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Ad-Bots, Parasites
and Spy-Ware
What are they? And what are they doing in my computer?
Adbots, Parasites, & Spyware are a family of small programs that are installed in your computer, (usually without your knowledge), during the installation of some shareware/freeware programs. Hundreds of useful programs, some of which you may have in your computer, carry an imbedded spyware program. Spyware allows advertising agencies to receive reports about where you are surfing and what web-ads you click on.
Most of these Adbots, or spyware programs DON'T collect specific information about you, but only report general demographics, and therefore are NOT stealing your name, credit card, or other personal information.
The Real Problem!
The real problem with these parasites, "spyware programs", is that many are poorly written, "contain bugs or errors", and can cause problems with the normal operation of your computer. If your web-browser experiences periodic GPFs, "General Protection Faults", hangs, or freezes it may be due to one or more of these little buggy parasites.
The New Problem!
Legitimate software companies are now attempting to sell your unused CPU cycles without your knowledge or your consent, and without compensating you. Some cretins, such as Juno are now testing a new business model that steals from you. Juno, (and if this works, surly more to come), will sell time on your computer. They sell your unused computer time, much like FedEx or UPS using your car, at night while you are asleep, to deliver packages, and of course not paying you or filling the tank.
Not sure if the free software you are about to download is in fact a so called Spyware, or adware or otherwise advertising enhanced product that installs additional third party components on your system? Click Here for access to a database where you can lookup a program, and check its adware/spyware status.
(NOTE: This company is hosting their page with someone that periodically limits access to the database, for excessive traffic reasons. If you have trouble with the lookups, try again later.)
What Can Be Done About It?
A company called "Lavasoft" has created an excellent and completely FREE spyware detection and removal utility, called Ad-Aware. Click the previous link to get your own copy of this great little program.
If you need more help or advice about spyware, or other aspects of your computer, please feel free to E-Mail Me
-J.R. Whipple
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