What is Spyware?

Spyware is software that sneaks on to your computer when you click on pop-up ads, use file sharing services like Kazaa, and open infected e-mail messages. They track your movements on the Internet, sometimes steal your passwords and credit card numbers and have been known to steal identities. It used to be that all we had to worry about was a computer virus. Now we also have to worry about and rid our computers of Spyware. Read on to learn how to do it.

How do I get rid of it?

There are a number of Spyware removal programs available for download. My favorite is the free Ad-aware by Lavasoft Sweden. Here is how to download, install and use it:

Download and Install: (Print this page to make it easier to follow along.)

1. Go to http://www.snapfiles.com/get/adaware.html.
2. Scroll down to the button and click on it.
3. In the File Download window that opens click on Open.
4. Wait for the file to download, then the program will start to install.
5. Click Next, Next, Next, Next and Finish. Ad-Aware is now installed on your computer.

How to use Ad-Aware:

1. Close all programs and windows.
2. On your Desktop you will find a new Icon for Ad-aware, double click it.
   
   
   
3. Above the Start button in the lower right-hand corner click on "Check for updates now". (This will check for the latest information on spywares.)
4. Click Connect, then click OK if a new reference file is found. Click Finish after the reference file is downloaded. (Click OK if no updated components available, then click Finish.)
5. Click the Start button and then Next to start the scan. Ad-aware will now scan every file and registry entry on your computer. (Depending on the number of files on your computer this can take 20 minutes or more.)
6. While the program is scanning the Start button changes to Abort to let you know it is still scanning. When it has finished the Abort button changes to Next.
7. When the scanning is finished click the Next button.
8. The Scanning Results list shows you all the files and registry entries that are tracking your movements on the Internet. Make sure they are all check.
   (If not, right-click on any one and click on Select all objects. So far I have not had any problems removing everything found.)
9. Click Next and click OK to all messages about quarantining, deleting or removing objects and you are done.
10. Close the Ad-aware window.

How to keep spyware off your computer in the first place?

1. Run Ad-aware weekly (or at least monthly).
2. Do not click on pop-up ads; just click the X to close the window.
3. Do not use file sharing services like Kazaa.
4. Do not open unsolicited e-mail (junk e-mail) under any circumstances.
5. Turn off the Preview pane in Outlook or Outlook Express. (Do not use the Quick View pane in AOL 9.0)

1. In Outlook click on the View menu and click on Preview Pane to turn on/off.
2. In Outlook Express click on View menu then Layout and uncheck the box for Show preview pane.

For more information on Spyware visit:

1. PestPatrol's Research Center
2. SpyWareInfo.com
3. Search Google Groups on the name of the program you are concerned about.

For more information on 'Phishing Scam' e-mails visit:

• FTC Consumer Alert - How Not to Get Hooked by a 'Phishing' Scam
• Anti-Phishing Working Group

For help with Identity Theft visit:

General ID Theft

• Federal Trade Commission
• Identity Theft Prevention and Survival Site
• Identity Theft Resource Center
• Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC)
• National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA)
• Social Security Administration
• U.S. Department of Justice Identity Theft and Fraud Information
• U.S. Department of State Passport Services
• U.S. Postal Inspection Service
• U.S. Secrect Service

  Credit Bureaus

• Equifax
• Experian
• TransUnion