Internet Tips Information

Article Navigation

Click Here for more articles

The Complete Guide To Spotting Computer Spies & Recording Devices

by: Elizabeth Ward

Can you be absolutely sure, that your activity isn't being monitored and recorded right now, while you're reading this?

The problem with many people is, because they're alone in a room with their computer, they think that no body can be watching.

If only they knew how easy it is to plant a computer recording device or software recording program onto a computer, they wouldn't feel so safe.

Whether you're a total computer newbie or a seasoned Internet veteran, everyone needs to know how to protect their privacy using the right anti spyware tools for the job.

In this article, I will show you how to easily spot a computer recording device or detect spy software using specific anti spyware tools.

It's really quite simple if you know what FREE anti spyware tools to use.

Computer monitoring devices come in two main categories, Hardware Key loggers & Spyware Software:

In this article I will address each of these categories and give you the best anti spyware solutions available, to spot and prevent them from spying on you

Hardware Key Loggers:

This type of Key Logger requires that the perpetrator have physical access to your computer.

Key Loggers can easily be installed in less than 5 seconds.

It doesn't matter if you use your computer at home or at work. If anyone has access to your computer they can install one of these devices without knowing a thing about computers.

If you want to see pictures and read up on this type of product, here is the URL for probably the most well known hardware Key Logger on the Internet:

http://www.i-loc.com

Once installed, a hardware Key Logger will capture every keystroke entered into your keyboard and then store it for future retrieval on the device itself.

Some hardware Key Logger companies boast a two-million keystroke capacity!

That's about 5 years worth of typing for the average computer user.

Whether at home or in the office, you can easily fall victim to this type of spying. A hardware Key Logger is installed between your keyboard and computer.

Removal of Hardware Key Loggers:

There are no anti spyware tools available for this except you're own two eyeballs. By taking a peek behind your system and following your keyboard cable, you can find out if there is something "odd" inserted between your keyboard and computer.

To remove a hardware Key Logger, you must shut down your system! You could cause damage your system if you attempt to remove the Key Logger while your computer is running!

Once your system is powered off, carefully remove the Key Logger from in between your keyboard and computer, and then plug your keyboard directly back into the computer. Make sure that it is plugged in completely and be gentle as the connectors are somewhat fragile.

It is very important to become an anti spyware enthusiast and check any computer you sit down at for hardware key loggers

Spyware:

Most everyone has heard of the term spyware.

Unfortunately the majority of people don't really understand what spyware does and what kind of anti spyware tool is best for them.

Spyware itself is broken down into two categories.

Adware vs Spy Software

Adware:

Adware (Advertising Spyware) is the most prevalent form of spyware. It monitors Internet activity to send targeted advertising to you as a consumer, or simply monitor your surfing habits to gather intelligence for companies who want to know what your interests are.

Adware is generally not a security threat, but can really mess up your computer when you try to remove it. Adware removal could cost you hundreds of dollars in repair bills even using the best anti spyware tools available.

Adware is written by "coders" who don't care what happens to your computer should you try to uninstall their software using an anti spyware tool.

Their only concern is making money from the information they acquire from your computer use.

Adware infections often cause many to make a trip to the computer repair shop just to get their computer back into running condition.

Adware can get on your computer in a variety of ways. You may download free programs, a screensaver, or some music or video, and the adware tags right along with your download file.

File sharing on peer to peer networks has been one of the worst culprits out there causing the serious spread of spyware worldwide.

Adware Symptoms:

The symptoms of Adware are uncontrollable popups, unwanted extra toolbars, and drastically slowed down computer performance that can result in freezes or lock up. When this happens it's time to get out your favorite anti spyware tool.

Tip: Music or File Sharing Can Be Dangerous: Never download ANYTHING from a website you do not trust, or can't verify, that they are a legitimate download site. Many times spyware can be attached to the music or file sharing programs themselves!

Adware Removal Using Anti-Spyware Tools:

You don't have to purchase an anti spyware tool for adware removal. I'm going to show you how to deal with an adware problem for free.

