SPYWARE.. Q & A

This information is from the Microsoft website

Q. What is spyware?
A. Spyware is software that collects personal information from you without your knowledge or permission. The information spyware collects can range from all the Web sites you visit to sensitive information including user names and passwords. You could become vulnerable to spyware if you download music from file-sharing programs, free games from sites you don't trust, or other software programs from unknown sources.

Q. How do I know if spyware has infected my computer?
A. If you experience slower Internet connection speeds, unwanted pop-up ads even when you aren't surfing the Web, changes in Web browser settings or home pages, or computer unresponsiveness, your computer may be infected. Because the typical goal of spyware is to steal information, some types of spyware may run quietly and not display any outward signs of infection. The best way to check for infection is to scan your computer using an updated utility, such as Windows AntiSpyware (Beta).

Q. How does Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) work?
A. Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your computer can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware, including slow computer performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. Continuous protection improves Internet browsing safety by guarding more than 50 ways spyware can enter your computer. The worldwide SpyNet™ community plays a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. Microsoft researchers quickly develop methods to counteract these threats, and updates are automatically downloaded to your computer so you stay up to date.

Q. What does Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) do when it finds spyware on my computer?
A. Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) displays detailed information about every spyware program detected, including a description of the threat, where it is located on your computer, a risk rating, and a recommended action to take. This information enables you to make informed decisions regarding removal. Detected spyware can be either temporarily disabled using Spyware Quarantine or permanently removed from your computer. If you inadvertently remove any programs, you can easily get them back

Q. How do I get rid of spyware that has already infested my PC if Windows Anti-Spyware can't remove it?
A At Computer Corner, we use several different spyware removal tools to clean infested computers. Scanning can take considerable time but we can remove most spyware items for you.

Q. Which operating systems does Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) support?
A. Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) supports Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server™ 2003. Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) does NOT support Windows Millenium or earlier. To cleanse tcomputers with Millenium or WIndows 98, bring it into Computer Corner and we will cleanse it for you.