"Spyware" is the general term used in reference to software applications that carry out certain types of tasks, such as promotional advertising, collecting personal information or change the configuration of your computer without your permission. You may have spyware or other unwanted applications installed on your computer if:

• Pop-up windows appear on the screen even when not using the Internet.
• The first page that opens is not your Web browser’s homepage or search settings have   changed without your knowledge.
• The browser includes a new toolbar that you never asked for and it is difficult to remove.
• The computer takes longer than usual to complete certain tasks.
• Suddenly, your computer seems to hang or “freeze” more often.

The term "spyware" is often applied to applications whose purpose is to present advertisements (adware) or software used to collect personal information of confidential nature. This does not mean that all software applications that show advertisements or track your online activities are harmful. For example, you could subscribe to a music service that is free as long as you consent to receive advertisements. If you read the terms, understand and agree with them, you may have decided that it is a fair deal. You might even give a company permission to monitor your online activities so they can, more accurately, determine which ads they should show.

Other applications can cause unwanted changes to your computer configuration that can be annoying and even reduce the speed of the system or lock it completely. These programs are able to change the home page or search their Web browser and add components to the application that you do not need or simply do not want. Moreover, they make it extremely difficult to restore to the original configuration. Such unwanted programs are also known as "spyware."

What is important in all cases is whether you (or anyone who has access to your computer) understands the purpose of this software and have given it permission to install on your computer.

Spyware or other unwanted applications can reach your system in several ways: A very common trick is to install the software during the installation of hidden software that you have requested, such as a file shared music or video. Whenever you install any applications on your computer, be sure to carefully read all information, including the license agreement and privacy policy. Sometimes you will find references to the inclusion of unwanted software in the installation of a given application, but may only appear at the end of the license or the rules of confidentiality.


Symptoms of Spyware

If you believe that your computer works in odd ways or warns you of any of the symptoms listed below, you may have spyware or other unwanted application in your system.

• You constantly see pop-up ads on the screen of your computer. Some unwanted screen with pop-up ads that have nothing to do with the website you are visiting. Often, these ads relate to adult websites or the content of which may seem like unpleasant. If you see pop-up advertisements on your computer or lights when not using the Internet, you may have spyware or other unwanted application in your system.

• The configuration has changed and I can not restore to the original settings. Some unwanted applications have the ability to change the configuration of the home page or search. This means you may not recognize the first page that opens when you start the web browser or the page that appears when you select "Search." Even if you know how to restore these settings to their original state, it’s liable to change every time you restart your computer.

• The Web browser contains additional components that do not remember downloading. Spyware and other unwanted applications can add additional toolbars to your Web browser that you do not want or need. Even if you know how to remove these bars they are likely to re-emerge each time you restart your computer.

• Your computer has reduced in operating speed. The resources these programs use to track their activities and deliver advertisements can slow or even lock the system. If you believe that any particular program crashes frequently or if your computer takes longer than usual to carry out routine tasks, you may have spyware or other unwanted applications in your system.


How to Remove Spyware

Many kinds of unwanted applications (like spyware) are designed specifically so that their removal is extremely difficult. If you try to uninstall this software as you would with any other program, you may find that the application reappears on reboot. If you have unwanted software and can not uninstall it, you may need to download a tool to do it for you. There are software programs for free or very low cost from various companies that can be used to inspect the system for spyware and other unwanted applications and can assist you in their disposal.

Some Internet Service Providers (ISP) applications include spyware protection in their service packages. Check with your ISP, they may be able to recommend or provide a tool. If the ISP can not help, ask for recommendations from trusted people or read the list below, which includes a few popular tools. Keep in mind that removing unwanted software can mean that the free program that accompanied it may stop working.

To remove spyware:

1. Download and install one of the free removal tools that are listed in the list below.

2. Run the tool to detect the presence of spyware and other unwanted applications on your computer.

3. Review the files that the tool finds.

4. Select which files seem suspicious and delete according to the instructions of the tool.

Listed below are some popular tools that can help detect and remove unwanted software from your computer:

• Lavasoft Ad Aware
• Spybot Search & Destroy

Note: Baytech Networks is not responsible for the quality, performance or reliability of these third party tools.


How to Prevent Installation of Spyware

Spyware and other unwanted applications can invade your privacy and show unwanted pop-ups, slow down your system and even lock your computer. Here are some methods you can use to protect your computer against spyware and other potentially software.

Step 1: Update the system software.

If you use Windows XP, one way to protect against spyware applications is to ensure that all software is being updated. First, visit the Windows Update Web site to confirm that the Automatic Updates option is enabled in your system and download critical updates.

Step 2: Set the security settings in your Web browser.

You can adjust the security settings in your Web browser to determine what information you are willing to accept from a Web site.

If you have Windows XP SP2 and use Internet Explorer, your browser is already configured to protect your system against spyware and other deceptive or unwanted programs.

To access the current security settings of Internet Explorer:

1. Open Internet Explorer, click Tools, then Internet Options.

2. Click the Security tab.

Step 3: Install a firewall.

Although the majority of spyware and unwanted applications come bundled with other programs or originate from unscrupulous Web sites, a small percentage of spyware can get into your hands by unauthorized access to your computer. Installing a firewall or using the firewall built into Windows XP is an effective defense against these attacks.

Step 4: Install Anti Virus Software.

A good antivirus program can detect most spyware and viruses before they are installed to your system. Below you can find a few popular antivirus programs that will provide your computer with decent protection against viruses and spyware.

• AVG
• Kaspersky Antivirus Suite

Step 5: Explore and download safely.

The best defense against spyware and other unwanted applications is not to download first. Here's a few suggestions that may help prevent unsolicited software downloads:

• Download programs only from trusted Web sites.

• Read all security warnings, license agreements and privacy statements associated with the software to download.

• Never click on options such as "OK". In its place, click the red "x" located on the corner of the window or press Alt + F4 to close a window.

• Do not rely on the popular "free" file sharing of music and video, and make sure you fully understand all the software that is included.

If you believe that your computer is infected, it is best to leave it to a computer professional to take care of the problem. Contact us today!

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