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Internet Security Warning Do you get bombarded with popup ads whenever you are on the internet? Do the ads you see seem to target a particular interest or concern of yours? Has the page you chose as your home page suddenly changed to another page you've never heard of? When you type something into your address bar, are you redirected to a website you weren't trying to reach? Has your computer recently been attacked by a virus? If you answered yes to any of these questions, your computer has been infected with spyware or adware. (NOTE: If you have adware or spyware it did NOT come from this site). Computers are vulnerable to the unwanted installation of spyware and adware when the web browser's security settings are too low.   Spyware is a program that can be downloaded to your computer when you surf the web. If your security settings are too low, the spyware can be downloaded without your knowledge or consent. Spyware tracks the sites you visit to determine your interests, concerns, and desires. Then it changes the banners and ads you see when you surf the web. For example, if you visited a few sites about working out, you would start seeing ads for health clubs, nutritional supplements, and fitness equipment on every site you visit. How? Because the banners on the sites you visit are hidden from you by your browser and replaced by ads from the spyware. The spyware also produces a large number of annoying popup ads, which can cause your computer to crash. Spyware and adware can also download viruses to your computer. You can get programs that remove adware and spyware from your computer at Download.com.   Unsigned active X controls can be very dangerous because a lot of them download harmful code that can damage your computer. If your security is set at either "High" or "Medium High", you will be protected from unsigned active x controls and nothing can be downloaded to your computer without your consent.   Here's how to increase your security settings. In your browser window there is a tab labeled "Tools". Click on that and then choose "Internet Options" from the drop down menu. Next, click the tab that says "Security". You should be able to see what level of security you have. If it is not on the highest or second highest level, you should increase it. Any website that is not functional on the higher security settings is not worth the risk and is potentially dangerous.   Under "Internet Options" there is also a tab labeled "General". This is where you can delete temporary internet files, cookies, and the history of sites you have visited. Deleting this information every time you finish your web surfing can also protect you from prying eyes and unscrupulous marketers.

 

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