Curing Your Computer of Spyware
Is your computer suddenly behaving erratically? Sluggish performance, more-frequent computer crashes, and a steady stream of pop-up ads can be symptoms of a spyware infection. In an era when people frequently download music, videos, screensavers, and other programs from the Net, spyware infections have grown all too common. At least half of the world’s computers have played host to a spyware program at one time or another, computer security firms estimate. Once spyware-free, smart Internet users should attempt to learn how they picked up the unwanted code and modify their behavior accordingly. Surfing habits that have led to one spyware infection will frequently lead to another. “If you’ve had [spyware] once, there’s a good chance you’ll get it again,” says Methvin. The basic rule: Exercise more caution when downloading anything from the Internet. If a screensaver or software program touts itself as “Spyware Free,” be skeptical.