At least once a week we get a ticket from a user reporting problems with their workstation running very slow. In many of these cases their workstation has been infected by one or many spyware or adware applications.

Rest assured all of our Architel technicians are equipped to help with this but it can take over an hour just to scan a single machine! Talk about disruptive! Unless you’ve got a backup machine ready at a moment’s notice you may be down for half a day or more if you get infected with spyware or adware!

Symantec has outlined some helpful guidelines on how to avoid spyware and adware:

• Read licensing agreements. Don’t just scroll to the bottom and click the “I accept” button when installing freeware. Instead, read each agreement carefully and look for language pertaining to information-gathering activity.
• Watch out for antispyware scams. The Web is rife with “antispyware” tools that do little or nothing to prevent spyware. Some even make it worse. Purveyors of these tools often provide free scans, which almost invariably identify hundreds of spyware programs on your computer. They then immediately ask you to buy their bogus product.
• Beware of programs—especially freeware—that flash clickable ads in the user interface. Their presence is a red flag, and it’s possible someone is watching how you respond to them.
• Disable ActiveX unless you really need it. ActiveX is a common tool for installing spyware without your knowledge or consent, and you can always turn it back on should a trusted site require it.
• Be selective about what you download. If you don’t have a reason to trust the company providing a piece of software, hold them to increased scrutiny. Visit their Web site to learn more about the people behind the technology, as well as the technology itself.

from www.symantec.com

Having internet access at work is a double-edge sword. If you use it wisely it can help you accomplish your tasks in less time, but if you’re not careful it may create more problems for you. If you have questions about any of the tips above let us know – in the meantime surf smart!