Top 10 Tech Tools to Bring to Thanksgiving Dinner

I was reading a post on Lifehacker about how if you are in the tech field, or are just the "computer geek" of the family that you will most likely be sucked into fixing your family members computer. It happens to me not just at Thanksgiving, but pretty much any time I go to one of my relatives' houses.

Honestly, it doesn't really bother me too badly. I actually love this stuff. When I come across a computer infected with some nasty viruses I sort of feel like Keanu Reeves in the movie Constantine.

With that in mind, here is my list of essential cleanup and optimization tools you can use to fix the in-laws computers this Thanksgiving.

Spybot Search & Destroy - I have written about this one before. It is great, and the latest version has many added security features to help "immunize" your in-laws computers and keep them safe.

Avast! Antivirus - My all time personal favorite. If there is a virus, this sucker will catch it and eliminate it.

Comodo Internet Security - I have been using this for quite a while now, and I love it. It just works. Simple as that.

Firefox - Lets face it, Internet Exploder just isn't that secure. Firefox is simply a better internet browser for security.

CCleaner - CCleaner is sort of like the built in Windows disk clean up utility...On steroids. Besides cleaning up the junk on your computer, it also has a really great registry cleaner too among other things.

Spyware Blaster - This one is good because it pro actively works to keep spyware from being installed in the first place.

JKDefrag - I particularly like this one, because it comes with a screen saver feature which is great because your in laws never have to think about defragging. Whenever they step away from the computer and the screen saver comes on the defrag process will begin.

Here are some alternatives to some of the above, if you don't like those ones:

AVG Free Antivirus - Often rated as the number one free antivirus available

Zone Alarm Firewall - Another good free firewall solution with proven protection.

Windows Defender - Some have mixed feeling on this one, but for the most part it is pretty good. I do like that it has automatic update features, so you can set it and forget it.

Once your in-laws computers are cleaned up, defragged, and virus free, don't forget to install all of the latest patches and service packs, and turn on their automatic updates.

If everything goes well, their computers should stay running smoothly. That is until the next time you visit.

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Spyware & Adware: The War against it

Spyware and Adware are not only an ever-increasing nuisance for computer users everywhere, but also a booming industry.

According to Webroot Software, Inc., the distribution of online advertisements through spyware and adware has become a whopping $2 billion industry.

The aggressive advertising and spying tactics demonstrated by some of these programs, require an equally aggressive response from a seasoned eradicator. Sunbelt Software is such a company. A leader in Anti-Spyware, Anti-Spam, Network Security and System Management tools, they gave consistently remained on the cutting-edge of anti-spyware programming since 1994.

So you might be asking:

Why do I feel as if somebody watching me?

According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, spyware infects more than 90% of all PCs today. These unobtrusive, malicious programs are designed to silently bypass firewalls and anti-virus software without the users knowledge.

Once embedded in a computer, it can wreak havoc on the systems performance while gathering your personal information. Fortunately, unlike viruses and worms, spyware programs do not usually self-replicate.

Where Does It Come From?

Typically, spyware originates in three ways. The first and most common way is when the user installs it. In this scenario, spyware is embedded, attached, or bundled with a freeware or shareware program without the users knowledge. The user downloads the program to their computer.

Once downloaded, the spyware program goes to work collecting data for the spyware authors personal use or to sell to a third-party. Beware of many P2P file-sharing programs. They are notorious for downloads that posses spyware programs.

The user of a downloadable program should pay extra attention to the accompanying licensing agreement. Often the software publisher will warn the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested program.

Unfortunately, we do not always take the time to read the fine print.

Some agreements may provide special opt-out boxes that the user can click to stop the spyware from being included in the download. Be sure to review the document before signing off on the download.

Another way that spyware can access your computer is by tricking you into manipulating the security features designed to prevent any unwanted installations. The Internet Explorer Web browser was designed not to allow websites to start any unwanted downloads. That is why the user has to initiate a download by clicking on a link. These links can prove deceptive.

For example: a pop-up modeled after a standard Windows dialog box, may appear on your screen. The message may ask you if you would like to optimize your Internet access. It provides yes or no answer buttons, but, no matter which button you push, a download containing the spyware program will commence. Newer versions of Internet Explorer are now making this spyware pathway a little more difficult.

