Why do I have random icons appearing on my desktop? Why do I get constant popups on my computer? Why does my homepage keep changing? How do I prevent this from happening?
When unexpected icons begin appearing on your desktop, they can often times be caused by spyware that has been unknowingly downloaded to your computer. This usually coincides with an increase in unwanted popups appearing when browsing the internet. There are many organizations that generate spyware which behaves very much like a virus. The sole intent of spyware is track your web habits and interests and send them back to the spyware host. This information is used to target popups that would more likely coincide with your interests. Spyware can be responsible for many computer problems including slow performance and software crashes (such as internet explorer).
There are many ways to prevent spyware from infecting your computer:
1. DO NOT download software to your computer without researching it first. Most popular email add-ons, weather display sofware, desktop enhancers and other "non productive" software contain spyware. Their primary purpose is to get you to download and install them to your computer so they can spy on you.
2. DO NOT click yes to download programs to your computer unless you have specifically requested to do so. Many spyware programs disguise themselves as "necessary software" needed in order to access a webpage when in reality, it is simply spyware.
3. DO NOT click on an email attachment (even if it is from someone you know), until you have had time to research it first. Many people will unknowingly send you spyware that is disguised as a "neat" little program that seems innocent. You many not even notice that anything has happened until you begin receiving popups.
If you suspect that your computer has become infected with spyware, contact iTech Atlanta at for assistance with its removal.
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