By Jim Shutes
LapeerTechGroup.com
Spyware has become an epidemic on the Internet. A lot of computer users have Spyware and don’t even know they have it, much less how to get rid of it. If your computer has been taking you to websites that you don’t want to go to, or if you get pop-ups when you aren’t even on the Internet, or if your computer has been running extremely slowly lately, for no reason, you probably have Spyware.
So what, exactly, is Spyware? Spyware is a …

A recent research revealed that 80% of the computers today is infected with these dangerous spyware and most of the users are not aware of it. (Your computer could be infected by now too.) The most dangerous fact is, even though the anti-virus software is running, these software can even pass it and take over your PC.
Have you experienced any of the following?
* Awesome popups come out of nowhere, when browsing the web
* Home page reset to some other site
How can this happen?
- The components installed when viewing certain sites, …

If you’re a computer expert, you’ll probably already know about these tips (hopefully this will provide you with a little reminder). If you’re not an expert, don’t worry – these tips are simple, and don’t require a lot of computer experience.
While an old computer will never operate at the same speed as a newer (and bigger & faster) computer, you can help your computer stay as “young & healthy” as possible.
1) Disk Cleanup
Performing a disk cleanup regularly is a good idea. Whenever you “surf the internet”, open attachments, delete files, …

Spyware, viruses and worms… oh my!
If you are connected to the internet, you need to make sure you get your computer set up properly if you want to avoid problems down the road.
With all the viruses, spyware and other threats on the internet today, no computer should be set up without the proper protection.
And that protection needs to be in place as soon after you hook up your new machine as possible.
The following five steps will make your computer a much harder target for threats. You still won’t be completely …

Computer viruses are deadly. They often spread without any apparent contact and can be a nuisance, or even worse, fatal to your computer. Individuals who create these viruses, estimated at 10-15 new ones a day, are the electronic version of terrorists. Their goal is to inflict havoc and destruction on as many people as possible by disabling, stealing, damaging, or destroying computer and information resources. Often, they have no specific target in mind, so no one is safe. If you access the internet, share files or your computer with others, …

There comes a time in a person’s life where no matter how much you fight it time takes its toll and we begin to slow down in how we perform our daily activities. However, in order to extend our youthful glow and energy levels it is important to eat right, exercise, and keep a positive outlook on life.
Now you may ask what has any of that got to do with “Secrets To A Healthy Computer?”
Well, in a way we’re all just like a computer. If you neglect to take care …

How do you know if you’re in the bad part of town known as the internet? You know, the place that kind of scares you, takes you somewhere you didn’t expect?
Well for starters, if you’re not seeing the content you are expecting, that’s a start. If you see plenty of obtrusive, and obscene ads, that’s another big hint. It you see a lot flashing, nudity, weird questions, and annoying popups, you’re probably not where you want to be.
How did you …

Here are a few helpful pointers for your computer experience.
DON’T
Store personal information on your computer or PDA. Stored data is always open to hackers. Consider storing passwords on CD’s or disks that you keep locked in a box or closet.
Shop on-line without being sure of two safety features. Check the order page for the lock icon at the bottom. This way you know the system is encrypted and your personal data if transfered safely. The URL on the address bar should say “https”, the “s” stands for secure.
Store credit card …

Your computer is as slow as molasses. Your mouse freezes every 15 minutes, and that Microsoft Word program just won’t seem to open.
You might have a virus.
Just what exactly is a virus? What kind is in your computer? How did it get there? How is it spreading and wreaking such havoc? And why is it bothering with your computer anyway?
Viruses are pieces of programming code that make copies of themselves, or replicate, inside your computer without asking your explicit written permission to do so. Forget getting your permission down on …