Parasiteware on Windows Computers

"Parasiteware", also known as "spyware" or "adware", is unwanted software that installs itself on your computer without your knowledge or consent when you view webpages or download files from the Internet. Parasiteware can dramatically slow your computer's performance, bombard you with pop-ups, or even cause you to lose your Internet access altogether.  The most malicious types may take over your browser and reset your hompepage, or worse yet, allow outsiders to access personal information on your computer.

Even if you think you always browse the Internet responsibly, you are not immune from these pests. Parasiteware-writers have found many ways to sneak their files onto your computer without your knowledge or consent.   According to Microsoft, parasiteware and other deceptive software is responsible for more than 50% of Windows operating systems failures, costing millions of dollars in computer support each year. 


How can I tell if my computer has been infected with parasiteware?

How did parasiteware enter my computer?

How can I avoid getting parasiteware?

How can I remove parasiteware from my computer?

How can I tell if my computer has been infected with parasiteware?

Unlike viruses, parasiteware is not designed to harm your computer.  It parks itself somewhere in your PC and starts generating pop-up ads and/or collecting information about your computing habits. In the process, it may cause your computer to start running more slowly, particularly when you are using the Internet.

How did parasiteware enter my computer?

Parasiteware can enter your computer via direct installation, piggybacking, or security holes. Direct installation occurs when you install a program that advertises itself as useful, such as a toolbar to assist web browsing, but is actually parasiteware. Piggybacking occurs when parasiteware attaches itself to a free software program you install on your computer. Security holes are known security flaws in Internet Explorer that parasiteware exploits to enter your computer when you are browsing with IE.

How can I avoid parasiteware?

• Be sure your browser security level is set to at least medium.  (Settings higher than medium may make websites less usable.)
  
  
  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Click on Tools, then Internet Options, then on the Privacy tab.
  3. Move the slider to select a medium privacy setting.
  4. Click OK when done.
     
     
• Never accept downloads from people or companies you don't know or trust.  Avoid websites with questionable content.
  
  
• Beware of peer-to-peer file sharing services. 
  
  
• Read the conditions and terms of any software you intend to install carefully, before you click "Accept", "Agree", or "OK".
  
  
• Periodically check your list of installed programs for unwanted invaders.   (Go to: Start, Programs, Control Panel, Add/Remove Software). 
  
  Note: If you are unsure whether a program is parasiteware, look it up in Google before deleting it so you don't remove any essential programs.
  
  
• Keep your Windows operating system up-to-date by running all the latest updates and patches.
  
  

 

How can I remove parasiteware from my computer?

Parasiteware that does not shows up in your program list can be difficult to find and remove, but happily there are several parasiteware-removal tools available to help.  We encourage all Smith users to install the following three programs and run them on a regular basis:

• Spybot Search and Destroy
  
• Ad-aware
  
• CW Shredder

For information on downloading and running these programs, go to: www.smith.edu/its/smithsoftware

Your computer will thank you for it!

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