Spyware is a more recent threat emerging from the Internet as a major annoyance and expense to a lot of people today.  Spyware is often categorized as any piece of software that either gathers personal information to report via the internet, malicious code that changes computer settings without warning or permission (often referred to as malware), or software that consumes your internet speed by constantly downloading unwanted Internet content ranging from advertisements and annoying pop-up warnings to pornographic content.

What qualifies as Spyware?

How did I get all this Spyware on my PC?

How can I stop Spyware?

"What qualifies as Spyware?"

• Programs that "silently" install themselves on your PC without warning or permission.
• Programs that download Internet content constantly either for advertising or unwanted media content.
• Software that consumes your internet speed by reporting personal information, internet searches, what websites you're visiting, or other information back to a parent computer for analysis to be used for demographic purposes.
• Malicious code that can do anything from "hijack" your homepage and change it, to changing your default search engine, to adding Favorites or Bookmarks without permission.
• Internet "cookies" that track personal information or info about your PC that the companies that utilize those cookies don't need from your PC.

"How did I get all this Spyware on my PC?"

• You may have downloaded from a website without realizing it.
• It may have been "bundled" with another program you downloaded from the Internet and installed (such as file-sharing programs, music download programs, and other "free" software)
• You may have received a pop-up window that prompted you to check your computer for Spyware or viruses.  Clicking on these pop-ups don't check for Spyware or viruses.  Instead, they often redirect you to websites that will install Spyware on your PC.
• You may have received a window that asked you to install something.  It may have used the term ActiveX.  Some of these components (such as anything on Microsoft's website, Adobe Acrobat or Macromedia Flash, for example) are legitimate software enhancements that don't contain harmful code.  However, you should always read the boxes that pop up to see who the publisher is to determine who the software company is.  If you don't recognize the name or can't tell what you're installing, odds are you don't want to.

"How can I stop Spyware?" you may ask.  There are several ways to protect your computer against Spyware:

• Get a pop-up blocker.  There are several pop-up blockers* out there such as STOPzilla! or the free Google toolbar.  If your PC has Windows XP, you can update to Service Pack 2** which comes with a built-in pop-up and malicious content blocker.
• Download, update, and scan with Spyware removal tools*** such as Ad-aware or Spybot: Search & Destroy (both free), or purchase commercial Spyware removal software.  Some Spyware removal tools (such as Spybot) offer the ability to "immunize" which can block certain types of Spyware from reinstalling itself on your PC.
• Educate yourself and your family to avoid the "free" software on the Internet that leads to Spyware problems such as music download programs, file-sharing software, and other such "free" software that contain small references in their license agreements to the additional components they install.  Remember, even though it may be advertised as "free" you will probably still end up paying for it, either through lost time, lost revenue, or the cost of having Spyware removed from your system.

ABS has special removal tools for Spyware that can detect and remove Spyware programs that refuse to be removed by conventional means.  If you are plagued by Spyware on your PC and need it removed, call us at 308-381-6500 or toll free at 800-297-2667 to schedule an in-store or on-site appointment for Spyware removal.

*Please note that ABS Computer Headquarters, L.L.C. makes no warranties, expressed or implied with the use of any pop-up blocker software, nor is ABS affiliated with any software vendor who produces such software.  We can only recommend software based on prior experience and proven effectiveness.  ABS can take no responsibility for problems caused by this software, either through improper installation, improper use, or conflicts with hardware drivers or other programs on your PC.  Also, be aware that there are a number of so-called "pop-up blockers" that actually contain spyware and advertisements, just like those you may be trying to avoid with the use of such software.

**Please note that Service Pack 2 is a very large download and should not be attempted over dial-up.  Instead, consider ordering an SP2 CD-ROM from Microsoft.  Also, certain software programs are not compatible with Service Pack 2 without a program update, and any other software that is not compatible with Service Pack 2 at all and may stop functioning.  Abacus Business System, Inc. takes no responsibility for programs that cease to function after the installation of Service Pack 2 for Windows XP, nor do we make any warranties, expressed or implied, by suggesting you install it on your system.  Please check with the software manufacturers for the programs installed on your PC prior to updating to SP2 in order to avoid software complications.

***Please note that ABS Computer Headquarters, L.L.C. makes no warranties, expressed or implied, guaranteeing the success of Spyware removal when using any available Spyware removal software, nor is ABS affiliated with any particular anti-Spyware software vendor.  The above links are provided as a convenience to you as a customer, and as such we can take no responsibility for damage to your PC, lost data, or conflicts in Windows or other software programs that may be caused by installation, update, scanning, or component removal by any of these programs.