08/01/2004

What is Spyware and what can you do about it

By now, you have probably heard about Spyware, Adware or Malware. Almost every day, we receive a call regarding Spyware and computer problems related to the presence of Spyware. To help you determine and correct any Spyware issues you may have, we've prepared this brief tutorial.

What is Spyware?
Spyware is Internet jargon for advertising supported software, also known as Adware or Malware. Spyware can be a harmless way for authors of computer software to make money from a product they provide at no charge. There's nothing illegal about this, and some spyware-supported programs are actually quite popular. On the other hand, some people don't like the idea of software on their computers that can watch their online moves and reporting those moves back to some advertiser.

Additionally, mallicious Spyware can also be inadvertently installed on your computer by way of a corrupt e-mail or webpage without your knowledge. Aside from the obvious privacy concerns, the personal information that these illegitimate programs may track can lead to unwanted pop-ups, identity theft, credit card fraud and more. These programs are known to hog system resources, change your home page to a new one, and slow down your Internet connection as they report information back to their source.

Don't panic. There are a number of software programs available for free on the Internet to help you stop Spyware and eliminate computer problems :

• Spybot Search & Destroy - A spyware removal utility
• Ad-aware - A spyware removal utility
• SpywareBlaster - An immunizer utlity that prevents spyware installation
• Spyware Guard - A utility to protect and alert you when spyware is detected
• CWShredder - A utility that removes a homepage hijacker

Please make certain that you read the documentation provided with each software package. The links included above are for informational and references purposes only. SkyeOne cannot provide technical assistance with this software or be held responsible for any further problems experienced as a result of using this software. Remember that some legitimate programs use Spyware as a means of providing the software to you at no cost. If you eliminate the Spyware associated with these programs, that software may no longer function and have to be re installed to work again.

At SkyeOne, we appreciate your continued business and look forward to serving you in the future. If you ever need assistance with your Internet connection, please do not hesitate to contact us at 863-946-2200

e-mail info@skyeone.com

Sincerely,
SkyeOne Internet