Girl Geekette

Sometimes there are tell-tell signs of Spyware and Adware on computers.

For example, after installing a program, you seem to be getting numerous web browsers either “popping up” or “popping under” your current web browser, this is a sign of possible Adware and Spuware infection.

If your computer disconnects you from the internet and then proceeds to dial into other numbers on its own - even if you are away from the computer, this could e a sign. And some programs are even set to dial 1-900 numbers. And, guess who gets hit with the bill for that one!

If you have a “Start” or a “Home page” on your web browser that keeps returning even after you have changed it in the “Internet options” section of your preferences, or if you have re-occurring links appearing in your “Favorites” or “Bookmarks” of your web browser, you could be "infected". These signs can be a warning of Adware and Spyware.

More often, the signs are not as pronounced. Your internet connection speed may seem to slow down some, but go unnoticed whether you are on dial up or broadband. Your computer might be running other processes in the background and taking up your processor speed. Signs such as these are not as noticed as the obvious ones. But, they are still symptoms.