Did You Know?

Spyware and other unwanted software refers to software that performs certain tasks on your computer, typically without your consent. This may include giving you advertising or collecting personal information about you.

• Are your kids exposing you to spyware?
• How to help keep your kids from downloading spyware

DON'T PANIC!

In its bid to protect subscribers' machines from attack, MWEB has added Spyware update. This is meant to complement other services already existing to protect the subscribers and their machines, these include the Virus Hospital and Spam Filter.

Spyware has proved to be one of the top and notorious problems a PC user can have. When we talk about privacy online we're talking about anonymity, and the freedom to
surf without your actions being tracked and/or recorded. Could you imagine if there were checkpoints from your house to the grocery store or mall and you had to have your identity confirmed at each checkpoint? Well, technology is a two-edged sword and "Big Business" has been sharpening and freely using the other edge.

There are two issues we need to address in protecting our privacy:

* Cookies
* Spyware

Cookies are text files that some Internet sites store on your computer to aid in your experience at their site. For instance, if you have an Amazon account, whenever you go to the site it greets you with your name. This is because the information is stored in a cookie on your machine.

Spyware is usually distributed via freeware. Upon installing the program, the installation includes a tracking program which logs your Internet movements and sends the data back to the company.

Note: Do not confuse spyware with adware, even though some spyware disguises itself as adware. Adware displays ads for products when freeware is installed and despite the fact that it is annoying, no personal information is sent back to the company. In fact, if you register the program (which you should) the ads will cease.