Unfortunately there are many anti spyware companies trying to profit from the spyware problem, so some of the anti spyware tools on the market today are very inferior "slapped together" products.

Some of these anti spyware companies do as much damage to a computer as the adware does. Many times all they want you to do is give them money. After all, how can you really know if they have done the job or not?

Some sneaky adware companies have even joined up with anti-spyware software companies and created a spyware removal utility that actually puts spyware on your system!

It's unbelievable what some people will do for a buck.

The only anti spyware tool you need to use if you have adware on your system is SpyBot, which comes highly recommended by security experts.

And it won't cost you a penny!

SpyBot is FREE...

SpyBot anti spyware will do everything the paid ones do and then some.

If you like SpyBot anti spyware you can donate money to the author, but only if you want to.

Here is the website for this excellent FREE anti spyware adware removal tool.

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/

Spy Software...Are You Sure You're Alone?

Spy Software is designed to silently record computer activity and then archive it for later retrieval, or stealthily send everything you do on your computer back to the intruder.

In my opinion, this type of spyware does the more damage to lives WORLDWIDE than any virus or adware product ever could.

Because spy software is so easy for anyone to purchase and install, now ANYONE who wants to find out what you're doing on your computer can see everything.

The worst part is, spy software is virtually undetectable by most adware scanners.

Want to see what I'm talking about? One of the best known companies who sell this type of spy software is www.spectorsoft.com

Most Spy Software is sold to spy on other family members, leading to divorce and all kinds of grief.

The worst cases are when used by business associates or even those who are after your credit card information or passwords to your accounts.

I've got a firewall you say...

Many Spy Software products can bypass even the best firewalls.

A firewall will lock up your system and require you to give your permission for any software program to operate on your system.

Spy Software companies know this, and many have figured a way to bypass most firewalls and send your personal information right over the Internet to the perpetrators.

When your firewall is triggered to ask you for your permission to send your captured information, the spy software will actually alter the message your firewall uses to ask your permission.

Your firewall will now ask you if it's alright for "Internet Explorer" or some application you're totally familiar with to access the Internet.

Of course you will click yes, and many times you will tell your firewall not to bother you when this program accesses the Internet in the future.

By clicking yes, you've just allowed the spy software to send your private information to the perpetrator(s).

Spy Software can be slipped onto your system via e-greeting cards, emails, Trojans or just simply physical access to your PC.

Spy Software Removal:

Whatever anti spyware tool you get, don't spend your money unless you're VERY SURE the product will do the job for you.

You wouldn't get a virus scanner that only got some of the viruses would you?

You can use the anti spyware SpyBot for most adware related spyware and it will even catch some Spy Software products.

The absolute best product I've seen to detect Spy Software is SpyCop.

SpyCop does not... I repeat, DOES NOT focus on adware. Do not download SpyCop to deal with adware infections.

SpyCop is a tool that is totally dedicated to detecting Spy Software products and has the most up to date spy software database anywhere.

SpyCop will scour your system for over 500 spy software products

SpyCop has been tested and proven to work by the most ardent anti spyware experts. http://www.spycop.com/download1

About the author:
Elizabeth Ward makes it easy to protect your Internet & computer privacy. Learn the 4 essential steps to spy proofing your computer. To receive your FREE mini-course visit

Circulated by Article Emporium

Read Articles:

