I have read some posts about using spyware. I don't want to use it, but I would like some information about it. I want some information because my husband's work computer is very messed up - it crashes, etc. Recently he had some inexperienced "techies" check it out and they said spyware was the problem.

I've seen where some spyware is from internet companies. Is that the only way to get it? I'm wondering because one of the things that was happening on his computer was the opening of his email messages. At first he thought it was me - until my emails were the ones that were being opened too. Then he thought they were opening up automatically when they were "highlighted" so when a new email came up and was "highlighted" (whether anyone was there or not) it would appear to be opened.

Could the spyware be sent via email from individuals? Somone might be interested in the events happening in our lives.

How do you check for it and get rid of it? I've seen free spyware removal - is this safe and does it really work?

Is access to the computer itself necessary to install the type of spyware discussed in postings? Does it need to be checked on the computer also or can it be checked remotely?

Is there any way to find out exactly where it came from and when?

Do any experienced techies out there have some answers? Any help would be appreciated.

Hi BarelyTogether,

So can I ask, are you a Betrayed Spouse? I'm not familiar with your sitch.

Jo

barely together,
The techies are talking about something different.

Here on MB BSs put "spyware" on their home computers to be able to track the WSs computer activities. Some want to know if porn is being viewed while others want to read e-mails being sent to "lovers".

The techies are talking about adware, spyware & malware. These are software programs that are picked up as you travel the internet. Take a look at the main board page announcement that warns about these. Some are "harmless" they act as a magnet for ads while others track your internet viewing for preferences. The worst type is malware. Mal is short for malicious! These programs hijack your home web page to obscure search engines or sometimes even worse to a porn home page.

Have you seen the commercial with the man & woman at a business talking about how their IT dept just reported a worm that entered the system. Then a little girl comes running out of the man's office and says, "Daddy, I just downloaded a really cool game." The man & woman just look at each other.

Never download games from the internet without thoroughly scanning them with a internet security software. McAfee & Norton are the two larger producers of same.

You can also get them by opening e-mails or clicking on the attachments from people you don't know.

cwmac

I have read some posts about using spyware. I don't want to use it, but I would like some information about it. I want some information because my husband's work computer is very messed up - it crashes, etc. Recently he had some inexperienced "techies" check it out and they said spyware was the problem.
There are two different kinds you are referring to,

The spyware talked about here on MB is used to keep track of emails and chat rooms and what is typed on the computer. This way you can see if/what your spouse is communicating to the op.

The spyware you mentioned above, is installed by some websites.
It keeps track of where you surf on the net and things like that. Also, they are used to generate “pop-up” windows and advertisements to sell you stuff. Real pain in the butt and they can slow your computer down immensely.

I'm wondering because one of the things that was happening on his computer was the opening of his email messages. At first he thought it was me - until my emails were the ones that were being opened too.
This is usually caused by a virus through an email
Also, go to Outlook, “View” menu and uncheck the “Preview” pane.

How do you check for it and get rid of it? I've seen free spyware removal - is this safe and does it really work?
Go to http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/ and download & install Ad-aware 6.
This will check and remove all kinds of “cookies” and spyware installed on your system
It’s free and they usually have updates once a month.