Most of these messages are so obviously scams that I feel confident that most readers of my column would never fall for such hoaxes in the first place.  I’ve now managed to have most variants of these messages filtered out now on my computer by using the latest version of Mailwasher Pro’s private Spam filter database and Eudora Pro 6.0’s built-in anti-Spam functions to filter out obvious junk mail.

I was recently called in to look at a computer which had started acting “strangely”.  The computer was less than three months old and Dell had satisfied themselves that the problem was not hardware related, thus excluded from their tech support needs. Upon arrival, I quickly discovered all sorts of “free” software running in the background, mostly the sort we classify as “spyware” or “adware”. I’ve addressed that topic in previous columns, but apparently it bears repeating.  After they received my bill, they learned that free software sometimes comes with a hidden price tag.

“Spyware” and “Adware” software are programs frequently installed when you download and install a freeware or shareware program on your computer.  During the installation process, you keep clicking “next” only to find out you should have unchecked that box that automatically installed the other software as well, or the one that said you give them permission to share your information and email address with the world.  I can’t say enough times that you need to scroll down through those “terms and conditions” statements, boring as they may, before you agreed sight unseen to terms you wouldn’t have agreed to if you knew about them.

For example, one harmless and useful program that I have on my system is “Weatherbug”.  For any user who is on full time (i.e. Cable / DSL), “Weatherbug” can be a very useful program. I check it for local weather info before I leave the house or anytime I’m curious about what the temperature outside may be. “Weatherbug” installs a module that is considered “spyware” because it tracks some limited information and reports back to them so they can provide specific ads.  As far as most authorities on this topic are aware, there is no malicious code embedded within and they do not share your personal info with anybody else.  When you install the program, you may have the option to install “MySearch.Com” plug-in for your browser.  This program does report back what key word you are using for searching the Internet and I don’t recommend allowing it to install.  They used to install a module called “Atune” or something similar to that name, supposedly to monitor your computer and alert you when something was going not quite right, then lead you to correct the situation.  My experience with this program was that it brought most computers to their knees (figuratively speaking) and caused many referrals to me for fixing computers that had such a program installed.  While this helped my check book, I can’t recommend it to my clients in good faith.

The best program I’ve found to test your system for the presence of “Spyware” and “Adware” is a free program called “Spybot”.  It appears to be truly free with no embedded advertisements, no tracking software modules, etc., and it does the best job I’ve ever seen in cleaning out a computer with these modules installed.  To learn more about the dangers of this type of software on your computer or to download a free copy of “Spybot”.
 

Don’t forget…if you haven’t updated your anti-virus program since last month’s article you are at risk of catching some of the newer viruses that have been released this month.