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| www.itsvirtuallydone.com |
An ezine of invaluable business tips for independent business professionals.
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In
This Issue: Welcome
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Among my friends, colleagues, and family, computer problems have been rampant of late. We all know that computers fail from time to time, but why did this happen to so many people who I know all at once? I think spyware and adware get some of the blame. This month, I tell you what I do to battle the malicious code and what you can do in my article "Spyware/Adware." Admittedly we are all subject to computer viruses and worms, but wouldn't we feel a little better if we did something to ward them off? Best wishes for a memorable and peaceful holiday season! |
"If
A is success in life, then A equals x plus y plus z. Work is x;
y is play; and z is keeping your mouth shut." |
Spyware/Adware: What do you do?
Once I opened my Internet browser and in seconds fifty browser windows were open. I knew I had unwanted adware, a type of spyware that generates pop-ups. Make it stop!
Definition
"Spyware is software that secretly forwards information about
your online activities to a company or person without your knowledge or
permission," according to Doug Bedell, Knight Ridder News Service.
In my case, it was a wake up call, but it wasn't malicious code. It didn't disable my computer or require me to hire an expert to remove it. I hope it didn't steal personal information or passwords; fortunately this occurrence is rare.
How do you get
it?
The part
that's hard to take about spyware is that we probably gave it an open
invitation. AOL conducted a study on the amount of spyware on their customers'
computers. They found spyware of 80% of the participants' computers. Yikes!
How does it get there? We infect our computer when we:
- Download free programs
- Download file sharing software
- Access certain Web sites that initiate downloads
- View junk email attachments
You know those ubiquitous end-user agreements that we accept when we are downloading software? You may be unwittingly giving the spyware permission to be downloaded on to your computer.
Now what do I do?
Until Congress passes legislation to ban spyware, you must be proactive. I run Spybot Search and Destroy and Ad-Aware 6.0 weekly. I just discovered X-Cleaner Micro Edition and when I ran it from their Web site, it discovered a piece of spyware that neither Spybot nor Ad-Aware found.
Be vigilant out there. Think before downloading free software or opening an email attachment from someone who you don't know or even someone who you do. Run your spyware and antivirus programs on a regular basis.
Sources:
Spying software increasingly invades computers, Doug Bedell,
Knight Ridder News Service, The Oregonian, May 26, 2004.
Aggressive spyware turning off some computer users, Anick Jesdanun,
The Associated Press, The Oregonian, November 1, 2004.
I run across many small business owners who have great websites that were professionally designed. But over time their content gets stale and needs updating. For many of my clients I review their web content to:
- Make sure they are addressing their target audience
- Correct any spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors
- Change the voice from passive to active
- Update the content to be more current
For more information, please contact me at: kristy@itsvirtuallydone.com.
Will Rogers
Quick tip: Onscreen calculator
I use the calculator that comes included with the Microsoft Operating System all the time. I like it because:
- It it is always right where I need it.
- It never runs out of batteries
- It doesn't have to be plugged in.
- It doesn't clutter the desk.
Consider making the calculator your handy accessory: Start>All Programs>Accessories>Calculator.
Next month look for
the following topics:
--When trouble
strikes the one-person operation.
--Quick tip: Microsoft Office Templates
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Kristy
Schnabel, |
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