Software with Known-Spyware Payloads

There are many ways to get spyware on your computer, but the most common way is by loading or downloading a program with spyware or adware hidden (or even not hidden) in the installation routine.

Most American companies disclose the fact that they are installing adware or spyware right in their End User License Agreement (aka EULA...you know, that 'I Agree' button you push, without thinking twice about it).  This gives smaller software developers a way to get paid for the providing a free product, but unfortunately loading two or three such programs onto your PC can bring your computer to its proverbial knees.  Many non-US software developers seem to have serious ethical problems when it comes to spyware / adware programs, and will gladly heap spyware / adware upon your hard drive with no disclosures at all.  A few US-developers suffer from this same lack of character.

The list below is pulled from several sources, and is by no means complete.  Still, the some of the names on this list shock you.

Programs you must never load on your computer!

These are the general categories for the largest sources of malicious software products  Avoid downloading or using these software products (we've added some alternatives where possible, if you feel you must use these types of software).  If you don't agree, remember you were warned!

P2P Software - Kazza (any version), Grokster, Limewire, Bearshare, Morpheus, etc are programs responsible for huge virus and spyware outbreaks all over the world. Additionally, these programs are easy for copyright holders to monitor, and it's super easy to get sued for using them (roughly 20/month get caught, just on our local Comcast Broadband node alone).

Instant Messaging Software - The worst offender in this category is a product called "Messenger Plus".  It installs the famously voracious C2.Lop spyware / adware program, and it can be intensely difficult to remove (not to mention that it drags your system performance down considerably).  Never, ever use it.  If you downloaded it, delete it.  If you bought, demand your money back (or reverse the charges, if they refuse to refund your money).  This program is NOT affiliated with Microsoft Messenger in any way, shape, or form.

The free AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) application for non-subscribers also packs a few adware programs, and is thus not suitable or appropriate for general public use.  At least AIM is kind enough to let you know about the adware package in the EULA.  Still, I can't tell you how many of my business customers have been damaged by using this program; it's a huge conduit for more spyware and viruses (like any IM program).

Don't even get me started on ICQ...gah!  Who writes this stuff?!

Even good ol' Messenger (tm), included free in Windows, has some serious security issues, and has also become a conduit for new viruses and spyware to enter your machine (the Messenger program itself is spyware-free).

We recommend GAIM or Trillian for your Instant Messenger clients, if you feel you MUST use IM software to enjoy your computer.  Gaim and Trillian are multi-protocol instant messaging (IM) clients for Linux, BSD, MacOS X, and Windows. They are compatible with AIM and ICQ, MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, IRC, Jabber, Gadu-Gadu, SILC, GroupWise Messenger, and Zephyr networks.  These are slightly more secure choices, as they don't broadcast your online presence all over the Internet.

Remember: You can still be sent virus and spyware files directly through any IM client, if you click on or accept a file sent to you.  Use an advanced anti-virus product, like Panda's Titanium or Platinum Editions, if you insist on using chat clients...at least you'll have reliable protection against unwanted nasties. 

Free Downloads - We all like something for nothing.  Indeed the word 'free' is found in more advertising than just about any other word.  Free software downloads should set off alarm bells in your head.  Read reviews carefully before downloading any 'free' software; our much loved Download.com and many other free download sites, have become infested with spyware and adware-loaded programs.  Our advice: pay for good software and buy the best you can afford!  Don't use or even download free software until you've had a chance to research it for spyware payloads.  I've already researched the free programs linked on this site, and found them free of spyware and adware.

Adult Content Sites - Purveyors of sleaze are in it for the money. And since few folks will actually pay for this type of content, spyware and adware are another means of generating revenue for such sites. While some of these businesses do run spyware-free sites (particularly those who create their own unique content), clicking on an advertising link on any Adult-Themed site is the first step down the path of digital destruction.  Some of the nastiest spyware variants (including the notorious Rapid Blaster) come from such sites.  Many use 'drive-by downloads' to infect your computer instantly upon loading the webpage, by taking advantage of security vulnerabilities in the Internet Explorer (IE) browser.  A more recent vulnerability allows certain types of images to have viruses written directly into the image-code, and these are showing up on the more sleazy adult-sites...not cool!

Recommendations: If you must surf adult-content to enjoy your computer, do it exclusively with a non-Internet Explorer browser, such as Mozilla Firefox.  Firefox is an alternative browser, which doesn't use any ActiveX controls (ActiveX is the conduit for many pieces of spyware and viruses on adult-themed sites).  The Firefox browser is an excellent defense against spyware from many sites, not just adult sites.  It's easy to use, and easy to install.  This is open-source software and it is free for all to use.

We are in the young years of the Internet, and you should probably move around the Net with the same timidity that you would have moved through a market filled with 'wonder-cures' and 'snake-oil' salesmen, in the early 1900s.  We're still a decade or two away from having enough "embedded societal awareness" and legal infrastructure to consider the Internet anything less than a rough and tough neighborhood.

Contact Information

We'd love to hear from you!  To arrange a service appointment or consultation in the Brentwood CA Area, please call us at the number below. 

Our computer service area includes Brentwood, Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Byron and other cities within 35 miles of Brentwood, CA.

Telephone

925-584-6951

 

Postal address

308 Pebble Beach Dr.  Brentwood, CA 94513

 

Electronic mail

General Information: smartguys@pillowpc.com
Webmaster: webmaster@pillowpc.com