Finally, some spyware applications infect a system by attacking security holes in the Web browser or other software. When the user navigates a webpage controlled by a spyware author, the page contains code designed to attack the browser, and force the installation of the spyware program.

What Can Spyware Programs Do?

Spyware programs can accomplish a multitude of malicious tasks. Some of their deeds are simply annoying for the user; others can become downright aggressive in nature.

Spyware can:

• Monitor your keystrokes for reporting purposes.
• Scan files located on your hard drive.
• Snoop through applications on our desktop.
• Install other spyware programs into your computer.
• Read your cookies.
• Steal credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information.
• Change the default settings on your home page web browser.
• Mutate into a second generation of spyware thus making it more difficult to eradicate.
• Cause your computer to run slower.
• Deliver annoying pop up advertisements.
• Add advertising links to web pages for which the author does not get paid. Instead, payment is directed to the spyware programmer that changed the original affiliates settings.
• Provide the user with no uninstall option and places itself in unexpected or hidden places within your computer making it difficult to remove.

Examples of Spyware

Here are a few examples of commonly seen spyware programs:

(Please note that while researchers will often give names to spyware programs, they may not match the names the spyware-writers use.)

CoolWebSearch, a group of programs, that install through holes found in Internet Explorer. These programs direct traffic to advertisements on Web sites including coolwebsearch This spyware nuisance displays pop-up ads, rewrites search engine results, and alters the computer host file to direct the Domain Name System (DNS) to lookup preselected sites.

Internet Optimizer (a/k/a DyFuCa), likes to redirect Internet Explorer error pages to advertisements. When the user follows the broken link or enters an erroneous URL, a page of advertisements pop up.

180 Solutions reports extensive information to advertisers about the Web sites which you visit. It also alters HTTP requests for affiliate advertisements linked from a Web site. Therefore the 180 Solutions Company makes an unearned profit off of the click through advertisements theyve altered.

HuntBar (a/k/a WinTools) or Adware.Websearch, is distributed by Traffic Syndicate and is installed by ActiveX drive-by downloading at affiliate websites or by advertisements displayed by other spyware programs. Its a prime example of how spyware can install more spyware. These programs will add toolbars to Internet Explorer, track Web browsing behavior, and display advertisements.

How Can I Prevent or Combat Spyware?

There are a couple things you can do to prevent spyware from infecting your computer system. First, invest in a reliable commercial anti-spyware program. There are several currently on the market including stand alone software packages such as Lavasofts Ad-Aware or Windows Antispyware. Other options provide the anti-spyware software as part of an anti-virus package.

This type of option is offered by companies such as Sophos, Symantec, and McAfee. Anti-spyware programs can combat spyware by providing real-time protection, scanning, and removal of any found spyware software. As with most programs, update your anti virus software frequently.

As discussed, the Internet Explorer (IE) is often a contributor to the spyware problem because spyware programs like to attach themselves to its functionality.

Because of this, many users have switched to non-IE browsers. However, if you prefer to stick with Internet Explorer, be sure to update the security patches regularly, and only download programs from reputable sources. This will help reduce your chances of a spyware infiltration.

And, When All Else Fails?

Noticed I said when and not if? As spyware is growing in destruction and it covers easily more than 90% of the computers (thats you and me, 9 in 10!), the only solution you may have is backing up your data, and performing a complete reinstall of the operating system!


By Neil Parnham
Article Source: Article Street

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Remove Dangerous Spyware and Protect your System Now

Spyware is now destroying computers and lives all over the world. Thieves are gaining access to personal information like credit card info, bank accounts and passwords all from the pleasure of there own home. Spyware can also quickly destroy your pc leaving you with a pile of junk. Spyware has cost me three computers to date and I'm just plain sick of it. This article will give you the info on which software to install to make sure you are getting the best possible protection available.

So what is spyware?

If you are not computer savvy well spyware is a specially designed piece of software that will collect surfing habits and personal information once it has entered your PC. There are also certain types of spyware that can remain hidden in your computer until the owner of the program has given the command to activate. Once the command has been given you will start experiencing symptoms like pop ups appearing while not connected to the internet, computer running slow and not being able to connect to your usual home page to name a few. If this is the case well the chances are you are infected with some type of spyware.

