Spyware infections, on Windows based computers, continues to sky rocket. The average computer user suffers from this plague far more than a more technically savvy user. As more and more people get connected to the Internet, the ratio of technically savvy users drops and thus the increase in spyware infections.
Many people equate younger computer users with techno knowledge, but the opposite seems to hold true. Young computer users know how to use the technology, but don’t understand how it works or how to stay safe with it any better than an older computer user.
My most common computer help call starts like this, “My computer is extremely slow.” Or can start like this, “Something keeps popping up on my computer and I can’t do anything.” And my favorite, “My computer won’t do anything.” These calls come from computer users of all ages.
Search my site for the word spyware or prevention and learn how to keep your computer running clean and problem free so you never have to udder any of these phrases.
However, if you do become infected, it brings on feelings of helplessness, anger, frustration, bewilderment, and a sense of being violated. And unfortunately, you might have been doing all the right things and just made one small misstep. The problem becomes trying to figure out where the miscue took place. It could be as innocent as clicking a link from friend in an email, or not paying attention to a search result you click on, or you fall prey to a social engineering trap where you are tricked into thinking that something is legit when it is not.
By the time I arrive on the scene, the computer user forgot the exact time and/or steps that led to the computer’s current condition. And I can’t offer any solid reasons as to why the infection occurred since I wasn’t there watching the movements of the user. At this point, I begin to wonder whether 1) Microsoft will ever tighten the reigns on Windows enough to help stop this plague before it enters the computer (like Linux and Mac computers), 2) will all these infections eventually lead to decreased use of the Internet out of fear of being infected, or 3) do users simply put up with it and consider the problem worth the risk.
I absolutely abhor working with these types of problems, but unfortunately too many people get ripped off, get bad advice or never learn how to try and prevent the problem after it is fixed. For these reason, I trudge on fixing these problems and treat them as teachable moments.
Have you ever been infected with spyware/adware? How long did it take you to get it fixed? Did you have to employ extra help either through a computer shop, guru, or telephone tech support? How much did it cost you, if anything? Did it make you use the web less?
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These problems arose because operating systems stopped allowing the user to control their own computer. One upon a time, if the user did not explicitly run a program, the program didn’t run. That made spyware, adware, viruses, worms and dragons of all sorts difficult or impossible. I would instantly buy an operating system that brought total control back to me.
Unfortunately, there is no hope of this, because the goal of computer manufacturers is to make the computer an “appliance” more like a TV than a computer. You get all kinds of crap on your TV, and you will get it on your computer too.
I run with javascript and activx and pictures turned off except when I specifically need them. I refuse to have Flash on my computer at all. It’s a bother, yes, but I never get viruses or malware. And browsing is MUCH faster.
I actually bought a new computer with XP and stored it for when my current one fails. It’s my attempt to fend off the inevitable for as long as possible.
Your approach to computer security and your statement that the computer is becoming more appliance like are accurate. However, without Java and Flash, the Internet is pretty stale. I know I talk about cloud computing a lot, but I think that if cloud computing keeps advancing, the major decisions will be made at the cloud (administrator) level and users can safely use the applications on their end in a very appliance like manner. For those who won’t more control, like you and lesser extent, me, that can still be done as well through the traditional operating system and application paradigm.