Spyware, Pop-Ups, And More

In the old days we use to surf the net, download files and basically use the internet without many fears or worries about hackers and viruses.

Now, not only has that changed, but we also have to worry about being tracked as we surf. A new kid on the block, commonly called "Spyware" could be tracking much of what you are doing online!

First lets touch on some basics:

Shareware and Freeware - You have probably seen these terms if you have surfed the internet to any degree or used computers for a while. Shareware simply put means "try before you buy". Then if you like the program you send the developer or company the money for the program. In turn they send you a key or ID number to enable any additional features that may have been turned off, and disable any "nag" screens about it being shareware.

Freeware on the other hand is pretty much free, and you can use the program as long as you like for free. Both types may contain certain limitations and the developers usually retain the copyrights to the program.

Spyware or Adware evolved or came about as another aternative to the shareware or freeware concept.


What is Spyware or Adware?

You have probably seen spyware and adware used as one term. Lets look at the differences.

Spyware is a program, software or even technology which uses your Internet connection "behind the scenes" or in the background so to speak, without your knowledge or specific permission. It collects information as you surf the net and can report this information back to the originator of the software, advertisers or other interested companies or parties. Spyware is designed by nature to collect information and report it back.

Adware on the other hand is a program that displays advertising banners within a software program or utility (usually freeware) while it is running. Since the software is usually free then the one concession the user has to make is to endure the banners on their screen in order to use the software for free. This helps justify the cost to the developer of the software since they can then sell those banner slots in the software to advertisers. Hmmm, kind of like watching network television with commercials.

All adware is not created equal.

Don't think that all adware is spyware, because many programs only display the advertising banners and otherwise they just perform as they are supposed to, however others may send back information in the background unknown to the user. That is where the problem lies though, knowing which ones do or don't.

Those that do send back information usually disclose this in their terms of use or privacy policy. Read all service and terms of use policies when downloading and installing software. Be sure you know what is buried in the fine print.

The below is a must visit site:
CounterExploitation (CEXX.org)
Many articles, links and reviews for adware/spyware and more.
http://www.cexx.org/adware.htm


Now as if we don't have enough to worry about, there are some more new kids on the block. Home Page Hi-Jacking and Download Pop-ups.

Home Page Hi-Jacking - Imagine if you go to a site on the web, ok so now the next time you start your browser it goes back to that SAME page you were at.

Ok so you say what's the big deal, maybe I set that page as my home page.

Ok, no big deal then, but what if you didn't set it as your home page? What if it set itself as your home page without your permission? Is that a big deal maybe? It can happen, there are sites with scripts that are now doing that. Some do at least ask first, but some do not.

Some sites may entice you with a free download utility, for example lets say a browser tool bar enhancement. Then once the download is installed it makes changes to the user's system registry and makes that site the default start up home page in your browser. There have been reports in some cases of it nearly being impossible to get rid of the change. (Almost anyway...grin..)

Download Pop-ups - Have you ever visited a site and it says:

Most of the time this is a legitimate prompt and is only informing you that you need to download the software to view a media file or flash production. However you may visit some sites that will prompt you with a pop up that says "Accept Download Now? Yes or No".

It doesn't tell you what you are downloading, only do you want to download it. This is a relatively new method of program distribution (or possible deception) and can have you downloading files you don't even want. Some files even install after the download automatically.

This method is based on the fact that most new users will usually say yes when prompted to download.

What do they install you ask?

Anything from a virus (in some cases) to programs that can redirect you to porn or adult sites. Also programs that might use your dial up connection to connect to 1-900 phone numbers which of course could cost you money...

Again this is probably not the case. It can be a legitimate program, but it is up to you to decide if this is the case. If you have no idea as to what the download may be, then simply "Just say no".



Ok so now let's talk about a very popular or unpopular practice (depending on which side of the fence you are on) sweeping the net now.

They are related to Pop-up downloads.

Pop-up/Pop-under windows - These are just the plain pop-up or pop-under windows that many sites are now implementing. Most of these windows are harmless and are usually selling something, pitching another web site, or asking you to subscribe to their newsletter. Harmless as they are, they can also be highly aggravating depending upon how they are implemented.

Amazingly, they are gaining popularity with many web sites, though I really don't think the visitors are as happy with them. (Strictly a personal opinion)

The reason for the rising popularity is they work. Pop-ups or unders seem to be getting a higher response rate than other forms of ads such as banners. I'm basing this on reports from the many forums and sites I have visited discussing them.

The problem with some sites, is that the site bombards you with the pop-ups, I'm certain many of you have visited such sites. They have pop-ups coming up even faster than you can close them. I have visited some sites where I had to just close everything in order to stop the pop-ups from coming.

I will also be the first to admit pop-ups can have their place of use when done discreetly, such as asking you to subscribe to a newsletter after you click a link.

So how do I stop pop-ups?

Well as always, the many programmers out there come to our rescue due to supply and demand...grin....

Just visit the links shown below for more details and to download the one of your choice. Many are free.

Be sure to pay the below site a visit:
Popup-Killer
Many reviews of popup stopper software.
http://www.popup-killer.info

You can also find them on popular sites such as Tucows.com, ZDNet.com and other download sites by searching for them by name.

You can also search on the search engines for "pop-up windows stopper" and get plenty of sites with available software. Some are free, some are shareware, and some are commercial. Always research the software and user comments before installing. Look for any problems users may have had after or during installation. And of course (yeah I know) have a backup of important files before installing!

Any programs or sites we suggest are strictly suggestions. Any use of these sites or programs are done by you the user, with that knowledge. We will not be responsible for any problems or damage through the use of the information in this book. All the content is for informational purposes only.

Many browsers are now coming out with pop-up windows options to control pop-ups, also some firewall software as noted earlier have these options too.



New form of spam or threat to your computer?

Imagine sitting at your computer and suddenly a pop-up box shoots up on your screen with the following message:

So, would you wonder what's going on. Especially if you were working in your favorite word processor or other program, and not in your internet browser.

This is apparently a new form of intrusion we face now, be it advertising (spam in this case) or even attempts to gain access to our personal information.

Especially since many computers are connected 24/7 by broadband connections. Obviously dialup users wouldn't be affected quite as much nor those not using the Windows operating system.

Here is an excert from CNN.com:

"New pop-up spam mail creeps onto desktop. Spam tool exploits function meant for network techs."

" (AP) -- As if junk e-mail and pop-up ads weren't annoying enough on their own, now there's pop-up junk e-mail. A developer of bulk-mail software has figured out how to blast computers with pop-up spam over the Internet through a messaging function on many Windows operating systems."


To me this is an invasion of my privacy. It of course could also open up all sorts of spoofs to try to trick new users into revealing sensitive information.

Who knows what they will come up with next. It seems to be one vicious cycle, just as quick as one solution is found, then another problem is presented that needs to have a solution.


Ok, now let's discuss cookies on you computer.


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