What to do if I'm infected?

Well the very first thing you should do is get yourself some spyware removal software to detect any spyware present on your computer. Now if you don't have the cash to spend at presant then there are a number of free programs available. Two that come to mind are Ad aware and Spy bot search and destroy. Just remember these are free programs and tend to leave some spyware behind. So please get yourself a paid software tool once you have some money as I have found they do a far better scan. But just use the two mentioned above for now and clean out you system.

Ok you now have a spyware free computer lets look at additional software to protect you even further.
Pop Up Blockers

Now these are now a very important piece of software to have installed on your computer. Why? I shall explain. Pop ups can be used as another type of program to plant spyware on your computer. If you surf the net a lot I'm sure you have encountered them. The thing i think most Internet users don't under stand about the pop up is they simply think pushing the X closes the pop up and that's the end of that. Well in some cases that's totally wrong!! You see people can simply change the X button to OK or Download while it still looks like the close button. So you are actually giving the program permission to download onto your system and you don't even realize it. If this does happen the best thing to do is log of immediately before the download gets a chance to finish. Better still get a blocker installed and stop pop ups in the first place. There are plenty around for free.
Anti-virus

This is one of the best software programs you can have installed on your computer. Anti-virus software will detect and isolate any Trojans, key loggers and worms trying to gain access to your computer, usually when you are downloading a file or product off the net. This also gives you the ability to scan any emails you receive in your inbox. But please if you don't know who its from just delete it, opening emails from unknown senders is one of the more common causes of spyware infection.
Register Cleaners

This a great little piece of software for cleaning up any un-used files that may be left behind from any spyware and software programs you may have recently removed. I love it and you would be surprised what gets left behind. This will clean out your cache, temporary Internet files and browser history also so it makes sense to get one installed. This will speed up your computer considerably and make surfing the net very fast.
Install a Firewall

Firewalls are your best protection against hackers. If you leave an opening on your computer hackers can gain access to your computer and practerlly do as the wish? Hackers are extremely good at what they do and if you store personal info on your PC they will find it. Now if you don't store that type of info on your computer, well they will simply install and hide some spyware designed to activate when you visit certain websites of their choice. So the next time you are doing your banking or making an online purchase the spyware will activate itself and gather all your personal information and send it back to the hacker. This will result in Identity theft!!

Ok if you install all these types of software programs on your computer your personal info and Pc should be pretty safe. There are new types of spyware hitting the Internet every day so just make sure to update the software at least once a week.

By Robert Pearce

Robert Pearce has helped hunderds of Internet users Remove spyware from there Computer systems with his expert spyware software reviews. So Make the right choice and visit his site today.

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AVG Free 8.0.1 Now Available!

This weekend I was setting up a new virtual Windows XP workstation on my Ubuntu laptop, and decided I should get some virus protection. Out of my many options for free anti virus, I thought I would go with old faithful, AVG. AVG and Avast! have always been my top two favorite free anti viruses. AVG beats out Avast with easy of use in my opinion. Even if you disagree, the fact that you have to re-register Avast is a turning off point, because how many ignorant losers...errr...users do you think are out there who don't know their anti virus has expired? With AVG, the average person can install it and forget it.

Anyway, so I go to download the free anti virus, and low and behold they have finally released version 8.0.1 free! Version 8.0 of their premium product has been out for a while, but now they have finally upgraded their free version too. Let me tell you, this new version is pretty bad ass in my opinion. Here are some things I noticed right off the bat:

1. Anti-spyware protection: That's right, this puppy now protects your from Spyware and Adware along with virus protection.
2. Link Scanner: Direct quote from AVG, "LinkScanner blocks dangerous websites and checks links on the most popular search engines for threats."

Not to mention the same effective resident shield on-access scanner and virus scanner you have all grown to love!

If you have an older version of AVG, or you have an expired anti virus product, check out the latest version of AVG.

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Surf The Web Anonymously, and Be Encrypted Too

Do you know who is watching you surf the internet? Did you know there are companies that make money off of figuring out which websites you go to the most while simultaneously collecting your personal information?

