Popups and Spyware Protection? Why Users Should Not Just Rely on the Google and MSN Toolbars!
Monday, August 31st, 2009This article draws attention to some of the limitations arising from relying on freeware to prevent and eliminate popup ads, in the overall context of adware and spyware protection.
Adware are commonly defined as any type of software which plays, displays or downloads advertisements on computers. Some adware are known as spyware due to their function, which consists of collecting then sharing some personal information about the users without their knowledge or consent.
Adware popups have become a common irritation for most users and many are now looking for free ways to disable them. Many users do not think twice before relying on the free popup blocking functionality provided by the Google or MSN toolbar. Only a minority of users know about the link between popups and spyware, and even fewer still, take the right steps to protect themselves. Most users only concentrate on blocking popups. Yet, in order to protect the users’ privacy, preserve the integrity of their computers, and make any computing experience a pleasant one, both removal and prevention are important. This contrasts with just blocking popups, which simply creates a false sense of security. This is the consequence of the real major problem with popups, which is not so much that they are an irritation, but rather the manifestation of spyware attacks. This issue is clearly evidenced by the many popups which can appear, even when computers are disconnected from the internet.
Changing the browser settings is free and a step in the right direction
Blocking adware popups whilst browsing is easy enough. Changing the privacy settings so that popups can no longer appear on screen can be done as follows:
· Select Control Panel in your computer
· Click on the Internet Options icon
· Click on the Privacy tab.
· There is a box next to “Turn on Pop Up Blocker”.
· Tick this box and you will block adware popups.
Once the settings have been changed, users should adjust the privacy levels on their computer. Another option is to use the MSN or Google toolbar. Security when browsing the Internet can be improved when using these toolbars. For more information, click on free popup blockers.
But, what about achieving complete protection? Are most users seeing the bigger picture?
Unfortunately most users focus on just blocking adware popups, and forget that their computer is probably already infected with adware and spyware. The popup blockers offered by Google and MSN are clearly useful, yet only deal with one aspect of privacy and system integrity protection. For more information click on block spyware.
Thinking more broadly about ways to safeguard the users’ privacy and protect the integrity of their system against the danger of adware and spyware attacks is both wise and necessary. In addition to running an anti-virus software that is up to date, users should remove the spyware and adware on their computer. Often adware and spyware are downloaded without the users’ knowledge.
Typically, the removal of adware and spyware is easily achieved with the most popular adware and spyware removal tools which can also block popups. The most popular adware and spyware removal tools benefit from frequent updates, which rely on research teams who review the latest adware and spyware threats. Adware and spyware removal programs can also block popups, and this deals with the root causes of adware and spyware infections. This approach is therefore more effective than the reliance on free popup blockers. For more information click on adware spyware removal.