Anti-adware utilities remove unwanted applications, including tracking cookies, Trojans, and keyloggers. Harmless cookies make browsing easier, but some collect information for targeted advertising or third-party sharing. Anti-adware programs scan for and remove these intruders, which antivirus programs often miss. Running at least two anti-adware programs is recommended to catch new adware varieties. Spyware invasion can lead to privacy and identity theft issues, making it crucial to use protective tools.
Also known as anti-spyware or spyware removal tools, an anti-adware utility can rid your computer of unwanted applications, such as tracking cookies and different types of malware such as Trojan horses and keyloggers.
Tracking cookies do exactly what the name suggests. They “track” your movements on the Internet and collect information about your browsing habits. This information may be used to send you unsolicited targeted advertising, or “spam”. Your information may also be rented, sold or traded with third parties. Some cookies are considered harmless and are only used to help make your browsing experience easier and more enjoyable. If a site remembers your password so you don’t have to log in every time you visit, that’s an example of a “harmless” cookie.
A Trojan horse can destroy or alter important data, or it can send your personal data to another computer. A keylogger records every keystroke and may also attempt to send your information to another location. Typical antivirus programs rarely detect these items, so it’s important to run a good anti-adware program alongside your anti-virus.
If your system seems slow and different applications are taking longer to load, if you are constantly faced with pop-ups, pop-unders and ads you haven’t clicked on, or if you are getting more spam, especially targeted ads, your computer is most likely infected with adware.
An anti-adware program is an effective utility for checking for and removing these unwanted intruders, many of which go undetected by antivirus or firewall programs. Anti-adware can be configured to scan your system and recognize problematic applications. For example, anti-adware will let you know if a cookie is harmless or critical. Critical objects will be located and the program will ask you what you want to do with each one. Many anti-adware programs even offer advice on how to get rid of each item, such as whether it should be deleted or whether it should be quarantined.
Computers are great tools and the Internet is often thought of as a link to the rest of the world, but there are hidden dangers. Not only does spyware invade your privacy, it can also be used for identity theft. It’s important to use certain tools, such as anti-adware, to protect yourself. In fact, it’s a good idea to run at least two different anti-adware programs as new varieties of adware are created every day. One program can catch something the other has missed.
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