According to PCSecurityNews.com:

• 8 out of 10 PC’s are infected with some sort of Spyware, with an average of 24.4 spies per PC scanned.
• Microsoft estimates that 50% of all PC crashes are due to spyware.
• Dell reports that 20% of all technical support calls involve spyware.

So how do you avoid being tracked and spied on? You get need to encrypt your web footprint, and surf anonymously. There are many ways of doing this, and if you have a preferred way let me know in the comments. I however am only going to talk about one way for now, and that is using an anonymous proxy with encryption.

The proxy I am talking specifically about is called The Cloak. According to their website there are a whole gaggle of reasons to surf anonymously. You can check out their reasons here (Why Use The Cloak?)

Here is a list of The Cloak's features from their website:

• HTTP and HTTPS anonymous proxy: hide your identity from the sites you visit
  
  
• Encrypted connection: hide your surfing from local snooping
  
  
• Remote cookies: keep cookies at our site, and delete them after each session
  
  
• User configurable content filtration: selectively remove Javascript, Java, and active content
  
  
• FREE anonymous browsing

Remember it isn't just big brother that is watching you online. It is also big corporations that want to know your surfing habits, or identity thief's that want your personal information. Protect yourself, and surf anonymously.

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How to Spot Spyware Without your Glasses

If you know anything about spyware and the problems it can cause for the average computer user, you've got a head start. But once you understand the dangers that spyware and adware programs pose to your computer and your personal information, what can you do to prevent it from interfering with your life?

The best thing anyone can do to adequately deal with spyware and adware is to be informed about the issue and proactive in dealing with it. For instance, knowing how to recognize a program as spyware, avoiding certain websites and guarding against malicious software from infesting your hard drive can take you a long way. When armed with the right knowledge you will be able to face the problem without so much worry and fear.

Nobody wants spyware tracking their every computer move, which is why individuals and companies that desire to do so are resorting to more underhanded and covert methods of spyware infection. And as the general computer user becomes more aware of the existence of spyware and adware, they have even more reason to use hidden tactics to achieve their objective and invade your privacy.

In the best case scenario spyware simply archives information related to your browsing habits while you're online and sends it back to a company that uses the information for advertising research. This type of spyware is commonly referred to as adware. It is not the most harmful form of spyware but can be a nuisance to eliminate and slows down even the fastest of computers.

In the worst case scenario, a keylogging program is installed on your personal computer to collect private information you don't want falling into the wrong hands passwords, online banking information, and anything else that you might type into your computer during the normal course of a day. This type of spyware can also track other aspects of computer usage including applications used, instant messenger conversations, hidden windows and mouse clicks.

These programs can infect your computer when you download free programs, so one effective way to avoid spyware is by keeping your system clear of excess junk. If you really don't need that free fishbowl screensaver, restrain yourself and stick with the ones you already have. Or opt for a high-quality screensaver that costs a little money but will save you a whole lot of frustration. In addition, staying away from freeware sites altogether is recommended because even if you don't download anything, many sites attach a cookie to your browser after you visit the website that will be used to track your movements online. Avoid questionable websites and you'll avoid this type of spyware.

Refrain from downloading files from other sources as well. For example, a spyware program can be downloaded through an e-greeting, email, by clicking on a pop-up, or through other sources. To avoid getting infected through a pop-up ad, do not click anywhere on the pop-up window. Instead, click the "X" located in the top right hand corner of the window to close the pop-up entirely. If there is no way to close the window, disconnect from the Internet and close your browser.

Another possible source of spyware infection is a browser toolbar. Many toolbars are set up to track your browsing habits and search queries in order to create targeted advertising. Toolbars can generate pop-ups and even display dynamic ads in the toolbar itself that are based on your interests, as suggested by your online activity. In fact, it may seem as if the websites you visit generate the pop-ups you see, but often these ads are actually produced by the hidden spyware and adware already present on your computer.

Unfortunately, you don't always have to make the first move to get spyware on your computer. Many people are careful to avoid downloading strange email attachments and stay away from questionable downloads altogether, but this is not enough. There are a growing number of spyware and adware programs on the Internet that specifically take advantage of Windows vulnerabilities to infect your system without your knowledge or consent. Known as a drive-by-download, this type of infection latches onto your computer while you're online. In this situation, a downloader Trojan is installed on your computer this program then downloads and executes files from certain locations online whenever your computer is connected to the Internet, all without your help. The downloaded files then display pop-up ads on your computer. The surefire way to avoid most of these programs is by keeping up with Windows security updates. Always install the updates when they are made available and you will be able to circumvent most adware problems that exploit the security holes in Windows.

