| Over the past 6 months or so much has been said in computer circles and forums about 'Spyware' and "Scumware". Spyware is a new development in internet commerce which enables certain sites and companies to monitor closely the net movements of clients and customers. Many sites and services offering free downloads, like mp3 sites, Kazaa, Gator etc. have adopted 'spyware' as a means of bringing in revenue for their 'free' services. (It's come to that.) The "spyware" programs 'piggy-back' (or hitch a ride) on the program you wish to download, (or just downloaded) and then over time go to work gathering information about you which is then relayed back to the site where you originally made your download. This information can then be sold to third parties for the purpose of targeted advertising. In this way your movements on the net are closely monitored, such as the sites you visit and the amount of time you spend online etc etc.. Many mp3 sites in particular such as Audiogalaxy & Kazaa use spyware to help finance their services. (The Minority Report.)
Have you ever wondered how all those spam emails are becoming so personalized with your name and other names of your friends? We'll this "spyware" not only scans through your entire email address book but also all of the emails on your hard drive and a lot of other info. So now when you get an email with your name and your wife or friends name in the subject line you almost have to click on it? And this is what the "third parties" are willing to pay big bucks for, "click throughs". What will the "not so friendly" type of people be willing to pay for your ID and Passwords that they find in all these emails?? It's time to take some serious action to protect yourself against these intrusions.
For your futures sake and personal security as this appears to be a growing trend it would be a good idea to check your system regularly to see if you've picked up any of these new uninvited (Trojan) guests on your computer. There are several programs available on the net to combat these 'info-thieves'. By running Adaware on your computer you'll find all of the spyware files and more. Adaware is a Free download and can be downloaded from www.lavasoft.nu it is also regularly updated with protection against the latest programs trying to spy on you.
You may also want to grab a free copy of Spam Terminator Software. BlockSpamNow.com -This is an excellent piece of software in the works. What I mean by this is that it is improving and being upgraded continually to meet the many changing demands to combat those who would seek to fill your box with "time wasting spam mails".
Protect your Valuables,
-Ken Kovach
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