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Spyware Resources
Practically everyone has heard of Spyware, the term itself is a bit frightening and certainly grabs your attention; in fact new computer users are bombarded with a multitude of scary terms - trojans, keyloggers, hackers, worms, identity theft, and that's just the beginning, there's the names of individual threats themselves, terms like W32.MyDoom, Bloodhound.Exploit.147, Worm_Sober.AX, it's a wonder people can enjoy a computer.
But there's more to this, given that people are regularly exposed to general advertising which hypes dangers to sell products, almost everyone starts to filter out or discount some of the hype - a computer user can be left confused, not understanding, and perhaps wondering - Is Spyware a legitimate danger or just more hype? In the end the user may not take the reasonable precautions he should.
Additionally, I can tell you this, Spyware, like any ill-intentioned computer code can indeed present real risks, but if you take just a little time to understand Spyware and what to do about it, it won't seem near as dangerous, and indeed if you take some logical and sensible steps to protect your computer, it's not particularly anything to worry over at all.
You can find Anti-Spyware utilities in the Spyware Section, and you can find utilities to combat the full range of malware in in the Malware Section. Below you'll find lots of helpful references to aid you're understanding. Good luck and good understanding.
Microsoft on Spyware
What is Spyware
Signs of Spyware
How to get rid of Spyware
Tips to prevent Spyware
How to protect your computer
Unexplained Computer Behavior
Simple Definition of Spyware
Trend Micro - nice video presentation covering various types of malware from Professor Tiberious Medioxumate
GetNetWise - Spotlight on Spyware
Wikipedia - defines spyware, adware, and malware, and origin of the term spyware
EULA - read the 'End User License Agreement'
Suspect/Rogue/knockoff products
Anti-Spyware Family Resemblences
PC World Article - poor defenders
Vmyths - certainly Internet risks exist, but recognize that not every rumored risk is real. This site covers the many myths, hoaxes, and urban legends. Also provides some tips on separating fact from fiction.
Sophos - info on hoaxes, database searchable by hoax name and type
Symantec - hoax page
Snopes - urban legend reference page on computer and the Internet, identifies real and hoax virus warnings. Also check the more general page covering topics of interest and the What's New section for the latest.
Spyware encyclopedias list spyware processes so you can understand what you've found in a spyware scan.
Such encyclopedias are also helpful when you've found a file that isn't being picked up by a spyware scanner and yet you are suspicious of it.
Spyware Encyclopedia - listing of spyware and related processes from Computer Associates (owners of Pest Patrol)
Trend Micro - spyware/grayware encyclopedia
Prevx Specific Vendors List - research companies who have installed files on your computer
Calender of Updates - security database updates schedule