Keeping PC nasties at bay

It sneaks into your computer while you are surfing the net and sometimes is a hidden add-on to software you might install. And it can tell tales about what you do on your computer.

Spyware is a general term used for software that performs certain behaviours such as advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer, generally without your consent. You might have spyware or other unwanted software on your computer if:

* You see pop-up advertisements even when you're not on the web;

* The page your web browser opens to (your home page) has changed, or your browser search settings have changed without your knowledge;

* You notice a new toolbar in your browser that you didn't want, and find it difficult to get rid of;

* Your computer takes longer than usual to complete certain tasks;

* You experience a sudden rise in computer crashes.

Spyware is often associated with software that displays advertisements (called adware) or software that tracks personal or sensitive information. That does not mean all software which provides ads or tracks your online activities is bad. For example, you might sign up for a free music service, but "pay" for the service by agreeing to receive targeted ads. If you understand the terms and agree to them, you may have decided that it is a fair trade-off.

Other kinds of unwanted software will make changes to your computer that can be annoying and can cause your computer to slow down or crash. These programs have the ability to change your web browser's home page or search page, or add components to your browser you don't need or want. These programs also make it very difficult for you to change your settings back to the way you had them.

The key in all cases is whether or not you (or someone who uses your computer) understand what the software will do and have agreed to install the software on your computer.

There are a number of ways spyware or other unwanted software can get on your system. A common trick is to covertly install it during the installation of other software you want, such as a music or video file sharing program. Whenever you are installing something, make sure you read all disclosures, including the licence agreement and privacy statement.

If your computer starts to behave strangely or displays any of the symptoms listed below, you may have spyware or other unwanted software installed on your computer:

* You see pop-up advertisements all the time. Some unwanted software will bombard you with pop-up ads that aren't related to a particular website you're visiting. These ads are often for adult webistes or other sites you may find objectionable. If you see pop-up ads as soon as you turn on your computer or when you're not even browsing the web, you may have spyware or other unwanted software on your computer.

* Your settings have changed and you can't change them back. Some unwanted software has the ability to change your home page or search page settings. This means the page that opens first when you start your internet browser or the page that appears when you select "search" may be pages you do not recognise. Even if you know how to adjust these settings, you may find they revert back every time you restart your computer.

* Your web browser contains additional components you didn't install. Spyware and other unwanted software can add additional toolbars to your web browser that you don't want or need. Even if you know how to remove these toolbars, they may return each time you restart your computer.

* Your computer seems sluggish. Spyware is not necessarily designed to be efficient. The resources these programs use to track your activities and deliver advertisements can slow down your computer and errors in the software can make your computer crash. If you notice a sudden increase in the number of times a certain program crashes, or if your computer is slower than normal at performing routine tasks, you may have spyware or other unwanted software on your machine.

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How to get rid of spyware

Many kinds of unwanted software, including spyware, are designed to be difficult to remove. If you try to uninstall this software, you might find the program reappears as soon as you restart your computer. If you're having trouble uninstalling unwanted software, you may need to download a tool to do the job for you.

Many companies offer free and low-cost software that checks your computer for spyware and other unwanted software and helps remove it. Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) include anti-spyware software in their service packages. Check with your ISP to see if they can recommend or provide a tool.

Or, ask people you trust to recommend one. Keep in mind that removing unwanted software with these tools may mean you will no longer be able to use a free program that came with the spyware.

Spyware and other unwanted software can invade your privacy, bombard you with pop-up windows, slow down your computer, and even make your computer crash. Here are some ways you can help protect your computer:
* Update your software


* Adjust Internet Explorer security settings


* Use a firewall


* Surf and download more safely


* Download and install anti-spyware protection


Brett Roberts is Microsoft NZ's chief technology officer