Has your computer slowed down?
Have your settings changed (for example, your browser home page) and you cannot change them back to how they were?
Does your web browser contain additional components that you don't remember downloading, especially extra toolbars?
Are you getting pop-up advertisements all of the time?
If you can answer yes to any of these questions, your system may be infected with spyware.
Spyware refers to software that performs certain tasks on your computer, typically without your consent or control. These products perform many different functions, including the delivery of unsolicited advertising (pop-up ads in particular), collecting private information, re-routing page requests, and installing phone dialers. Spyware is usually downloaded automatically to your computer without your knowledge, and is often attached to another file that you have downloaded or installed. Spyware can also be downloaded to your computer when you click on banner ads on some websites.
Types of downloads that may contain spyware include:
- Free games from the internet
- Music, movies, and file sharing programs
- Free downloadable screensavers, toolbars, or animated desktop changers
- Free pop-up blockers that appear on your desktop while connected to the internet, warning you of infection
Spyware, by design, is difficult to remove from your PC. If you try to uninstall this software like most other programs, it may reappear as soon as your restart your computer. Windows-based computers, whether used by children or adults, can sometimes accumulate many Spyware components. The consequences of a moderate to heavy spyware infection generally include a substancial loss of system performance, over 50% in extreme cases, and frequent crashes and hangs. Difficulties or failure to connect to the internet also commonly occur as some spyware modifies the DLLs needed for connectivity.
We will remove all traces of malicious spyware and pop-ups. We will download and install the latest security updates for Microsoft Windows. We will also perform an online virus scan and remove any viruses found on your computer. The charge for this system cleaning is a 1.5 to 2 hour labor charge, depending on the severity of the spyware infection. |
