I am sick to death of adware/spyware infestations. I am mad as heck at the people who create the stuff and am growing more and more frustrated every day by their victims. Don't get me wrong - I'm not blaming the victims for the problem. What I am doing is setting down a list of preventive steps that everyone who uses a computer and goes online can easily understand and practice. This is my longest article to date, but I hope you have the patience to read it through. It's well worth your time and I promise it's not boring.


#1: (and this one will cause lots of grumbling) Stop using Internet Explorer!


I know it's easy to use. I know you have all your Favorites bookmarked. I know you've used it forever and just plain don't want to learn something new. Unless you live in a cave, you've no doubt heard of the rising popularity of Mozilla Firefox, an alternative browser. I don't use it myself because I already use another good alternative, Opera. The point I'm making is that there ARE alternatives that are not susceptible to the pests that plague IE.


Now, I don't want to sound like a Microsoft basher. I'm not. The problem is that since MS is the big dog on the block, they have more little dogs out there trying to bring them down. The Windows operating system is the operating system most often targeted by viruses. The Windows browser, Internet Explorer, is the browser that's currently targeted by sleazy adware / spyware / malware / consumerware / whatever-you-want-to-call-it-ware creators. Why? Because they can reach the biggest online audience out there. Until the Microsoft people get better at security, and they ARE trying, we as consumers have every right to use a more pest-resistant product, don't you think?


#2: Use a Real-time Spyware scanning program


If you're one of those people who insist on using Internet Explorer, then you need to take steps to protect yourself. I'm sure just about everybody has anti-virus software installed these days. If you don't, you're either not online or you like to live dangerously while you are. Viruses are not the only harmful pests that you have to worry about anymore. In 2004, IT directors everywhere identified Malware
(I decided to use this term for the type of programs I talked about in #1) as the biggest cause of productivity loss and PC damage within their networks. Judging from the amount of e-mail I receive and the number of computers I have personally cleaned up, it seems to be a big problem for home PC users as well.


There are some very good programs on the market, some of which are free like Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy. These are particularly effective when you use them along with a real-time scanner. The key is to perform scans on a regular basis and keep those spyware definitions updated. Install the Yahoo Toolbar with Anti-Spy and run it each time you get ready to leave the Internet. My personal favorite real-time scanner is Spysweeper by Webroot. CounterSpy by Sunbelt-Software is another good real-time scanning program. Both are available as trial programs and charge yearly subscription fees after the trial period is over. Those fees range from $19.95 to $29.95. Bill Gates is offering the new MS Anti-Spyware for free when it gets out of BETA, but it only works with Windows 2000 and later. Believe me, if you have to call a pro to salvage your computer, you'll pay a minimum of $50 upfront just to have them look at it and tell you you're infected. After that, the charge gets bigger depending on how long it takes to get your system cleaned up and back to operating normally. Sometimes, that isn't possible and you end up having them reformat your hard drive and reinstall the operating system. If you haven't backed up your data externally, you might lose that, too. There are programs out there that will help you relocate your data but they're going to cost you $29.95 or more. So, you've spent $79.95 and you haven't even fixed the problem yet. I'm sure you see where I'm going with this. The cost of a good real-time scanning program is well worth the investment.


#4: PAY ATTENTION to what you see on the Internet


Do not under any circumstances click inside an advertising window
that pops up unsolicited while you're surfing and please don't download a program from one. Yes, I know there's an icon inside the window where you can close it. Yes, I know there's an option to cancel. If someone is going to be unethical enough to plague you with a pop-up window, do you really trust what's inside that window? Always use the x in the top right hand corner of the window to close it. Also, never respond to an Unsolicited Commercial E-mail (spam) that advertises a program you can purchase over the Internet. Don't click that link!


#5: Google it!


If you just can't resist downloading the latest FREE program from the Internet, at least do your homework. Do a search on Google or Yahoo or MSN to find out more about it before you download. I like to type in the name of the program followed by "problems" or "user reviews." Don't stop at visiting the websites you find. Google has a neat feature that you can access by clicking on the word Groups that appears above the search box on Google's homepage. This is a collection of postings to forums and newsgroups that are discussing the very program you're thinking of downloading.


#6: READ THE EULA!


Remember that just because a program is available as a download on cnet.com, that doesn't mean it's going to be ad-free. Take the time to read the End User License Agreement before you click OK. If there isn't one, stop right there! The software manufacturer is required by law to disclose in the EULA the conditions on which you are downloading and using their software. You have to agree to the EULA before you can download the program. If you ever want to read something scary, try reading a Microsoft EULA. Once you've agreed to the terms, you can no longer claim to be an unsuspecting victim.


#7: Beware of file-sharing programs


If you keep up with CNET's Downloads of the Week, you'll see several file-sharing programs in the top 10. Napster changed the way we get our music forever. Since there are free versions of the most popular file-sharing programs out there, you have to stop and think that if you aren't paying for them, then somebody is. That somebody is probably bundling ads along with the free program in order to keep it free. There are paid versions of the same programs (i.e. Bearshare) that are ad-free. For my opinion on that, see #3. Also be very aware of the sites your children are visiting. According to a recent article by Andy McCue at www.silicon.com, sites directed toward children are often the worst offenders when it comes to downloading free programs or games that are bundled with adware. Don't let junior download anything on your computer until you've had the chance to READ THE EULA!



#8: Stay informed about what's happening in the Spyware community


I subscribe to Spyware Info by Mike Healen and receive newsletters from Sunbelt-Software (WinXP and Win2K News). I also frequent the Spyware Warrior Site maintained by Eric Howes and Suzi and watch
alerts from ZDNet News. Another good source of information is Adware ReportKnow thine enemy!!

#9: Follow your instincts



If you have to ask yourself if downloading a program is such a good idea, then it probably isn't. Just follow the steps above to assure yourself that you're not just being paranoid. When it comes to downloading files from the Internet, it pays to be paranoid!


My goal in writing this article was to get rid of the headache I've had all morning from dealing with people who have carelessly let their PCs reach a state of total uselessness. If they had only followed the simple steps I outlined above, I probably wouldn't have this headache and they would probably still be happily surfing the Internet pest-free! Don't be a victim, intentional or unintentional. Develop safe surfing habits and teach them to your kids. You'll be glad
you did.



Paige Eissinger started 2 Smart Chix LLC in 1999 to fulfill the website
needs of small business and non-profit organizations. She designs and maintains attractive, informational websites that fit within small budgets. In 2003, she joined Roger Creighton as co-host of PC Primer, a local call-in radio show. Roger and Paige answer caller questions about everything from computer hardware and software to digital cameras and everything in between.