Adware spyware both have nasty intensions
You're probably reading this because you're a computer student and you want an informative article about different types of software and how to avoid them. Adware, spyware, etc, are the name of the game for these nasty programs that can have a negative impact on your privacy. These programs have an easily accessible interface so anyone or everyone can download them with just one click.
We'll show you some tips that will help you stay safe from being infected by these programs such as updated antivirus software. If you're not sure which one to use, our recommended is AVG Free Edition.
HOW CAN THESE PROGRAMS GET INTO YOUR PC?
There are three ways Adware and spyware can infect your PC:
1) Dropping on your PC from an infected website: The most common way is dropped files from an infected website. These files are named Adware, spyware or PUP. These files are dropped before you visit the place where they should be downloaded from (a lot of news sites drop these files). If you weren't interested in that site, you won't get the file, but it will remain on your computer. When you visit the site again, the file will be downloaded and placed in your temporary files folder.
2) Downloading a fake update: Another way for these Adware and spyware to get into your PC is downloading an update from a fake website. These updates look real (like having a lot of features) but in reality they don't have anything to do with the real program. They're just fake software that gets installed on your computer without telling you about it. When you open the particular program, it displays all kinds of messages that say you have signed up for something, or you've updated or changed some settings on the computer, etc. This is just a fake update, and it gets installed on your computer.
3) Spyware comes to you from your friends: The third way to get Adware and spyware to your computer is through your friends. People can install these programs on other people's computers in a very sneaky way and also be familiar with them so they know how to avoid infections.
AVG Free Edition is the best option for you because it has updated virus definition files (AVG already has updates for its definition files, but the new ones are better, so that's why we recommend this product). AVG does not have any spyware program on file as of today. The latest version of AVG Free Edition is 5.0 Build 36. We also recommend you to check Windows Defender because it has updated definition files. These two programs are the best options for your computer.
TIP: If you want to install any other program, make sure it's not an Adware or spyware program. Try to avoid these types of software on your computer at all costs because they have been developed with the intension of stealing information from your computer and installing malicious software without your knowing.
There are certain features in AVG that are quite useful like its shield feature, updated virus definition files and the ability to scan a particular file for viruses or check a file for malicious code (this works well when you want to download something). But when it comes down to looking for an Adware or spyware program, we think the second option is the best.
Source: http://www.grubwithus.com/...
Windows Defender Security Center (Security Essentials) - Windows 10 and Xbox One Console apps that offer a limited set of configuration options and can be used to view security status reports, scan for malware, and activate Windows Firewall.
* access is blocked by default in Windows 10 now so you can't actually access Microsoft's website without installing their awful Privacy Settings (we've reported this many times). Page 1 of several on privacy/safety by Microsoft; with links for 'review' between pages.
Resources and further reading:
See also Windows Defender Security Center app (Windows 10) - Automatically scan your PC for the latest viruses and malware, plus access blocked websites. Get the latest virus definitions, stay protected from harmful files, get security updates, set up automatic updates and much more... please note, you can steal information from this program by installing it without knowing what it is. Please read BEFORE you install it: http://www.tomshardware.com/news/windows-defender-security-center-piracy , Microsoft has shown how easy it is to steal information via their free windows 10 update - DEEPLY worrying! http://www.tomshardware.com/news/windows-10-updates-take-your-info , Microsoft now 'recommends' Windows Defender in Windows 10 to replace the free Microsoft Security Essentials (a good free anti virus program still on second page) (possible USB security issue too: https://www.ghacks.net/2015/11/25/microsoft-cancels-security-essentials-windows-xp , our OS comparison covers this). Windows 7 Threat Modeling - this is great if you have a copy of Windows 7 and want to keep using it. It explains how spyware and malware work (it also covers some Windows 10 features too). If you're using Windows 10 they have an equivalent, Internet Explorer 11 Security Essentials. Spyware & Malware Tools in a Nutshell - another great resource (thanks Rob!). Cyber Criminals Will be Targeting Your PC This Winter and It's ZERO Excuse Even if your children don't play games, they will access the Internet without your permission & come across malware that could be used to steal or guess passwords to their favorite games From @justinbieber to @Drake . Welcome to the world of malware, kids. http://t.co/8YKWMTpV7h pic.twitter.
Conclusion
Other programs you might want to consider (varies by machine):
Advanced SystemCare Free - a great tool for cleaning your PC and improving performance. It's very powerful but some people don't want to use it because of that. I wouldn't recommend using it if you're a beginner, but if your computer needs a bit of an overhaul then this is the program you need!
Security software is great if you're willing to pay for it, but it's not necessary. Even if you have a high-performance gaming PC, important documents (like tax returns) could be lost without security software.