the scan are inconclusive, you’re better off safe than sorry. Delete the attachment and don’t take any unnecessary risks. This same common sense policy applies to any file you want to download off the internet. Often times it is difficult to determine the legitimacy of a file. By exercising common sense, knowing reputable sources, and using anti-virus software, you can make sure you’ll never download an infected file.

Another threat comes in the form of the computer hacker. Hackers gain access to your computer in a variety of ways, many involving unsecured ports which are intended to be used for valid purposes. Hackers exploit open ports and use them to connect to your PC, where they basically have access to every file on your computer. Hackers invade your computers to steal documents, information, or to cause unnecessary damage to your files. Blocking these hackers is as simple as installing a firewall on your computer. Firewalls are pieces of software that will allow you to control every connection made to your computer. You can therefore prevent hackers from connecting to you, while allowing legitimate programs to use the ports they need. There are hundreds of different kinds of firewall programs that you can choose from, and many are free. A simple search on the internet should provide you with a popular and functioning piece of software that will keep unwanted intruders from ever being able to connect to your system.

Mistakes and lapses in security can and do happen. No anti-virus software is going to find every single virus, and no firewall is going to be able to stop every single intruder. While these programs will increase the security of your computer exponentially, just as fast as security technology is improved, the intelligence of computer virus programmers and hackers improves as well. For this reason, it is important that you constantly back up your system. Any important files, e-mails, or folders should be backed up regularly. Whether this simply means burning these files to a CD so you can access them again in case they are compromised, or whether it means you search the software market for comprehensive system backup and recovery software, it’s very important that you make some effort to secure important data. This way, in case any one of your security measures fails, you will always have a healthy source of the files you need to restore your system.

Many websites and computer software have built-in security feature, the most common of which is a simple password. A strong password will prevent a hacker from accessing your system or any accounts you access regularly on the internet. A strong password consists of both numbers and letters, and should not be anything that anyone could guess just by knowing basic facts about you. For example, if your hobby is playing sports, any password which involves sports terms would not be a wise decision. Instead, something completely unrelated that would not be able to be guessed is advisable. Remember, use both numbers and letters when picking a password.

By following these simple computer security guidelines, you can rest knowing that your computer is safe from viruses, hackers, and many other threats to your important data. By keeping your layers of protection up to date, you can stay one step ahead of the consistent threats to your PC.

April 17th, 2007

Real-World Cons: Don’t Be the Next Victim

You’re well-versed in Internet fraud by now: the stories and warnings have appeared in just about every news and media source out there. Your friends have told you what they know, and your family is forever warning you to be careful when you go online. You’re covered very well online, so you don’t worry much about what could happen.

But what about real-world cons and scams?

They still exist: in fact, they’re some of the most effective scams out there. It seems like people stop paying attention to these other types of fraud because they’re so absorbed in making sure that their online life is safe.

You can – and should – pay attention to both realms. It will make you a well-informed, savvy citizen who avoids fraud and con games no matter where they appear in your life. It’ll also give you something new and interesting to discuss the next time your friends talk about fraud.

These generalized tips apply to almost any situation that might present itself. When you use them effectively, you’ll be able to spot most scams before you’re at the police station filing a report.

-Anytime something sounds so amazing that you can’t believe it’s real, you should question the person presenting it to you. Keeping your greed in check will make it very difficult for con artists to run their games in your head. It’ll be difficult at first because most people would love to make a quick grand or two for little or no work, but it’s probably not really going to happen no matter how sweet or wonderful the con artist’s plans sound. If you can remember that, you’re much closer to being safe and fraud-free.

-Request official identification and documentation whenever possible. This applies to everything from a guy who knocks on your door because he’s (allegedly) checking your cable to a cold call from someone claiming to be with a charity in need of donations. You should ask for names, telephone numbers, places within the organizations being represented, and any other contact information that might apply in this situation. If the person refuses to identify him/herself, you should move on without any further contact.

-Don’t give out personal information unless it’s necessary – and even then, find a reasonably safe means of doing it. You shouldn’t e-mail your Social Security number, for example: instead, call or mail it in. You should also pay attention to your credit report, which you can get for free once a year if you live in the United States, so that you’ll be aware of any unauthorized charges or activities.

