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OSL Support: Parasites Spyware Adware Malware
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Drive-by Downloads
The terms Parasites, Spyware, Adware, and Malware refer to the same basic problem. They can get on a Windows computer in three ways. The most common source is visiting a site in Internet Explorer that displays an advertisement that you have to click on to continue. That's when the site installs one or more programs on your computer, without asking any further permission. Sometimes these are referred to as 'Drive-by Downloads'. Another way that parasites are installed is with utility programs that you've agreed to download and install. Example of this include calendars and screen-savers. The third method of 'infection' is through exploiting security holes in Internet Explorer. Even if a user doesn't click on something on web page, a malicious site can deliver its payload of malware.
After the parasite is installed, you'll start seeing pop-up windows, have your searches re-directed, and your every move on the web will be tracked. Eventually, your computer will crash, because these parasites conflict with one another and with regular programs.
Most anti-virus programs won't prevent parasites from installing on a computer. Symantec anti-virus does detect a few of the worst examples. But even if you are reasonably cautious when you are on the Web, there is a good chance that you'll get snagged sooner or later by one of the thousands of parasites that are in wide distribution.
Spyware Tools and Information
Spybot - Search & Destroy - That's what it does to spyware
Spychecker.com - Database of spyware and adware programs.
Lavasoft.com - Ad-aware program detects and removes
adware.
Doxdesk.com - More info about spyware.
Oh, by the way, this page has a script from Doxdesk.com that checks Internet Explorer for a number of spyware parasites. If you didn't see a message, your system doesn't have some of the most common spyware. You should still run Spybot Search and Destroy or Ad-aware regularly.
Updated 5/12/07
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Ocean State Libraries
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300 Centerville Road
Warwick RI, 02886-0226
401-738-2200
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