Basic Computer Maintenance by Donnie Schexnayder
One of the most common questions computer users ask is, “How do I maintain my computer and keep it running great?” A computer is a lot like a car…it costs more than you think it should, it starts going down in value as soon as you bring it home and it requires regular maintenance to keep it... Here are some links you can visit for more information: McAfee Anti-virus - http://us.mcafee.com/ Norton Anti-virus - http://www.symantec.com/nav/nav_9xnt/ AVG Free Anti-Virus (for home users only) - http://www.grisoft.com/doc/40/lng/ww •Be careful what you install on your computer!

Spyware: What It Is and How to Combat It by Dean Phillips
Spyware is software or hardware installed on a computer without the user's knowledge which gathers information about that user for later retrieval by whomever controls the spyware. Spyware can be broken down into two different categories, surveillance spyware and advertising spyware. ... And while anti-virus software like Symantec's Norton Anti- Virus or McAfee's ViruScan can offer some protection, one of the best ways to combat spyware is with anti-spy software. ... Advertising spyware is software that is installed alongside other software or via activex controls on the internet, often...

Registry Cleaners: Why Do You Need One? by Joseph Tierney
The registry is the place where your computer stores the configuration information about your computer and your installed programs so that your operating system can use them. Maintaining the registry is an important step in keeping your computer healthy. ... Are you having errors that are not solved by your anti-virus or anti-spyware program? ... - Have third party programs running such as Spyware and Adware (you can't stop these from being installed) - Remove software by deleting them from the Program Files folder.

Do You Know These Facts About Spyware ? by Tom Jenson
Imagine something that follows you home and sets itself up in your house. It eats your food, enjoys your drinks, reads everything you bring home or purchase. It runs up your phone bills and no matter where you go, it can follow you and takes notes on everything you do. ... Avoiding irresponsible net behavior, such as downloading programs or files from an unknown sender, the taking of free offers of packaged software, including games, giveaways, software and utilities may prove detrimental to the life and function of your machine.

Spybot - You Suspect You have Spyware In Your System by Jesse Miller
Slow, Slower, Slowest: Your PC or network is slow, and it takes longer to shut down or boot. It takes longer to connect to the Internet and the connection speeds are significantly slower. Just a couple of adware programs can affect your pc drastically. ... It is best to download free Adware Spyware removal programs or Microsoft free Spyware removal Software to take care of the problem instead of diving into the registry manually. ... This free Spyware remover software can be downloaded and run on the system free of cost.

Adware and Spyware - A Dangerous Mix if Overlooked by Jennifer Charleston
Although many people don’t realize it, adware and spyware can be just as damaging to a computer’s performance as viruses or worms. Besides performance issues, both adware and spyware can also be dangerous to a user’s identity and privacy -- each communicates personal information from a user’s... Experts often state that companies who push adware and spyware rely on two things: a user’s desire for free software and a user’s general gullibility. ... Spyware, on the other hand, is software that sends personal information to a third party without a user’s knowledge or permission.

SpyBot.Com (SpyBot Search & Destroy Version 1.4) by Darren Miller
What Is Spyware, Adware, Grayware and Malware? ------------ SpyBot.com - To put it simply; spyware, adware, greyware, and malware, are files and programs, typically installed on your computer without your consent, and range from annoying to quite dangerous. ... How SpyBot-S&D Can Help You ------------ If you are concerned about being spied on, your Internet usage tracked, computer performance problems, people tracking what you type, and the possibility of become the target of fraud, then you need a tool that can pick-up where your anti-virus software drops-off.

The Home Computer User's Guide to Spyware by Richard Rogers
As with the computer virus, spyware can be broken down into a number of different categories. Most users are familiar with the term “adware” which refers to software which serves annoying ads. There are however a number of other spyware variants you should be aware of. ... - Install a reputable anti-virus program like Norton Anti-Virus or McAfee VirusScan. ... - Install a reputable anti-spyware program like Webroot Spy Sweeper or PC Tools Spyware Doctor. ... Software key loggers are often bundled with a Trojan Virus which gives the creator access to your computer.

Basic Spyware Tips by Steve John Cowan
Nowadays, it's a sad but true fact that spyware and adware programs are a far greater threat to your internet security than the dreaded computer viruses. Indeed, spyware, adware and other so-called malware (such as key loggers and trojan horses) actually constitute the biggest single online... The simple answer is that the best approach is a combination of the two, and, unlike anti-virus programs, you can run more than one anti-spyware program on your system without any problems. ... Sometimes, if you download a free or illegal piece of software, they are embedded in the installation...

Protecting Your PC for Free by Rob Pirozzi
It is possible to provide very good protection for your PC without spending any money. There are four excellent software packages that are available for free. All are for home, non-commercial, use, with the exception of Spybot which is free to everyone. ... The free software packages that you should download and install are: ZoneLabs Free ZoneAlarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp) AVG's AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition (http://www.grisoft.com/doc/40/lng/ww) Lavasoft's Ad-Aware SE Personal (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/)...