Tip: contact the major credit-reporting agencies and request that a “block” be put on your identity. If anyone tries to open a new line of credit – even if it’s really you doing it – a confirmation process (often a telephone call to your last known number) will be required before it’s activated. You should update the phone number and address in these files any time they change – and still keep up with the credit reports every year to make sure that it’s working.

-Don’t pay to “reserve” or “confirm” any prizes, sweepstakes winnings or cash awards. It’s usually illegal for companies to make you do this, even if it IS for an all-expenses-paid week in Hawaii. You shouldn’t even have to give a credit-card number to reserve or confirm these prizes.

-You should have time to consider offers before you make a decision. If the salesman is putting an extraordinary amount of pressure on you, claiming that the offer is only good for the next ten minutes, thank him or her and get out of there. You can find a legitimate deal elsewhere with less pressure.

-Con artists will play your emotions like rock legends play their guitars. Use your brain along with your heart to avoid being conned. Just because someone calls you in the name of a major charity – and tells you a very sad story about how they just can’t do anything without your help – doesn’t mean that it’s legitimate. You can always call the organization directly to find out how to make a donation.

-Your instincts – those gut feelings your mother always told you to trust – are usually correct. If you feel that something is “off” or wrong about a situation, you should take the time to research and consider it before you make any decisions. You just might save yourself time, hassle, and a lot of stolen money (or even your identity).

-You should also remember that the Better Business Bureau is here to help you make good buying decisions. Call them or visit a local branch for past complaints, praises and other feedback and records before you make any deals with a new company or individual. If you have a complaint, you should file it with the Bureau as soon as possible so that other consumers won’t fall into the same scam.

As your life goes on, you’ll probably encounter quite a few would-be scams. These rip-offs, and their perpetrators, are everywhere. With the tips that you just learned, you’ll be well-equipped to deal with them now and in the future. Your firsthand experiences will also help you become a safer, savvier buyer: the worst target a con artist could possibly have.

All of that helps prevent fraud now and in the future, but it’s too late for many people. If you’ve already been scammed, there are several things that you can do in response. They might not get your bank account back to its pre-con balance, but they’ll help law enforcement catch the bad guys or girls.

-File a police report as soon as possible. This creates an official record of your complaint and gets law enforcement started on your case. The sooner you get things started, the more likely it is that someone will catch the perpetrator.

-Contact anti-fraud agencies, such as the FBI, for guidance. You might be able to do something after all, but you won’t know that if you don’t ask.

-Report to the Better Business Bureau. An official complaint, as well as any responses or results of that claim, will go on file for all other would-be consumers. You’ll feel better knowing that you’ve made it much harder for the scammer to get another victim after you

-Spread the word. Tell your friends and family about what happened to you so that they’ll be prepared to avoid it, or something like it, if necessary. It might be embarrassing to admit that you were fooled, but don’t let that stop you from talking about it. You can’t be the most gullible victim. You can’t be the only victim. You might even be able to laugh about it after you’ve told your closest friends and family about it.

April 17th, 2007

10 Cool Computer Facts

The first stored-program computer (like today's PC's) was proposed by Alan Turing, a British mathematician, in 1937.

In the 80's, the test for a computer to be IBM compatible was whether or not it would run Microsoft's Flight Simulator software.

In computer language, 8 bits is called a byte. 4 bits is called a nibble.

In Microsoft Word, the image on the save icon is a floppy disk, with the shutter appearing backwards.

The word "computer" first appeared in the Oxford dictionary in reference to a calculating device in 1897.

When originally released, Microsoft's Windows 98 operating system contained more than 18 million lines of code.

In the 1970's, computer engineers came up with the idea of linking their computers together to create a network, therefore introducing the idea of the internet. This network was called "Arpanet".

"Arpanet" stands for Advanced Research Projects Agency Network.

The iMac is available in 6 colors: the original Bondi Blue, Blueberry, Tangerine, Grape, Lime, and Strawberry.

The invention of e-mail is credited to computer engineer Ray Tomlinson, who sent the first e-mail in 1971.