Spyware

Q: What is spyware?
A: There are varying definitions of exactly what it is, but in our opinion it is any program that has been installed on your computer without your knowledge or your permission.

Q: How does it get in my computer?
A: Spyware is typically installed on your PC by surfing malicious websites. Popup messages are a prime source. It is very important to eliminate popups.

Q: How can I stop popups?
A: There are various popup blockers available. We prefer to use Internet Explorer 7, which is a web browser with popup blocking built in. Windows XP Service Pack 2 also includes some updates to help stop popups.

Q: What does spyware do?
A: Spyware typically monitors your computer and sends off your personal information to somebody somewhere on the internet. This is usually not a good thing.

Observations:
You have every right to know who is accessing your computer and why. In our opinion, most spyware activity should be illegal. We view spyware the same way we view breaking and entering - someone has forcibly entered your property without your knowledge or consent.

If you bring a PC to our shop for service, we check your PC for spyware and remove any spyware that we find installed as part of our routine cleanup.