Hack #98. Protect Your PC from Malware
Rid your PC of dozens of performance-robbing pop-up and search bar annoyances with a few free programs.
Viruses and malicious hackers are bad, but you may find yourself under considerably more threat from software that has a way of sneaking onto your computer, such as:
- Adware
Software that pops up advertisements while you are using your computer.
- Spyware
Software that gathers data on what you do with your computer and reports that information back to its maker.
- Malware
Software that is designed to cripple your computer or open a back door for malicious attackers. Often used as a catch-all term for adware, spyware, and any other bad software you didn't knowingly install.
Such "badware" gets onto your system in many ways:
Through browser plug-ins that you agree to install despite a security warning from Windows.
By installing applications that promise to "speed up and enhance your web experience."
By installing free versions of popular software applications (often file-sharing programs) that include accompanying adware or spyware.
By installing some programs that claim to prevent infestation from such malware!
The long-standing adage, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is" definitely applies here. Certain types of freeware, particularly file-sharing applications and free games, are actually "paid for" by companies that provide advertisement and search-enhancement add-ins and who in turn get paid by advertisers. Those advertisers get their ads ...