As most computer users know, it's very difficult to surf the web without annoying pop-ups or other distractions. This page is to help you have a better experience on the net and to help keep your computer healthy. Some of the malicious software (malware) can actually cost you money. Automated dialers can call chat lines without your knowledge. If you use a computer that is in any way connected to the internet or other computers, you are at risk of identity theft, theft of passwords, loss of important files and spying.
There are many different types of malicious software. The following are the most common types:
Virus:
Many people refer to all types of malware as viruses. To be more precise, viruses are malicious code that are designed to do damage. Some delete or corrupt files. These are the most damaging type of infection because you will, many times, lose important information.
Macro Virus:
If you've used spreadsheets or software like Word, you know that there are 'macros' that allow you to do common, repetitive tasks more easily. While these tools may be helpful, they are also a danger to your computer. If you open an infected document into a program that supports macros, the macro could perform some malicious task and cause you grief. If you don't know who sent you the document, don't open it.
Worm:
A worm is a self replicating piece of malware that copies itself onto as many computers as possible. This type of software can bog down networks but usually doesn't purposely damage or delete files.
Trojan:
Trojans are malware the arrive within a seemingly benign piece of software or code. The malicious code can come in as a screensaver or even as an image file‡. They are designed to do several things but generally, they provide access to your computer to a hacker. Many times, the trojan will open a backdoor and allow access to information including passwords, personal information or any other information on your computer.
Hybrid:
Hybrids are malware that are a combination of one or more of the previous types of malicious code. These will likely become more and more common as the malware writers seek to inflict the most damage possible.
Adware:
Adware is software that is used to place ads on your computer. Typically, they are in the form of pop-ups. These are commonly loaded when you visit sites where you expect to get something (bootlegged/illegal software, free music...) for nothing. Some of offending software includes music download software (kazaa, grokster...), smiley face animations, screensavers, search bars (with a few exceptions), fancy cursors and in many circumstances codec packs. When you unpack/install the software, the installer program loads additional software onto your computer that spies on your surfing habits and loads ads to try to sell you something. These can easily overwhelm your computer and render it unusable.
To avoid problems with ads or undesirable tracking that are associated with any 'free' software, read the EULA (End User License Agreement) to learn the terms of use of the software you're downloading. The EULA is the text that you typically blindly agree to when loading software. If the software manufacturer/author is honest, they will spell out all of the terms of use associated with the software. They should tell you what information is gathered and how it's to be used. It should also tell you if other software is to be bundled with it. If other software is in the package, you may need to find the EULA for the respective software.
Dialer:
A dialer is a piece of software that uses your modem* to call very expensive sex chat lines. It can do this without your knowledge (until you get your phone bill).
*: Even if you have broadband service, you may still have a modem. Many people have the ability to send faxes with their computer. The fax software would require a standard phone line hook-up to be able to dial the other fax machines. If this is the case on your computer, be very careful about what software you download from the internet.
Keyloggers:
Malicious keyloggers (a form of trojan-horse malware) monitor and report keystrokes (on your keyboard) to a third party. Typically they are used to capture passwords and other sensitive information. The information collected is often used for credit card fraud. Some of the software recommended on this page detects a few keyloggers. If you want the best protection against this type of malware, you need to use a dedicated anti-keylogging program. A Google search should turn up quite a few. If you find one you think you want to use, do a search for it specifically to see if it's a legitimate program. Check Major Geeks for applicable software.
Many sites will will ask you if you want to install their fancy-pants toolbar to help you better search the net. In most all circumstances, do NOT do it. Most are adware/spyware infected and will cause more problems than they solve. One of the few exceptions is the Google toolbar (http://www.toolbar.google.com/). When it asks if you want to allow anonymous usage statistics, tell it no.
Note:
The Yahoo toolbar and the eBay toolbar are also good, safe toolbars.
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