Computerized
Family
Chick Geek
Speak
By Nancy Cavanaugh
Pop-ups and Ad/Spyware Explained
Times are changing, and
these days many more homes have a computer in them, especially
if there are kids in the household. As busy parents, you don't
always have the time to keep up with your computer's needs. That's
where I come in. I'll show you how to maintain your computer,
keep you afloat with trends (good and bad!) and more. This month,
we're tackling pop-ups and ad/spyware.
One of the biggest problems
facing surfers on the World Wide Web (WWW) is the overwhelming
use of pop-up or pop-under ads on many websites, and adware and
spyware software. There are solutions to these menaces, but it
does require a little bit of work on your end of things.
You've seen them and you've
heard about them, but what exactly do they do?
Pop-up ads are probably
the most annoying of them. They're designed so that you can't
possibly miss the advertiser's product. It is right there in your
face. Two of the biggest offenders are Classmates.com* and X-10*.
Pop-under ads are less annoying because they appear under the
web browser, but they still have to be closed to get rid of them.
These ads don't cause any
harm to your computer, they just make surfing a lot less fun and
more time-consuming. Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs), like
Earthlink*, are working hard to combat these annoyances by blocking
them before you get a chance to see them.
Adware is basically advertising-supported
software. Generally, it can be downloaded for free from the web,
like BearShare* or Kazaa*, and will install components on your
computer that will send marketing information to them whenever
you're online. The company who offered the adware software then
makes money from banner ads. Adware will typically tell you that
they will be using your information. They will frequently have
a privacy policy that you can read before downloading the software.
Spyware is also usually
downloaded for free from the web and installs components that
send information to the company without your knowledge or consent.
Typically, they only send marketing information but some of the
programs are capable of retrieving specific information, such
as credit cards numbers. Besides violating your privacy, these
programs also take up space on your computer and slow down your
computer, even if only slightly, with their activity. Many of
the spyware programs trigger pop-up ads to appear on your computer,
based on information it has gathered.
How do you stop them?
The best way to keep them
from being a problem is to simply not install the programs, if
possible. Sometimes you're not always given the option and the
software seems to magically appear on your computer. There are
programs you can use that will eliminate these menaces.
If you do a search from
your favorite search engine for pop-up and/or adware blockers,
you'll find a slew of options. You should read sites like Epinions.com*
or CNET.com* for product reviews and recommendations from other
users. Find the one that best suits your needs.
*BPO is not affiliated
with these companies or websites in any way.
