|
The
Advanced Micro Services System Analyzer is a tool which scans users systems
to uncover data on potential privacy threats. Request the tool
In connection with your use of the Advanced Micro Services
System Analyzer, Advanced Micro Services warrants only that the information
will be substantially accurate and complete. Advanced Micro Services shall
have no liability of any kind in connection with the acquisition, provision
or use of any included information
What is Spyware?
The term spyware refers
to software that gathers personal information from your computer, sometimes
without your knowledge. The information is often used for advertising
purposes. Spyware may cause your computer to slow down or encounter
errors. Spyware has also been known to cause unwanted pop-up
advertisements, an inability to connect to the Internet, and problems
printing.
You might
have spyware or other unwanted software on your computer if:
| • |
You see
pop-up advertisements even when you're not
on the Web. |
| • |
The page
your Web browser first opens to (your home
page) or your browser search settings have
changed without your knowledge. |
| • |
You notice
a new toolbar in your browser that you
didn't want, and find it difficult to get
rid of. |
| • |
Your
computer takes longer than usual to complete
certain tasks. |
| • |
You
experience a sudden rise in computer
crashes. |
|
|
Spyware applications can be
bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be
downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, spyware can monitor
your activity on the Internet and transmit that information to a third
party. Some forms of spyware can gather information about e-mail
addresses, passwords, and even credit card numbers.
A common way to get spyware is
through installation of file-swapping programs that are used to download
music and movies from the Internet or from other free types of email &
browser enhancements such
What Can I do About Spyware?
AMS now offers Spyware
Removal Services & software as upgrades to
the anti-virus applications that came with your system or as a separate
piece of software. An upgrade is required in order to utilize this
software. You can obtain the upgrade as follows:
Norton Antivirus
If you are running Norton Antivirus 2003 as your
anti-virus client, you can to purchase an upgrade that includes the
additional anti-spyware protection features found in Norton Antivirus 2004.
McAfee
If you are running McAfee as your anti-virus client, you upgrade to include the additional anti-spyware
protection features by using the Live Update feature of McAfee.
Pest Patrol
Patrol by Sunbelt Software can identify third-party
software that has been downloaded on your system; and allows you to choose
which applications you want to keep.
Third Party Software
There are a number of applications available for
download from the Internet that may also help you remove unwanted software
applications from your system.
These software applications are available for download
from the Internet at no cost to you and are often referred to as freeware.
These applications generally do not include any formal technical support or
any warranty as to their effectiveness or against damage to your system.
There are two freeware applications, Ad-Aware
and Spybot, which have received favorable reviews in many
computer industry trade publications and other related web sites. To find
or learn more about these applications, simply search the Internet using
your favorite search engine.
|
