Learning where they come from can prevent your computer from getting infected.
1. Installed Applications You know that program you installed so that you can download MP3’s for free? Spyware installs with most of these types of applications. File sharing programs have a notorious reputation for installing spyware. Applications that add little features to your computer install spyware as well. Some examples are programs that:
- Allow you to add graphics such as smile faces and hearts to your email.
- Track the weather on your desktop.
- Manage your desktop wallpaper or other graphics themes on your computer.
- Video games.
- Applications that claim to clean spyware.
2. Email Just like viruses, spyware can be delivered via email. They usually come as file attachments, but they can also load automatically just by opening the email. Always check that you have the latest updates and patches for your email client.
3. Web Sites Web sites can enable scripts that install spyware on your PC without you even knowing it. Browser developers usually try to combat this with updates, but sometimes users grant permission to the installation without even knowing they are doing so.
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