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Spyware PROTECTION

Spyware is a general term for processes that gather data from your PC without your permission – anything from relatively minor issues like recording which web pages you visit (usually to target adverts or spam e-mail at you), to serious crime like stealing details of your bank account.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

You don’t necessarily have to ‘do’ anything for spyware to get onto your PC. Sometimes spyware can be loaded when you install free software. Some is loaded covertly when you visit a web site. Some spreads in similar ways to viruses, by exploiting security loopholes in software or sending attachments via junk e-mail.

HOW CAN YOU TELL YOU’VE GOT IT?

Symptoms of spyware infection can include:

• Your PC begins to run very slowly, or programs begin to ‘crash’ regularly
• Your Internet home page keeps changing
• ‘Pop-up’ adverts appear all the time
• Your PC tries to access the Internet when you’re offline
• Your PC keeps losing its Internet connection or trying to dial-up another connection.

But there may be spyware on your PC even without any of these symptoms showing.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

1. First check whether your PC has a virus infection – some of the symptoms can be similar. The virus protection section of this CD will help you check for viruses and remove any you find.
2. Once you’re sure the PC has no viruses, install Spybot S&D 1.4 from this CD. This easy-to-use free software will scan your PC and help you remove any spyware it finds.
3. It’s also worth installing and running Ad-Aware, a similar program to Spybot S&D, available free to download for personal use from www.lavasoft.de. The two programs use slightly different lists of spyware, and each will often find items missed by the other.

If your PC still misbehaves after scanning and cleaning, contact the IT Helpdesk for advice – see the Help from Information Services section of this CD for contact details.