12.29.07
According to a report of CNN, more then
90% of all computers in the USA are
Since the explosion of broadband connection, the spreading of spyware and adware has been spreading at an alarming speed. If you surf the web often, you probably have adware installed on your computer. Adware is software that shows advertisements on your screen. When you click on these advertisements the maker of the adware program makes a couple of cents. Not much, but if they have 10.000’s of computers running their adware they can make a nice buck. So you can imagine that there are a lot different kinds of adware programs out there. Some are quite innocent, but others can really damage your system.
When your computer slows down and behaves strangely, chances are you have adware installed.
- Your PC is running extremely slow (Slooooowwwwwwwwww Dowwwwwwwwwwnnnns): If you machine’s performance has drastically dropped, you should probably run a quick scan for adware. Adware and spyware typically runs in the background, out of the user’s sight. This extra strain on your computer’s processor and memory is what causes these slow downs.
- Your PC is invaded by those horrible popup ads : Maybe an obvious warning sign to some, pop-up advertising is usually the first symptom of spyware/adware. Often it is difficult to discern whether the pop up is originating from your web browser or a rogue program. If you get pop up ads when your web browser is closed, it’s a safe bet you’re infected.
- Browser hijacking: Browser hijacking is when a rogue adware program changes the settings in your web browser. Your favorites/bookmarks and start page may suddenly change. Often your browser is redirected to an unfamiliar search page instead of the address you intended.
- Extra toolbars on your web browser: Many PC users like to use third party browser addons such as Google Toolbar, but if you see a toolbar that you do not recognize, you should scan for adware right away. A common adware toolbar is called “CoolWebSearch” and can be removed with a free utility called CWShredder. Another common (and particularly nasty) adware bar is called “180SearchAssistant”, which can be detected with a scan using one of the free tools on our website.
- Your homepage keeps changing
The less innocent adware programs only try to change your homepage, or add a pop-up here and there. The more aggressive adware programs will try to put their links in your start menu , desktop or your emails. The absolute worst type of adware will change or replace pieces of your operating system so they can show even more advertisements to you. These “hacks” usually do a lot of damage to your system and its programs.
Because there are so many different adware programs out there on the Internet trying to infect your computer, it is not uncommon that a computer has more then one type of adware infection. These multiple infections only intensify the problem ,since they all are fighting to change the settings of your computer
Not all adware is bad and for most people it is just very annoying. So how can you stop this problem? The first thing you will need to do is to ensure adware removal from your computer is to install and adware remover. You can obtain free adware removal software but in some cases in order to successfully remove adware you may have to uninstall the program it came with. Your adware removal software will help to identify these programs. If you decide to purchase an adware remover a brief internet search will provide you with all the information you need on both paid adware remover software and free adware removal software.
Another clear sign of an adware infection is that your computer is very slow. This is because adware programs use a lot of resources from your computer. If you have multiple adware infections your computer can run out of resources, making it extremely slow. Simple things like opening Word or a browser becomes a long wait.
To get rid of these adware infections you need to do more then run a virus scanner. Most adware programs are not seen as viruses , so the virus scanners do not do anything against it. To properly protect your computer against adware and spyware it is highly recommended to install an adware remover.
An adware remover can detect and remove any adware or spyware infections on your computer. Some of the better adware removal software can even real time protect your computer while you surf the web.
