Technically Speaking 02/09/2005

This edition of Technically Speaking begins with a warning, be careful. While you may be using Firefox, or just doing safe browsing there are still things to be wary of. There is a lot of ‘free’ software out there and much of it is safe and useful, but there is software that contains spyware or adware. These are little programs that are packaged with the software that either sends data about your browsing habits to companies or that make endless advertising Pop-ups appear. Some even hijack your browser; change your homepage, and more. Without being too technical, these are generally bad news. They are however the way that the ‘free’ software makers earn an income.

Even more sinister is that some of these programs carry a ‘payload’ that allows others to control you computer remotely; this will allow them to view your files and personal information. Some will even use your computer and connection to send unsolicited email (Spam).

One of the most common are the sites that offer to let you use their free search bar in your browser, they are almost impossible to remove and almost certainly contain some form of either spyware or adware. Most of the software that is offered in Pop-ups is also suspect.

My suggestion is to only use search toolbars from the major sites like Google, MSN, Yahoo, and others. I can assure you that all of the software mentioned in this column is really free and spyware and adware free.

In order to protect yourself you need to use a spyware and adware scanner and remover for your system. By far the easiest free program is Ad-aware, made by Lavasoft. Not only is it free but it is highly effective. You can download it at http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/#free , I recommend the Download.com button for the download. When you download it run the Update so you will have the latest version. Lavasoft is adding the most recent spyware and adware information to keep it effective. It is best to run the check at least weekly, and run the update just before running the scan. After the scan is finished all you do is check the boxes next to what it has found.

All the safe surfing is useless if you decide to download MP3s and pirated software. Cleaver hackers now are propagating the file sharing networks like Kazaa with MP3s that have a surprise, a virus or other harmful extra. This does not apply to legitimate sites like iTunes, the new Napster, and others. This has been a problem with pirated programs for years, but the ever creative hackers now have figured out a way to infect music files.


Regardless of your surfing habits you need an Anti-Virus program. The most popular is Norton Antivirus it is expensive and requires an annual subscription. It also suffers from a rather big problem, since it is so popular some viruses can disable it. There is a free alternative AVG Anti-Virus from Grigsoft, a free and safe download from http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/ .

This is a great program that can be set to run automatically nightly. Remember you have to run the updates for this program just like Ad-aware, your software is only as effective if it is updated.

Our email question for the week regards WebCT not working right since a user updated their Windows XP with Service Pack 2. The most common reason is the pop-up blocker that SP2 adds to Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), you may need to turn it off while using WebCT. To turn it of temporarily choose Tools from the menu bar, then Pop-up Blocker and choose Turn Off Pop-up blocker. Don’t forget to turn it back on when you are finished.

The last program for the day is not essential or security related. This little program, Tiny Spell, has become must have tool for me. All it is a tiny program that monitors what you type in practically all programs you use, be it in Microsoft Word or AOL Instant Messenger and alerts you when you make a spelling mistake. Install it, use it and you will be impressed and perhaps avoid embarrassing spelling errors in papers and chat, like typing ‘a lot’ instead of ‘a lot’. When you install it make sure you click on it in the task bar and enable Open Spelling Window, you can move it anywhere on you’re desktop.

Send your tech related questions to me at mat@muw.edu and I will post an answer in a future edition.