In particular, rogue anti-spyware and registry cleaner programs are utilizing this type of technology to illicitly promote their products. Once the adware has been secretly installed on your computer, pop-up windows start appearing that are designed to scare you into downloading an anti-spyware or registry cleaner product. Specifically, a window might say you have a spyware threat on your computer and tries to convince you to download the company's anti-spyware software to rid your computer of the infection. As you might have already guessed, these claims are false most likely your computer is not infected with spyware (or only infected with the adware originating from the company attempting to sell you the anti-spyware product). Rogue anti-spyware programs are disguised as legitimate solutions for spyware dilemmas but are actually set up to deceive victims into purchasing a product to fix a problem that doesn't exist. If you don't want to be conned into buying a fake anti-spyware product, do not respond to this type of pop-up ad.

Signs of Infection

If you do have spyware on your PC you can usually recognize the signs without the "help" of a rogue anti-spyware program. For instance, too much spyware will bog down your system and cause your computer to run slowly. You will probably be overrun by an excess of pop-ups and fake alert messages. In addition, your homepage and list of favorites might suddenly change and reappear even after restoring the default. Other things to look out for:

• A new browser toolbar emerges without your consent, which is impossible to remove
• Every time you conduct an online search the results are redirected to an unfamiliar search engine
• Unexplained calls to 900 numbers begin appearing on your phone bill
• Any anti-spyware or security programs you do have installed stop working
• Your modems send and receive lights blink continually even when you are not doing anything online

If you think you do have spyware on your system, the best way to avoid scam artists is to stick with well-known, expert-recommended anti-spyware/adware removal products. Some quick research will give you all the information you need to know about the subject. If you've never heard of the company before or suspect suspicious and overblown advertising techniques, stay away. And follow your instincts if you think a company doesn't appear professional or trustworthy walk away from the offer. There are several excellent anti-spyware programs available on the market that can help you elude the troubles associated with spyware.

By Katerina Mitrou

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Google Fighting Malware

Today must be Google day. I just finished posting an article about using Google as a password cracker, and now I am posting one about the good side of the internet giant.

This one comes from Download Squad. They are reporting that Google has actively cleaned it's database of hundreds of thousands of malware redirect sites. Many of these sites earner high Google rankings by using bots to spam forums, and comments to artificially build up their back links.

According to Download Squad:

Google has cleansed more than 40,000 of these hosting sites from their index, so for now - it looks like the biggest source of this sort of attack has been taken offline.OK - you might be thinking, spam search results show up everyday - why is this a big deal? It's a big deal because the techniques used for these attacks was more clever and thought out than the typical SEO-poisoning. It's also a big deal just based on the sheer scale of sites and domains dedicated to hosting these links and because of the malware involved.

Great job Google! That will certainly help to reduce the number of spyware, trojans and virus calls I get on a daily basis.

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Why Those Free Software Downloads May not Exactly Be Free

Most downloadable software sites are just spy ware. By downloading from these sites you leave yourself vulnerable to hackers and pop ups. If you receive an email with anti spy ware links do not click on these.

When using the Internet be very cautious of free downloadable software, such as sites that offer you free downloadable cursors, tool bars, and smiley faces as well as many other appealing things. If you don''t know this site is a safe site then do not download anything from the site. Most downloadable software sites are just spy ware. By downloading from these sites you leave yourself vulnerable to hackers and pop ups. If you receive an email with anti spy ware links do not click on these. These advertisers are trying to make you think they are a reputable site giving you anti spyware when really you are downloading those programs.

If you think you may have these programs on your computer make sure you find a reputable site to provide protective spyware for you. If you wish to limit pop ups and spy ware; adjust your browser accordingly to limit your pop ups and spy ware. Some tool bars give you the option to block all pop ups, as much as this may be a good thing it can be bad as well because it can stop all windows from popping up including normal ones you are familiar with. Always try to be familiar with any pages you plan to open other wise you may be opening spy-ware. Again it can be downloaded with or without your knowledge so the best you can do is to keep an anti virus/spyware program on your computer.

