Spyware and Viruses
If your computer is running slow all of a sudden, chances are you are infected with spyware, or worse, viruses.
Spyware is a term used to refer to malicious software, often installed onto your computer without your knowledge when you visit certain websites. This spyware can be doing anything from tracking your movements on the internet, to dialling another country with your modem. There are many variations.
Other symptoms of spyware can include:
- Problems connecting to the internet
- Pop-up windows
- Strange antivirus warnings that never go away
How can I prevent getting spyware?
If you spend a lot of time on the internet using a Windows PC, staying spyware free an onerous task. Here are some tips to keep your computer clean of spyware and viruses:
Keep your Windows Updated
Windows updates can be set to occur automatically, making it easy to stay up-to-date. This is recommended by Microsoft. Visit Microsoft Updates to check if you are up-to-date.
NB: You must be using internet explorer to visit Microsoft Update.
Keep your browser updated
If you are using Internet Explorer, your current version should be version 8. Firefox is currently up version 3.0.
Have an up-to-date Anti-virus installed
And make sure it is running when you start your computer!
Antivirus updates should be run daily. If you are a home user, you can download a number of free Antivirus programs. My recommendation is Antivir.
NB: Do not install more than one Antivirus onto your PC. This can cause bigger issues than a virus.
An Antivirus scan should be scheduled at least once a week, dependent on your internet activities.
Anti-spyware applications
Have at least 2 reputable anti-spyware programs installed. Ensure these are kept up-to-date and run their resident utility. This keeps an eye out for rogue software trying to install.
Anti-spyware applications should be used to scan your PC, dependent on your internet activity, at least once a week. If you are prone to searching the internet for such things as Cracks, Hacks, free games or Porn, you should scan your machine thoroughly every day.
Run your anti-spyware scans one at a time, but make sure you use at least 2 reputable tools. I recommend the following free anti-spyware applications
- Spybot Search & Destroy
- Google Pack (de-select all but PC spyware doctor before installing the pack)
- Lavasoft Adaware
- Windows Defender
Don’t install those toolbar gadgets
Many toolbars install spyware, some can be crippling. I personally stick to the Google toolbar only. If you prefer yahoo, install their toolbar, but don’t get carried away. If you are in doubt, Google it (keywords toolbarname+spyware). Here are a few examples of toolbars known to contain spyware:
- CoolWebSearch
- HuntBar (WinTools)
- MyWebSearch
- Alexa Toolbar
- Hotbar
- Gator
- SurfurBar
Don’t open emails that are suspicious
Especially if they have attachments. Even viewing the email in the preview pane can trigger some viruses. If in doubt, read the source code of the email to determine if there is a valid message in it. See this website to view instructions on reading the headers for various mail clients
Restrict internet activity
The best way to stay spyware free is to stay away from those high risk sites mentioned previously (e.g. Porn). However this is still not totally foolproof. I have experienced attacks while searching for software drivers, for example, and just you try to keep the kids away from the games sites!
Parental control software such as Net Nanny and Cyber Sitter can restrict your computer users to sites deemed "acceptable", however I’m sure these applications would still allow a search of software drivers or free games, so are not effective as spyware protection.
NEVER! EVER! click "allow" or "yes" or "OK" or "Install"
In fact don’t click any button except "Cancel" or "X" or "Get me the hell outa here", unless you are 100% sure of what you are saying "OK" or "Install" to.
Use a restricted account to surf the internet
This means a user on you PC which has limited access rights, e.g. cannot install programs. If you as the windows user cannot install, then any spyware trying to install during your session will also fail.
DO NOT USE AN ADMINISTRATOR ACCOUNT!
Other ways to improve your computer’s performance
Uninstall any programs you are not using
Often programs are configured to load on Windows start-up. Often these programs also run background tasks while you computer is running. If you are not using a program, uninstalling it may improve your performance.
Defragment your hard-drive regularly
The frequency you will need to do this will depend on your install/uninstall and create/delete activities. I recommend the average user defrag at least once a month. You need at least 15% of your hard-drive space free to fully defrag.
You can also defragment your page file by using a tool such as Sysinternals PageDefrag.
Ensure plenty of free space is left on your hard-drive
Specifically, the drive your Windows folder is on. This is most often your C drive.
Windows needs free space to keep its temporary files on while running. I recommend keeping at least 15% of your hard-drive size as free space.