Is there a thing called free Antivirus protection?

Is there a thing called free Antivirus protection? 

Stop spyware before it gives you trouble, Ever clicked an engaging advertisement or link while surfing the internet and pop-up windows flooded your screen? Or is your browser suddenly directing you to a series of questionable websites? Perhaps it has also happened to you that your computer has only responded extremely slowly since installing a free download because a program is now recording your online behavior without your knowledge?

Then you too have arrived in the mysterious world of spyware and adware. These programs are extremely annoying. They can also pose a security risk to computer users who use the Internet on a daily basis - including you.

Spyware and adware

Spyware usually gets on your computer without your knowledge or permission. The program runs in the background and collects information or monitors your online activities. Many spyware programs collect information about your computer and how you use it. 

For example, a program can monitor your surfing behavior. More sophisticated forms of spyware are now known to record personal information and transmit it to identity thieves. This can range from your website passwords and usernames to your credit card numbers and your instant messages.

Adware functions slightly differently from spyware. Its main purpose is to display advertisements on your computer. Adware displays advertisements and links to other websites - often in the form of pop-up windows. Many of these ads advertise legitimate products in intrusive ways. Others monitor your surfing activities and then use this information to provide particularly personalized advertising content. Some users don't mind this. Others, however, see this behavior as an invasion of their privacy.

But the most important question is: do you want this program to run on your computer? If you think it compromises (or is at least a nuisance) your privacy and security but it's not, then it falls under the category of unwanted software. And that means you should know how to deal with it. Total Security Software is best for a computer that will protect your device from all spyware and malware.

How To Remove Spyware And Adware

Whether they pose a security risk or cause performance problems, some forms of spyware are more than just a nuisance. For example, spyware and adware programs running in the background can consume all of your computer's resources and, in some cases, crash your entire system. A slow computer is of course always annoying. But it is particularly annoying for users who work from home.

Oftentimes, these programs are installed with other programs that you download from the Internet. Of course, the software license agreement usually contains a certain note. However, these agreements are usually very long, and who of us reads them completely? Often a spyware or adware program is bundled with freeware that you download from the Internet. While this is a fair deal for some - you get the free antivirus software and the software manufacturer gets information about your computing habits - others see it as a sham and an invasion of privacy.

Meanwhile, however, a lot of unwanted software finds its way onto your computer while surfing. In many cases, you will be tricked into starting a download by clicking a pop-up window or fake dialog box. Some pop-up windows contain an "urgent" or tempting message. It might offer a free gift or tell you that you need to download software to view a web page. In the window you can often make a "Yes" or "No" selection. In fact, however, a spyware or adware program will be loaded onto your computer as soon as you click in the window.

How to Avoid Spyware and Adware

A large number of unwanted software programs end up on your computer partly because you did or did not do something. Here are some tips on how to avoid unwanted spyware or adware:

Do not download anything from the Internet onto your computer at random. Before you download a program, you should carefully consider whether you actually need it. If you are completely unfamiliar with the software manufacturer, carefully read the information on their website to find out more about the people behind the technology and the Experience technology for yourself.

 Also, be careful with ActiveX, a tool often used to install spyware without your knowledge or consent. You can deactivate ActiveX via your browser settings and deactivate this option at any time if this is required for a trustworthy website.

Read the license agreements. While having to read these agreements is a daunting prospect, play it safe and don't just scroll to the end and click the "I Agree" button when installing freeware. Instead, read the agreement carefully and look for items that relate to information-gathering activities that could mean that you may receive a spyware or adware program in addition to the free software.

Beware of scams with antispyware tools. The internet is teeming with reputed anti-spyware tools that do everything but deter spyware. Some make it even worse. Vendors of these tools often offer free scans. These almost inevitably detect hundreds of spyware programs on your computer. You will then be prompted to buy your bogus product.

Beware of clickable ads. If possible, avoid programs - especially freeware - that display clickable advertisements. Their presence is a warning. When you click on these advertisements, most likely someone is recording how you react to them.

Unfortunately, spyware and adware are unlikely to disappear from the scene in the near future. However, you can take control by deciding what gets on your computer, what needs to stay outside, and what can't leave your computer.