If you think you may have these programs on your computer, then you need to get it off of your PC as soon as you can; spyware can take your personal information and give it out to anyone without your knowledge. Some anti virus programs are designed with removers built in. There are two types of anti spy-ware programs: those that alert you after the it has already been downloaded onto your computer. These are okay but not always a best choice because they may have already done their damage. The second type alerts you as it is trying to download onto your computer. These are very good ideas because it can stop the program in its tracks.

If you tend to use the Internet a lot you should run a scan of your computer at least once a week to check for any viruses or other malicious programs. If you do not have a protective program try to find a reputable detection program such as; Ad Aware, Spy Sweeper, Pest Patrol, Spy bot search and destroy. All of these are great programs to help your computer stand up against malicious programs and keep your computer safe from the hassles of the Internet.

By Gregg Hall

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as popup blocker software at http://www.firstpopupblocker.com

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Are You Spyware Savvy?

Most of us who use computers are afraid of spyware and the problems it causes. So, you learn all about spyware and the ways to protect yourself from it. How will you know whether you have complete knowledge? Well what you can do is to surf the World Wide Web for the latest on spyware and computer security.

You can test your knowledge by taking self-tests and quizzes. Companies like Microsoft are very consumer friendly and make an effort to upload tons of information on computers and software for users in search of knowledge.

According to Microsoft you can test your knowledge by answering the following questions:

1. How will you prevent children from accidentally downloading spyware?

The answer must be: You can prevent children from downloading spyware by giving them a limited user account.

2. What are browser cookies?

Ans: These are created by unethical persons to track your browsing preferences for their own use, to spam your pc with advertisements and marketing ploys, to steal personal information like bank account details, credit card numbers and so on, and to cause harm to your computer and business by stealing data/files.

3. How can you use technology to protect your computer?

Ans: Many giants in computer technology are offering software and hardware to prevent spyware attacks. For example Windows Defender Beta 2 is one option.

4. What is Windows Defender?

Ans: It is an anti-spyware software that can detect spyware and warn you immediately, inform you of possible dangers and new spywares, remove spyware. It protects your PC against pop ups, slow functioning, security threats, and infections.

5. What are common signs that show your computer is infected?

Ans: Signs are unwarranted pop ups, strange PC behavior, change in homepage settings, appearance of new tool bars not installed by you, slowing down of computer, loss of files, crashing of computer, and so on.

6. What are the precautions to be taken?

Ans: Precautions are: install a fire wall, update all software, pay attention to security settings, use anti-spyware programs, use the internet safely.

7. Is a firewall useful?

Ans: Yes, it examines all information and acts as a filter anything even faintly suspicious will not be permitted, it will create a protective cloak and prevent undesirable sources from detecting your computer on the net.

8. How does spyware work and what protects your computer?

Ans: A spyware is a thief it can use information on you, steal files, and place undesirable material on your computer. The pc must be protected by use of firewall, anti-spyware hardware as well as software, and careful browsing as well as downloads.

9. Where can you get protection against spyware?

Ans: There are many choices a few are: Platinum Internet security 2005, Microsoft Beta 2, Webroot Spy Sweeper, Sunbelt Counter Spy, and Spybot.

10. Name three security measures?

Ans: One must not open e-mails with attachments from unknown sources; use a spam guard for all e-mail accounts, and avoid using messengers.


These days knowledge is available at the click of a mouse button so update your knowledge base and keep abreast of new developments.

About the Author:Chris Young is a freelance writer for Free Online Games, the premier website to play thousands of free online games including arcade games, action games, card games, flash games, strategy games, puzzle games and more.

View all articles by Chris Young

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The Art of Keylogging

I found a juicy little application yesterday, that I'm sure you all will like, or at least be somewhat interested in. There are many things you can do with such a utility, mostly subversive, but also morally sound. Before I go any further, I want to make it clear that In some states (and some countries, for my international readers) use of such software may be illegal. I do not encourage or condone the use of any software in violation of applicable laws. Please check your local laws before use of this software.

