How to Determine if There is Adware on Your Computer

Adware can invade your privacy, steal passwords and account numbers, and cause numerous problems with your computer. Although adware may seem like nothing but advertisements, it is often used to install other unwanted programs that can track every single thing you do on your computer. For your safety and the safety of your family, it is important you monitor your computer and watch out for any signs of adware. There are a few things you can watch for that can help you determine if you have adware on your computer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. If your computer is running slower than normal, it might be infected with adware. It may be slower starting up, Web pages may load slower than usual or it may take an unusually long time for email to download.
   

2. If you get attacked by pop-up ads when you're not even connected to the Internet, you may have adware on your computer.

3. If you attempt to visit a particular Web site but are diverted to another site without your permission, you may be infected with adware.

4. If your home page is suddenly different from what you've set it to be, you may have adware.

5. If you seem to ge getting an exceptionally large amount of spam mail, you may be infected with adware.

6. If you start your computer and notice programs loading that you did not install, you may have adware installed on your computer.
   

7. If you get your monthly phone bill and it has calls dialed out from your home that you didn't dial, or were at times you weren't home or awake, you may be infected with adware.
   

Tips & Warnings

• Installing a reputable anti-virus program on your computer can stop some adware, but these must be updated regularly. Almost daily there are new adware programs being created to invade personal computers, so it is imperative that anti-virus and/or anti-spyware programs be kept current.
• You can watch for the signs listed above, but it is possible for your computer to be infected by adware without there being any signs at all.
• Because of the rapid invention of new methods to install adware, your anti-virus program may not detect all adware.
• Beware that many freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet will also contain adware. Download with caution.