Build Your Own Computer or Buy?
Computer Learning Center for Kids is ...
Looking after your Computer
The ABCs Of Computer Memory
Traditional Antivirus Programs Useles...
Data-Recovery: What You Need
Advancement in Computer Technology
Network Security 101
Are They Watching You Online?
Crash Course In Getting A #1 Google R...
Understanding the Components of a Hom...
Registry Cleaners: Why do you need one?
Spyware Programs Are Out To Get You
Access Your PC From The Road
What kind of processor do you need on...
Eliminate computer viruses forever!
How To Remove Winfixer 2005 Plus Unwa...
Getting The Most Out Of A Tablet PC
Internet Security Basics 101
Guide to buying the perfect PC
How to Avoid Getting Ripped-Off Online
Computer Network Installation
Is Spyware Slowing Your Computer Down...
Spyware and Adware � Are You Protected?
Protect Your Computer And Your Person...
All About Computer Viruses
Do you need computer training?
How Spyware Blaster Can Protect Your ...
Why Hide Your IP Address?
Wireless Networks: How Do They Work?
The Complete Guide To Spotting Comput...
Understanding Spyware
Should You Upgrade Your Hardware PC?
Are You A Spam Zombie?
Five reasons to do wireless networking.
Protect your Computer and Internet Pr...
Recent studies show that 9 out of 10 ...
Your Hard Drive is Going to Explode �...
Laptops are different from desktops i...
Malware Quiz
Be Prepared Before Buying Software
Backup -- But Where To?
OS 101: Suggestions for Choosing an O...
Heres The iPod Shuffle!
Is Your Music Player Spying On You?
You Don't Have To Be Rich To Be A PC ...
Spyware Protection - The Only Way To ...
How to reduce Computer problems?
Crouching Trojan, Hidden Malware
Learn How To TroubleShoot Keyboard Pr...
Souped Up Computer Cases
The day my computer died
Shocking Facts about Updating Your PC...
What is Preventive Maintenance Softwa...

More Article Pages 1 - 2

How SMS Works
by: Jim Sherman

SMS, or Short Message Service, is the technology behind what we often refer to as �text messages� or �SMSes�, as well as what allows for news alerts on cellular phones. In recent years SMS has ballooned to over a 50 billion dollar industry and is quickly taking the communications world by storm.

Short Message Service actually refers to a framework that uniquely allows computers, or in this case phones, to communicate with each other without the need of a central hub. With SMS, phones can find each other, send short packets of information back and forth, and do it all without any central computer to guide them. But because the system does not rely upon fixed lines like a land based telephone system does, the amount of information that can be sent at one time is limited in size. This depends on the language spoken, but for English letters this typically means around 150 characters (Chinese and Japanese letters are limited to 70).

Quite recently, however, new developments in the technology have allowed for even longer messages to be sent. Long or Concatenated SMS is a development that allows multiple messages to be combined to form a single message. In effect, what happens is that your phone actually sends out a few smaller messages and then the receiving phone simply compiles those messages so that for users on both ends, it appears as though the message were cohesive. While there are some limitations, the brilliance behind SMS is that because there is no need for central hubs, and thus the system can be expanded indefinitely without any concerns of it slowing down or becoming more expensive.

The most common form of SMS is �texting�. This usually takes place with a cellular phone in which individuals use the letters behind the number pad on their phone to spell out words and phrases and then send them out. Because many companies charge by the word, individuals have come up with a sort of �texting slang� to cut down on the amount of words required to convey a particular message. For example, �gr8� and �BTW� mean �great� and �by the way�. In addition, other words have just been shortened, such as �lata� to mean �later�. Most users simply pick up the lingo through frequent use, and although some slang is widely understood and used, other shortcuts are developed within circles of friends and family.

The major advantage of SMS is its price. The price is typically $0.05 per message, a significant cut below that of traditional telephony and cell phone per-minute charges. The savings of SMS has its roots in the nature of the technology. Short Message Service, like SIP, is modeled on a peer to peer model and not a cog and wheel like traditional communication systems. This means that instead of having to route a message through a central hub, your text goes straight from you to its destination. This has radically cut down on the cost of SMS implementation and led to its overwhelming popularity throughout the world.

Short Message Service (SMS) has radically changed the face of the communications industry. While the practice has become quite common throughout the world, it has only recently become popular here in the United Stats, a growth partly predicated upon, surprisingly enough, its featured role in the show American Idol. The fact that �texting� is quickly gaining both in popularity and recognition in the United States is not surprising however, due to its ability to offer users a cheap, quick, and often fun way to communicate with friends and family.

This Static Spot is open for sponsor

This Static Spot is open for sponsor