When surfing the internet, you may be warned by many people to keep an eye out for any suspicious activities to stay far away from trouble. While the internet has been a god-send for many, it has been the breeding ground for criminal activities. All sorts of dangers lurk in the digital world, and for those who have let their guard down, they faced troubling viruses they did not even realize they downloaded from the internet.
Speaking of downloads, many people download software from the internet. Unfortunately, some of this software can be categorized as either Spyware or Adware. If you do not know the difference between these two, let alone understand what they are, you are at the right place. This article will define what Adware and Spyware are and help you know what to do if they infect your computer.
Adware
As the name implies, this kind of software uses advertisements to support it. It will not be as destructive as other problems such as viruses and spyware. However, it will cause plenty of headaches on your end. Adware works by causing unwanted ads to pop up when you are surfing the internet. This is extremely annoying, especially if your activities are constantly interrupted by these pop-ups.
Spyware
Unlike adware, spyware is a lot more dangerous. As the name suggests, this kind of software is used by criminals to spy on your activities. This includes looking through your browsing activities, along with stealing information such as login or credit card credentials. Unfortunately, spyware works quietly, meaning that its activities will be hard to detect if detectable at all.
Addressing the problematic software
One of the best ways to ensure your computer does not succumb to any malicious software is to download anti-virus software. With one, it will continuously screen your downloads, ensuring that the files you download do not come laced with adware or spyware. With it, you can also run scans throughout your whole computer to detect other types of dangers to address them before trouble spells.
Another way to protect your computer at all times is to keep its operating system updated. This means that if you are running an OS such as Windows 10, you will need to run a windows update whenever possible. This ensures your security is always up-to-date, keeping you ahead of the criminals.
Regardless of how you go about protecting your computer, always remember to have backups made for the PC. If the worst comes to worst, you can fully restore your computer without losing too much data.
Conclusion
You would not want spyware or adware on your computer, no matter who you are. As such, you must keep your guard up when surfing the online world, making sure that you are only downloading legitimate software from reputable sources.
That being said, if you find that your computer has been infected, that neither the built-in security of the operating system nor the anti-virus has been able to combat it, do not be afraid to send the computer to a repair shop. With a professional to check the issue, they can guide you on the best action they can take.
Finchum Fixes It is a provider of computer IT services in Indianapolis, such as computer repair and networking to satisfy any IT or computer-related needs. If you need help removing adware, spyware, or any other viruses, contact us today and see how we can help.
