Spyware and Viruses

Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue, many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my car: If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy. Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in exchange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like SpyWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware is very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and redesigned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter them.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itself into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39 viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI

Good post, Michael.

The explosion in spyware/malware, which is frequently not addressed by
AntiVirus programs, and the proliferation of consumer broadband Internet
connections have combined to change the average user's security needs.

Three or four years ago I built a couple dozen workstations for a client to
use at remote sites to connect to a central office web/database server. All
machines were configured for dial-up modem connection to the Internet and
they all ran Norton AntiVirus. For 2 years there were virtually no problems
(except for lightning - Hey, it's central Florida). When the remote
machines started switching to broadband about 2 years ago, there was an
overnight meltdown. Now all remote machines run firewalls and at least 2
antispyware programs plus updated AntiVirus.

If you have an Internet connection, especially a high speed one, you need to
install, update, and use antispyware.

Doug Sherman
MCSE Win2k/NT4.0, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for
about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue, many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my car:
If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy.
Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These
are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in exchange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about
Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you
unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like SpyWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these
programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware is
very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and redesigned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter them.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itself
into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39
viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI

Good post, Michael.

The explosion in spyware/malware, which is frequently not addressed by
AntiVirus programs, and the proliferation of consumer broadband Internet
connections have combined to change the average user's security needs.

Three or four years ago I built a couple dozen workstations for a client to
use at remote sites to connect to a central office web/database server. All
machines were configured for dial-up modem connection to the Internet and
they all ran Norton AntiVirus. For 2 years there were virtually no problems
(except for lightning - Hey, it's central Florida). When the remote
machines started switching to broadband about 2 years ago, there was an
overnight meltdown. Now all remote machines run firewalls and at least 2
antispyware programs plus updated AntiVirus.

If you have an Internet connection, especially a high speed one, you need to
install, update, and use antispyware.

Doug Sherman
MCSE Win2k/NT4.0, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for
about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue, many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my car:
If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy.
Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These
are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in exchange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about
Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you
unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like SpyWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these
programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware is
very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and redesigned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter them.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itself
into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39
viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI

Good post, Michael.

The explosion in spyware/malware, which is frequently not addressed by
AntiVirus programs, and the proliferation of consumer broadband Internet
connections have combined to change the average user's security needs.

Three or four years ago I built a couple dozen workstations for a client to
use at remote sites to connect to a central office web/database server. All
machines were configured for dial-up modem connection to the Internet and
they all ran Norton AntiVirus. For 2 years there were virtually no problems
(except for lightning - Hey, it's central Florida). When the remote
machines started switching to broadband about 2 years ago, there was an
overnight meltdown. Now all remote machines run firewalls and at least 2
antispyware programs plus updated AntiVirus.

If you have an Internet connection, especially a high speed one, you need to
install, update, and use antispyware.

Doug Sherman
MCSE Win2k/NT4.0, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for
about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue, many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my car:
If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy.
Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These
are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in exchange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about
Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you
unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like SpyWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these
programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware is
very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and redesigned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter them.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itself
into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39
viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI

Good post, Michael.

The explosion in spyware/malware, which is frequently not addressed by
AntiVirus programs, and the proliferation of consumer broadband Internet
connections have combined to change the average user's security needs.

Three or four years ago I built a couple dozen workstations for a client to
use at remote sites to connect to a central office web/database server. All
machines were configured for dial-up modem connection to the Internet and
they all ran Norton AntiVirus. For 2 years there were virtually no problems
(except for lightning - Hey, it's central Florida). When the remote
machines started switching to broadband about 2 years ago, there was an
overnight meltdown. Now all remote machines run firewalls and at least 2
antispyware programs plus updated AntiVirus.

If you have an Internet connection, especially a high speed one, you need to
install, update, and use antispyware.

Doug Sherman
MCSE Win2k/NT4.0, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for
about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue, many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my car:
If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy.
Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These
are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in exchange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about
Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you
unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like SpyWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these
programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware is
very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and redesigned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter them.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itself
into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39
viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI

Good post, Michael.

The explosion in spyware/malware, which is frequently not addressed by
AntiVirus programs, and the proliferation of consumer broadband Internet
connections have combined to change the average user's security needs.

Three or four years ago I built a couple dozen workstations for a client to
use at remote sites to connect to a central office web/database server. All
machines were configured for dial-up modem connection to the Internet and
they all ran Norton AntiVirus. For 2 years there were virtually no problems
(except for lightning - Hey, it's central Florida). When the remote
machines started switching to broadband about 2 years ago, there was an
overnight meltdown. Now all remote machines run firewalls and at least 2
antispyware programs plus updated AntiVirus.

If you have an Internet connection, especially a high speed one, you need to
install, update, and use antispyware.

Doug Sherman
MCSE Win2k/NT4.0, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for
about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue, many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my car:
If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy.
Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These
are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in exchange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about
Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you
unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like SpyWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these
programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware is
very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and redesigned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter them.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itself
into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39
viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI

Good post, Michael.

