Spyware making your Computer Run Slow?? We can get rid of it for you!

If you have tried - unsuccessfully to rid your PC of spyware and your PC is still running slow, or the spyware keeps coming back, we can get rid of it for you.

Bring your PC or Laptop in for a FREE Spyware evaluation
If you computer is running slow, or you have excessive popups and cannot get rid of them, we can solve that problem for you. We will not do any other work to your laptop or PC without 1st giving you an estimate and we receive your approval.

Unwanted Spyware!
Spyware is a general term used for small snippets of code that perform certain behaviors such as advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer, without your approval or consent.

You may have spyware or other unwanted software on your computer if:

• You see pop-up advertisements even when you're not on the Web.
• If your home page changed without your knowledge.
• You notice a new toolbar in your browser that you didn't want, and you can't get rid of.
• Your computer is running SLOW.
• You experience a sudden rise in crashes.

Intro to Spyware

There are a lot of differing opinions on what the definitions of Parasiteware Spyware, Adware and Malware should be.

In order to help you understand what spyware is, here are a few brief definitions.

Parasite Ware
ParasiteWare is the term for any Adware that by default overwrites certain affiliate tracking links. These tracking links are used by webmasters to sell products and to help fund websites. The controversy is centered on companies like WhenU, eBates, and Top Moxie, a popular maker of Adware applications. These companies have release their software to assist users in getting credit for rebates, cash back shopping, or contributions to funds. To the end user ParasiteWare represents little in the way of a security threat.

Adware
Adware, also known as an Adbot, can do a number of things from profile your online surfing and spending habits to popping up annoying ad windows as you surf. In some cases Adware has been bundled (i.e. peer-to-peer file swapping products) with other software without the user's knowledge or slipped in the fine print of a EULA (End User License Agreement). Not all Adware is bad, but often users are annoyed by adware's intrusive behavior. Keep in mind that by removing Adware sometimes the program it came bundled with for free may stop functioning. Some Adware, dubbed a "BackDoor Santa" may not perform any activity other then profile a user's surfing activity for study.

AdWare can be obnoxious in that it performs "drive-by downloads". Drive-by downloads are accomplished by providing a misleading dialogue box or other methods of stealth installation. Many times users have no idea they have installed the application. Often Adware makers make their application difficult to uninstall.

A "EULA" or End User License Agreement is the agreement you accept when you click "OK" or "Continue" when you are installing software. Many users never bother to read the EULA.

It is imperative to actually read this agreement before you install any software. No matter how tedious the EULA, you should be able to find out the intent BEFORE you install the software. If you have questions about the EULA- e-mail the company and ask them for clarification.

Spyware
Spyware is potentially more dangerous beast than Adware because it can record your keystrokes, history, passwords, and other confidential and private information. Spyware is often sold as a spouse monitor, child monitor, a surveillance tool or simply as a tool to spy on users to gain unauthorized access.

Spyware is also known as: snoopware, PC surveillance, key logger, system recorders, Parental control software, PC recorder, Detective software and Internet monitoring software.

Spyware covertly gathers user information and activity without the user's knowledge. Spy software can record your keystrokes as you type them, passwords, credit card numbers, sensitive information, where you surf, chat logs, and can even take random screenshots of your activity. Basically whatever you do on the computer is completely viewable by the spy. You do not have to be connected to the Internet to be spied upon.

The latest permutations of Spyware include the use of routines to mail out user activity via e-mail or posting information to the web where the spy can view it at their leisure. Also many spyware vendors use "stealth routines" and "polymorphic" (meaning to change" techniques to avoid detection and removal by popular anti-spy software.

In some cases Spyware vendors have went as far as to counter-attack anti-spy packages by attempting to break their use. In addition they may use routines to re-install the spyware application after it has been detected, causing it to be "re-spawned" when you reboot your computer.

Malware
Malware is slang for malicious software (mal - ware). Malware is software designed specifically to disrupt a computer system. A trojan horse , worm or a virus could be classified as Malware. Some advertising software can be malicious in that it can try to re-install itself after you remove it.

For the purpose of simplicity Malware is software specifically engineered to damage your machine or interrupt the normal computing environment.

Some examples of Malware:

Page Hijackers
Hijackers are applications that attempt to usurp control of the user's home page and reset it with one of the hijackers choosing. They are a low security threat, but obnoxious. Most Hijackers use stealth techniques or trick dialogue boxes to perform installation.

Dialers
A dialer is a type of software used by pornographic vendors. Once dialer software is downloaded the user is disconnected from their modem's usual Internet service provider and another phone number and the user is billed. While dialers do not spy on users they are malicious in nature because they can cause huge financial harm to the victim, usually in the form of 1 - 900 phone charges..

We operate on a NO FIX - NO FEE basis which means that if our computer technicians are unable to repair your computer's problem, you will not be charged anything at all.

Carry-in Service - $53 / hr
compare our service times and prices!!

We offer express service EVERYDAY! And we don't charge you extra for it.

While we take every precaution to protect your data - you should always -
BACK-UP your data before dropping your machine off for service.

Please let us know if you either cannot backup your data or do not know how to back up your data, and we will assist you. Ann Arbor Computer Systems will not be held responsible for data loss!

Ann Arbor Computer Systems 4055 Stone School Rd. Ann Arbor, Mi 48108 Open Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm / Sat 11 - 3 pm (734) 971- 6900 back to top