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Antispyware
or Spyware?
by Kwan H Lo
Spyware has become the most prominent computer security problem. How do
you choose the best
antispyware software? Beware of antispyware which installs spyware/adware
to your computer.
Spyware is
a hidden software program. It is often used to monitor the browsing and
shopping habits of computer users. Spyware can also be a remote control
program that steals confidential banking and personal information.
Spyware
has quickly become the most prominent internet security problem.
According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, spyware infects more
than 90% of home PCs. Recent survey shows that spyware is also sneaking
into the network of corporate computers.
Spyware is
often coupled with free downloads, such as free music, game and software
downloads. Spyware may slow down computer, hijack homepage and create
uncontrolled pop-up advertisements. Some spyware programs can remain
unnoticed, secretly gathering information from the computer. Once
installed, spyware is difficult to remove without the help of dedicated
antispyware software.
Due to the
rise of spyware activity, antispyware software are in great demand these
days. But are these spyware removal tools the same? Do they provide the
security consumers need?
There are
many reports that some antispyware programs installed their own spyware
and adware to the computer. One consumer was quoted saying "It's a
rip-off. I downloaded the free trial of an antispyware program, only to
find out that it added its own adware to my computer". Other consumers
have complained that the antispyware program they use cannot detect all
spyware programs. Some even slow down the computer and create pop-up
advertisements.
Consumers
should be aware that spyware removal tools that are heavily promoted by
e-mail campaigns are not necessarily good programs. Beware of the free
downloads and free scans from unknown software publishers. Their "antispyware"
programs may as well be spyware programs themselves.
To learn
more about spyware and antispyware software, please visit the following
site:
http://software.4reviews.net/spyware.htm
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