The explosion in spyware/malware, which is frequently not addressed by
AntiVirus programs, and the proliferation of consumer broadband Internet
connections have combined to change the average user's security needs.

Three or four years ago I built a couple dozen workstations for a client to
use at remote sites to connect to a central office web/database server. All
machines were configured for dial-up modem connection to the Internet and
they all ran Norton AntiVirus. For 2 years there were virtually no problems
(except for lightning - Hey, it's central Florida). When the remote
machines started switching to broadband about 2 years ago, there was an
overnight meltdown. Now all remote machines run firewalls and at least 2
antispyware programs plus updated AntiVirus.

If you have an Internet connection, especially a high speed one, you need to
install, update, and use antispyware.

Doug Sherman
MCSE Win2k/NT4.0, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for
about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue, many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my car:
If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy.
Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These
are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in exchange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about
Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you
unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like SpyWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these
programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware is
very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and redesigned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter them.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itself
into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39
viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI

The most asked question I get by my clients after I tell them it is spyware
that is causing their problem is, "I never download anything. How can
spyware be on my computer?" I explain that you do not need to have
downloaded anything. It is out there on the internet just waiting for you to
find it. It could be from "Avenue A" tracking cookie that is almost on every
site and it escalates from there. After one gets on your systems, it invites
all of its friends to join the party! Anyway, thanks for the reply!

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Doug Sherman [MVP]" wrote in message
...
Good post, Michael.

The explosion in spyware/malware, which is frequently not addressed by
AntiVirus programs, and the proliferation of consumer broadband Internet
connections have combined to change the average user's security needs.

Three or four years ago I built a couple dozen workstations for a client
to
use at remote sites to connect to a central office web/database server.
All
machines were configured for dial-up modem connection to the Internet and
they all ran Norton AntiVirus. For 2 years there were virtually no
problems
(except for lightning - Hey, it's central Florida). When the remote
machines started switching to broadband about 2 years ago, there was an
overnight meltdown. Now all remote machines run firewalls and at least 2
antispyware programs plus updated AntiVirus.

If you have an Internet connection, especially a high speed one, you need
to
install, update, and use antispyware.

Doug Sherman
MCSE Win2k/NT4.0, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am
a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for
about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware
and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue,
many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my
car:
If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware
are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy.
Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These
are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in
exchange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third
party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about
Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you
unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like
SpyWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these
programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware is
very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and
redesigned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter them.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare
Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itself
into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a
lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39
viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI

The most asked question I get by my clients after I tell them it is spyware
that is causing their problem is, "I never download anything. How can
spyware be on my computer?" I explain that you do not need to have
downloaded anything. It is out there on the internet just waiting for you to
find it. It could be from "Avenue A" tracking cookie that is almost on every
site and it escalates from there. After one gets on your systems, it invites
all of its friends to join the party! Anyway, thanks for the reply!

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Doug Sherman [MVP]" wrote in message
...
Good post, Michael.

The explosion in spyware/malware, which is frequently not addressed by
AntiVirus programs, and the proliferation of consumer broadband Internet
connections have combined to change the average user's security needs.

Three or four years ago I built a couple dozen workstations for a client
to
use at remote sites to connect to a central office web/database server.
All
machines were configured for dial-up modem connection to the Internet and
they all ran Norton AntiVirus. For 2 years there were virtually no
problems
(except for lightning - Hey, it's central Florida). When the remote
machines started switching to broadband about 2 years ago, there was an
overnight meltdown. Now all remote machines run firewalls and at least 2
antispyware programs plus updated AntiVirus.

If you have an Internet connection, especially a high speed one, you need
to
install, update, and use antispyware.

Doug Sherman
MCSE Win2k/NT4.0, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am
a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for
about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware
and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue,
many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my
car:
If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware
are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy.
Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These
are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in
exchange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third
party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about
Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you
unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like
SpyWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these
programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware is
very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and
redesigned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter them.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare
Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itself
into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a
lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39
viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI

The most asked question I get by my clients after I tell them it is spyware
that is causing their problem is, "I never download anything. How can
spyware be on my computer?" I explain that you do not need to have
downloaded anything. It is out there on the internet just waiting for you to
find it. It could be from "Avenue A" tracking cookie that is almost on every
site and it escalates from there. After one gets on your systems, it invites
all of its friends to join the party! Anyway, thanks for the reply!

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Doug Sherman [MVP]" wrote in message
...
Good post, Michael.

The explosion in spyware/malware, which is frequently not addressed by
AntiVirus programs, and the proliferation of consumer broadband Internet
connections have combined to change the average user's security needs.

Three or four years ago I built a couple dozen workstations for a client
to
use at remote sites to connect to a central office web/database server.
All
machines were configured for dial-up modem connection to the Internet and
they all ran Norton AntiVirus. For 2 years there were virtually no
problems
(except for lightning - Hey, it's central Florida). When the remote
machines started switching to broadband about 2 years ago, there was an
overnight meltdown. Now all remote machines run firewalls and at least 2
antispyware programs plus updated AntiVirus.

