Systems Blueprint, Inc.

Adware is program supported by advertisers that is installed onto a computer system typically after a user downloads free software or web based services. These types of programs may display banners or popup windows that while being run reports Internet usage, behavior or habits to third-party affiliates.  The user gives permission to these marketing practices by downloading the free software. It is not malicious by does drain computer resources, causes longer boot ups and will degrade computer performance.

Malware is a generic term used to describe unwanted software containing viruses, Trojans, or any malicious active content that is designed to attack an unprotected computer system.  Malware can drain resources and cause performance degradation or corrupt critical system files that will prevent system boot up.

This is a generic term used to describe technology that assists in collecting information about an end-users computer activity and Internet usage. Unlike ADWARE, some web sites and commercial organizations will install a  SPYWARE application without warning or the user's knowledge.  The design of the SPYWARE application can be to collect information for marketing research or to cause harm.  All SPYWARE will use the  computer's resources causing performance degradation. There is alarm for this practice because it costing companies thousands of dollars annually due to production down time, repairs and maintenance.  Furthermore, there is a serious concern about invasion of privacy and using private information for monetary gain without permission.

As a general rule remember the old saying - "If it is too good to be true, it probably is".  Nothing is for free and most of the trouble begins by downing free software or using free Internet based services eg: emoticons, screen savers, date and weather watchers, web tools, free photos, music downloads and search engine tool bars. Once a user downloads these programs or subscribes to these services, additional software is installed to monitor the user's activity and collect information to send back to advertisers. All of these activities drains the computer's resources, prevents web browsing or worse corrupts critical system files which ultimately could cause the computer to be inoperable.

Intrusions can also occur when user receives and responds to a message or e-mail to download some type of performance enhancing application for their browser, memory, etc.. Typically these messages appear to be from legitimate sources or a trusted zone, which can cause the novice end-user to believe it is necessary or something they need to improve their computer experience. Unfortunately, this is a deceptive practice by advertisers and Malware developers to have access to the user's computer system and/or monitor Internet activity.

Another venue employed to access end-user's computer systems occurs when using a valid e-mail address to register for newsletters, Internet shopping and bulleting boards. The e-mail addresses is collected and harvested back out to marketing data warehouses that can then determine IP addresses and begin sending SPAM and pop-ups.

Usually a degradation in performs is suspect to spyware running on your system.  There are many variations and degrees of intrusions which can range from being annoying to shutting your system down completely.  Some of the symptoms you may experience include the following:

• You may be experiencing an unusually high volume of pop-up advertisements.
• Some spyware applications can cause redirections of web pages to other advertisement web sites.
• Redirections to page cannot be found when mistyping URL's to other advertiser search engines.
• Redirections from popular search engines such as, Google.
• New search engine tool bars are added to Internet Explorer.
• The browser default home page changes.
• Unwanted web sites are added to the trusted zone list.
• The Internet Explorer browser may behave erratically or run extremely slow.
• Unable to access or change Internet Explorer Options.
• You may have local area network capabilities; but, you cannot browse or receive e-mail through Outlook Express.
• Start-up errors occur after rebooting your system.

Sometimes our Internet experience is improved by the use of cookies. Therefore, totally eliminating Spyware is unrealistic given many of them use cookies as a way to gain access to your system. However, there are measures you can take to minimize the amount of ad-ware on your system and prevent malware intrusions.

• DO NOT DOWNLOAD any applications (freeware, shareware, or promotional/trialware) unless you are certain it is spyware free and you have initiated the request.
• READ THE FINE PRINT. Read the End-User License Agreement (EULA) thoroughly before installing an application. Most users blindly accept this license without realizing they may be giving their right to privacy away.
• Do not use your private or business e-mail address for public Internet usage.  To register for these services create an Internet based account like Yahoo or Hotmail and use that as an active e-mail account.
• When surfing the Internet and you are asked to download Active X controls "DO NOT ACCEPT THEM". The warning states it is necessary, but only accept it if know the source is valid. Unfortunately, many of these providers are designing their pop-up windows and request like legitimate sources.  Thus, be very careful and when in doubt, do not download.
• Know what you are getting.  Make sure whatever program you are planning on installing does not have extras that come with the package. The major contributors are music downloads like Morpheus, Kazaa and any FREE downloads, screen savers, search utilities, and advertisers from Instant Messaging applications.  If you receive a pop-up window asking you to vote on an issue, decline. Never click on a banner, false window alert messages, any advertisement or ad search tool bars. If your default web page mysteriously changes, you most likely have Spyware.
• Check the programs installed on your system.  If it looks suspicious, it probably is.  If you are uncertain about a program, you can do a quick search using Google, MSN, Yahoo or other known search engines to find out if it is legitimate.  Click here for a common list of SPYWARE Applications .
• Install a software firewall like Norton Internet Security or McAfee Personal Firewall and keep the updates current.  There are also many good free programs available; however, be sure they have the latest technology to prevent intrusions and provide restriction controls.
• Keep your windows operating system critical updates current.

If you can still boot up your system, then there is hope.

• Don't panic!
• If you can still access your system, make an immediate backup of all critical data files, your Favorites, and e-mail/contact database files.
• If you can access the Internet - Update virus definition files and run a full system scan.
• If you can access the Internet - Download, install and run spyware removal tools. There are many freeware programs available that will remove most SPYWARE and get your computer running properly again.  Common programs like SPYBOTS S&D , AD-AWARE, and CWSHREDDER will help to keep your computer healthy. Make sure you keep these SPYWARE Prevention and Removal Tools updated with the most current version.
• If the problem is too severe, you may have to reformat your hard drive and bring it back to factory condition. Most manufacturers provide a restoration and recovery disk for this purpose.  However, all data and applications will be lost.
• If you need assistance, please contact us at 281.480.0660 (fees may apply).

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