About Spyware, Adware, & Dialers
Spyware and Adware are a type of application that is installed on your computer by many "free" programs, usually that you downloaded from the Internet, that promise to somehow "enhance" your computer. These are programs such as applications to keep the current weather conditions on your desktop, Browser "add ons" such as custom search bars, file sharing programs such as Kazaa and Morpheous, and anything by Gator. (There are countless other examples; these are just some common ones.) To generate revenue, the developers often package additional software used for third-party advertising. Spyware is used to collect data. This data is sent to the spyware provider’s computers using your Internet connection while you’re online. Often times this software will try to send the data when you’re not connected causing your dialup dialog box to pop up for seemingly no reason. Adware displays popup ads as you use your computer. Most adware also includes spyware.
A more detailed explanation of spyware can be found by clicking on this link: http://cexx.org/problem.htm. For an example of what you may be agreeing to when you install a program and click "Accept License Agreement" without really reading it, click on this link:http://grc.com/oo/fineprint.htm. (Both of these links will open in a new window and are not affiliated with Andiamo Telecom and the opinions are those of their respective owners. We simply provide them for information.)
Aside from the privacy issues addressed above, much of the adware and spyware can have a detrimental effect on your computer’s performance to the point of causing it to crash continually or degrading your Internet connection.
While not all adware is "bad" (without it, many of freeware programs simply would not be available), we recommend that you do not install any "free" program that you find on the Internet (or elsewhere) unless you both
- Decide you actually want it and aren’t just installing it because it’s "free"
- Understand the license agreement and decide that using the program is more important to you than the potential problems it may create.
Another type of program that installs itself without your express permission or knowledge is what is known as a "Dialer". Not necessarily a type of spyware or adware, a dialer is a type of program that installs itself when you open an attachment or visit certain web pages. These programs are usually (but not always) for adult content or offshore gambling, and often offer "Free content" or "No credit card required". If someone then clicks on the new icon that appears after the program is installed, the dialer program has the computer call an international number to access their network (much like you call a local number to access your Andaimo service) and the charges end up appearing on your telephone bill as an international long distance call. Unlike spyware or adware, dialers can actually end up costing you money because the calls they place are legitimate long distance calls that are placed from your telephone number.
In order to protect your computer from these threats, there are several programs available. We personally use the ones below. They are both free (REALLY free). Each has specific, strengths, and we recommend installing both of them. Understand that Andiamo Telecom does not support or guarantee any third party software, nor can we be responsible for how it affects your particular computer system. We simply provide links to software as a convenience to our subscribers.
Spybot Search & Destroy – This program can be installed and run occasionally to scan your computer for spyware and adware. It can also "immunize" your computer against known threats so they aren’t installed automatically. It can be downloaded from the following web address:http://www.safer-networking.org.
Lavasoft Ad-Aware – This is probably the most popular anti-spyware program. The free version doesn't let you block spyware from getting into your system, but it seems to do the best job of finding it once it's there. http://www.lavasoftusa.com.