If you have an Internet connection, especially a high speed one, you need
to
install, update, and use antispyware.

Doug Sherman
MCSE Win2k/NT4.0, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am
a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for
about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware
and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue,
many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my
car:
If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware
are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy.
Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These
are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in
exchange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third
party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about
Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you
unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like
SpyWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these
programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware is
very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and
redesigned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter them.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare
Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itself
into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a
lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39
viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI

The most asked question I get by my clients after I tell them it is spyware
that is causing their problem is, "I never download anything. How can
spyware be on my computer?" I explain that you do not need to have
downloaded anything. It is out there on the internet just waiting for you to
find it. It could be from "Avenue A" tracking cookie that is almost on every
site and it escalates from there. After one gets on your systems, it invites
all of its friends to join the party! Anyway, thanks for the reply!

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Doug Sherman [MVP]" wrote in message
...
Good post, Michael.

The explosion in spyware/malware, which is frequently not addressed by
AntiVirus programs, and the proliferation of consumer broadband Internet
connections have combined to change the average user's security needs.

Three or four years ago I built a couple dozen workstations for a client
to
use at remote sites to connect to a central office web/database server.
All
machines were configured for dial-up modem connection to the Internet and
they all ran Norton AntiVirus. For 2 years there were virtually no
problems
(except for lightning - Hey, it's central Florida). When the remote
machines started switching to broadband about 2 years ago, there was an
overnight meltdown. Now all remote machines run firewalls and at least 2
antispyware programs plus updated AntiVirus.

If you have an Internet connection, especially a high speed one, you need
to
install, update, and use antispyware.

Doug Sherman
MCSE Win2k/NT4.0, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am
a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for
about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware
and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue,
many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my
car:
If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware
are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy.
Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These
are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in
exchange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third
party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about
Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you
unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like
SpyWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these
programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware is
very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and
redesigned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter them.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare
Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itself
into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a
lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39
viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI

The most asked question I get by my clients after I tell them it is spyware
that is causing their problem is, "I never download anything. How can
spyware be on my computer?" I explain that you do not need to have
downloaded anything. It is out there on the internet just waiting for you to
find it. It could be from "Avenue A" tracking cookie that is almost on every
site and it escalates from there. After one gets on your systems, it invites
all of its friends to join the party! Anyway, thanks for the reply!

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Doug Sherman [MVP]" wrote in message
...
Good post, Michael.

The explosion in spyware/malware, which is frequently not addressed by
AntiVirus programs, and the proliferation of consumer broadband Internet
connections have combined to change the average user's security needs.

Three or four years ago I built a couple dozen workstations for a client
to
use at remote sites to connect to a central office web/database server.
All
machines were configured for dial-up modem connection to the Internet and
they all ran Norton AntiVirus. For 2 years there were virtually no
problems
(except for lightning - Hey, it's central Florida). When the remote
machines started switching to broadband about 2 years ago, there was an
overnight meltdown. Now all remote machines run firewalls and at least 2
antispyware programs plus updated AntiVirus.

If you have an Internet connection, especially a high speed one, you need
to
install, update, and use antispyware.

Doug Sherman
MCSE Win2k/NT4.0, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am
a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for
about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware
and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue,
many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my
car:
If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware
are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy.
Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These
are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in
exchange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third
party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about
Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you
unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like
SpyWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these
programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware is
very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and
redesigned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter them.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare
Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itself
into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a
lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39
viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI

The most asked question I get by my clients after I tell them it is spyware
that is causing their problem is, "I never download anything. How can
spyware be on my computer?" I explain that you do not need to have
downloaded anything. It is out there on the internet just waiting for you to
find it. It could be from "Avenue A" tracking cookie that is almost on every
site and it escalates from there. After one gets on your systems, it invites
all of its friends to join the party! Anyway, thanks for the reply!

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Doug Sherman [MVP]" wrote in message
...
Good post, Michael.

The explosion in spyware/malware, which is frequently not addressed by
AntiVirus programs, and the proliferation of consumer broadband Internet
connections have combined to change the average user's security needs.

Three or four years ago I built a couple dozen workstations for a client
to
use at remote sites to connect to a central office web/database server.
All
machines were configured for dial-up modem connection to the Internet and
they all ran Norton AntiVirus. For 2 years there were virtually no
problems
(except for lightning - Hey, it's central Florida). When the remote
machines started switching to broadband about 2 years ago, there was an
overnight meltdown. Now all remote machines run firewalls and at least 2
antispyware programs plus updated AntiVirus.

If you have an Internet connection, especially a high speed one, you need
to
install, update, and use antispyware.

Doug Sherman
MCSE Win2k/NT4.0, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am
a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for
about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware
and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue,
many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my
car:
If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware
are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy.
Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These
are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in
exchange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third
party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about
Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you
unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like
SpyWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these
programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware is
very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and
redesigned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter them.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare
Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itself
into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a
lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39
viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI