Q. What is spyware?
A. This is a general term for hidden programs on your PC that invade your privacy. They gather data about you and send it over the Internet without your permission. Sometimes it can hijack your web browser and display unwanted pop-up advertising on your computer.
Q. Is this a bad thing?
A. Yes. At best it can slow down your Internet connection and your computer; at worst it can pass on confidential information like credit card numbers and passwords to criminals.
Q. Is this an invasion of privacy?
A. Yes. Sometimes it is installed alongside another program (typically peer-to-peer file sharing programs used to download music over the Internet) and you have to read the small print very carefully to see what you are agreeing to do. Sometimes it just installs without your permission. In most cases it can be very difficult to remove without anti-spyware software.
Q. Can spyware be dangerous?
A. Yes. Some spyware is like viruses but not all spyware programs will be picked up by anti-virus software or thwarted by a firewall.
Q. How can I tell if I have spyware on my PC?
A. Typical symptoms include a slow computer or Internet connection, unexpected changes in your web browser and unwanted pop-up adverts. Some spyware is designed to stay completely undetected while it scans for private information so the only way to be completely sure is to use anti-spyware software and scan regularly.
Q. Where do I get this?
A. If you are running Windows XP then we recommend downloading Microsoft's own anti-spyware program, freely available from:
www.microsoft.com/securityIf you are running Windows 98, or another operating system, there are several free anti-spyware programs available. Like anti-virus software, you need to use the latest versions every time you scan. We recommend that you scan at least monthly and whenever you see anything unusual happening on your computer. Since different anti-spyware programs detect different threats, we recommend that you run two or three different programs from the following list:
NSM88.COM National Socialist Movement, P.O. Box 13768 Detroit, MI. 48213 (651) 659-6307 |