Doesn’t Ad up - Three Things that Adware does to your Computer

Adware is a program that installs on your computer another component that feeds advertising to your screen, causing problems with other programs and disrupting the whole operating system.  Some adware will redirect your computer to sites that you were not looking for.  Adware makes it difficult to reconfigure original settings on your computer because it hijacks your computer and integrates itself that exceeds the average user’s capabilities.  It can even keep seasoned computer savvy users from accessing the system areas they need to go to remove the adware. Spyware and adware are used interchangeably but is the same program and cause the same problems.  Some adware can be used to track your computer’s web usage and then send you targeted pop up ads that are aimed at your particular interests.

There are three things that adware can do to your computer.

Adware can slow your computer by adding sites and using memory, you have available on your computer.  It can hijack your home page and take you to sites you aren’t interested in. 

It can allow pop up ads that are not only annoying but also disruptive to your system.

Adware is a severe security risk.  Since they run every time you turn on your computer, they can cause slowdowns and software conflicts that can make your computer unstable.

There are ways to make it less likely that adware or Spyware is installed on your computer and there are ways to detect and remove the programs you already have.

Here are a few tips to help you surf the net and avoid the dangers of adware and Spyware.

Avoid some of the most dangerous Spyware by not downloading software from unreliable sites.  If the site gives out pirated software, it often contains Spyware and adware programs as well.

Be cautious when asked to install something new on your computer.  Ask yourself if you need it?  If it is something that you recognize as a trusted program you have been using already on your computer, you could be safe.  It is safest to reject installing new components unless you trust them.  A trustworthy site will always give you the opportunity to download the update later if you need the new component.

Use a reputable pop-up blocker.  Some current browsers have the ability to block all pop-ups or notify you when a new window wants to pop up.  It will also tell you who is sending the pop-up and you can decide if it is a trustworthy site.

Another interesting fact I found is that you should always use the X to exit a pop up, found at the corner of the tool bar, to close the window that has popped up.  Some pop ups will have “no thanks” buttons.  These should not be clicked on as they can quickly add Spyware and adware to your system.

Run and use an antivirus program and update it often.  A good program will stop most Spyware programs and Trojans.  Free antivirus software is available on the Internet, but again be sure the company is a name that you trust.

Get a check-up for your computer.  Several programs are available that will scan your system for any adware or Spyware and remove it for you.  You can be as careful with website, take all the precautions and still an adware or Spyware program can slip through all your defenses.

Getting rid of adware and Spyware can be frustrating.  Running an up-to-date anti-Spyware program can find any Spyware or adware that has crept into your system.  Before running the scan, shut down all of your open browser windows, e-mail applications, and then take your computer off the Internet.  Scan the system and allow the program to remove any adware or Spyware it finds.  Then restart your computer.  After you have rebooted the computer, scan a second time.  If the scanner finds signs of unwanted Spyware or adware, remove any traces you find and reboot the computer again.  After that, scan a third time.  If you feel that your computer may still be affected, reboot your computer into Safe Mode.  Once you’ve done that, open your anti-Spyware program and run another complete scan.  That should take care of all programs that have crept into your computer system unaware.