With that out of the way, let me give you some scenarios to think about:

Scenario One: You have a teenage daughter around the age of 13. She has lied about her age, and signed herself up on Myspace and is absolutely obsessed with maximizing her friend quantity. She is adding everyone in sight as her friend, when she adds Joe Predator as her buddy. Joe Predator is a 40 year old software developer looking for some underage action (See Dateline's to catch a Predator). He starts chatting your daughter up, and telling her how pretty she is. She, being the naïve, and impressionable young lady that most teenage girls are falls for Joe's wit and charm hook, line and sinker. The next thing you know she schedules a meeting with Joe, and becomes an unfortunate victim.

Scenario Two: You've been happily married for seven years. All of a sudden though, over the last few months, your spouse has been working late every night. He/ She says not to worry, it's just because there is a new "project" they are working on that requires the extra hours. You have also noticed that they are spending an unusual amount of time on the computer and online chat rooms, places that they never went to before. Another month passes by, and all of a sudden, your spouse leaves you and your children for someone else. The person they have been cheating on you with. The person they met using an online dating service.

Scenario Three: You are a hacker, and you need to obtain someone's password in order to crack their account. I think you know where I'm going with this one...

Well, the juicy little program I found yesterday can help you with one or all three of the above scenarios. It is what is known in the business as a keylogger. Just as the name suggests, it will log all keystrokes on a computer for you to review later. With this you can see what websites they are going to, what programs they are using, wheat e-mails they are typing, who they are emailing, who they are chatting with and of course, what passwords they are using.

The program I am recommending for this today is called Actual Keylogger 2.4 and is absolutely free. It runs in the background so no one knows it is recording keystrokes. It saves all information in an encrypted log file that only you can access using a password. Only the person with the password can decrypt the log. You can also hide the program in the program's settings, by removing shortcuts from the desktop, program menu, removing it from add or remove programs, and even hiding the program folder itself.

For home users it will be easy to install. For users at work, it might not be so easy if you don't have administrator right, but as I mentioned before, there are ways to get those rights. You may also have to disable antivirus or antispyware software in order to use it, or at least set the programs to ignore it so it doesn't tip off the mark.

It really is a cool little program, certainly has it's uses. If you had it on your computer for the scenarios above, you could monitor your teenage daughter's online activities, catch your spouse cheating, or obtain the secret password so you can hack into the Gibson!

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Stopping Spyware

Wikipedia defines Spyware as "...computer software that collects personal information about users without their informed consent." Some of it is worse than others. Most of it is used by marketing companies to track website usage to tailor advertisements to match your surfing habits. Others are a little more intrusive and can harm your computer.

I find that a lot of people are completely oblivious to spyware, and it's affects on their computers. Most average users have only heard of antivirus, and pay no consideration to an antispyware solution. I have on numerous occasions taken calls, or went to some one's house asking me to do something about their computer running so ridiculously slow. 9 times out of 10, their systems are riddled with spyware.



So what are you going to do about it? I'll be honest, I don't mind being paid $50 an hour to come over and clean up your computer, but let's face it, you can do it yourself for free.

Two of the best antispyware solutions on the Internet are free, and if used together with your antivirus program (By the way there are free versions of those too), you can keep your system relatively clean. Some of you already know the secrets I am about to reveal, and probably don't think they are secrets at all. For the rest, you have never heard of either of these, and to those people...You're welcome!

1) Spybot Search & Destroy: This little utility is absolutely free of charge, and if you read the license, is not only restricted to private use. It is donation ware, so if you feel obligated, please donate to their cause. It is really great and is updated regularly. You can also schedule it to autoupdate with certain command switches, and you can also schedule it to run at certain times. What's that smell? It smells like automation!

2) Adaware SE Personal: This utility by Lavasoft is only free for personal use, so that's right...You can't add it to the corporate Ghost image legally. According to Lavasoft, Adaware scans"...your RAM, Registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known data-mining, advertising, and tracking components." Since it isn't the pro version, you can't easily automate Adaware. For automation, you have to buy their pro version.

As I mentioned above, it is best to install both programs together and run them both. One will catch what the other missed and vice versa. Complete the trinity with your antivirus, and keep your computer running at maximum efficiency.

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