Spyware - A Hidden Menace

By Dylan Phillips

The internet age has brought us many wonderful things like shopping from home, unlimited research capabilities, and YouTube. However, this new era has also ushered in a hidden menace: spyware and adware now infect over 90% of the world's computers. The problem is that these digital viruses, like their biological namesake, change their structure just as quickly as programs can be written to detect and delete them.

These malicious files are also aptly named in regards to their effects on a computer's performance. This is due to the nature of how a spyware program operates: spyware is installed on your system without your knowledge, and does not leave an icon on your desktop nor can it be deleted using Windows' "Add or remove programs," feature. While you browse the web, listen to music, and chat on your computer, spyware runs in the background, keeping track of everything you do and type. This information is relayed back to whatever company caused the software to be installed in the first place. When multiple spyware applications have installed themselves onto a machine, they all continue to run at the same time on top of whatever else the owner is doing. This dramatically slows down even a very fast computer.

After talking with a few computer programmers and a friend of mine who is a software designer for a well-known anti-virus company, I have compiled a list of 5 easy steps you can take to prevent yourself from a potentially damaging infection:

1. Whatever you do, NEVER download an Internet Explorer toolbar from a site that you do not trust. While toobars from well-known companies such as Google can be invaluable tools, the majority of these are scams. The features will all work as advertised, but the software is likely bundled with massive amounts of spyware that is completely legal because you agree to install it in the user agreement (they count on the fact that nobody ever reads those things).

2. Install spyware removal software and be sure to run a full system scan every 1-2 weeks. It is amazing how fast unwanted malware can accumulate on a harddrive. If you are on the internet alot, you may even want to increase this number. Be wary of scams when searching for an antispyware program, as many programs available for free from various websites actually contain spyware of their own. This site has helpful information about spyware and adware as well as reviews of the top 5 scan and removal programs: http://www.antispywarereviewer.com/

3. Stay away from file sharing networks like Kazaa, Limewire, and Morpheus. There is a reason these programs are free to download! The company makes money not by charging for the product, but by bundling it with various directed advertising components and spyware. There is also malicious software attached to many of the files hosted on the network.

4. You may want to consider downloading Mozilla Firefox to use as your web browser instead of Internet Explorer. Because the vast majority of internet users use Internet Explorer, most adware is made to work through this browser. Just by completing this step alone you can protect yourself from a large percentage of spyware programs before they even have a chance to enter your computer. Firefox can be found on the Mozilla website at: http://www.mozilla.com/

5. Though skilled programmers can sneak many spyware programs past firewalls and onto your system by bundling them with legitimate-appearing software, it is still important to have a strong firewall. Anti-virus programs like Norton or Mcafee will protect you from large threats like worms and trojans, but the software you installed if you followed step 2 is specifically made to target spyware, adware, and any threats to your personal information. Aside from the scans you should be running weekly, you will be notified of new threats as they are detected on your system, giving you the option to delete them before they become fully operational.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dylan_Phillips

How To Create A Hidden Office

By Penny Day

Choose decorative storage
A dining room can be quickly transformed into a place to do paperwork. Store supplies in a smart cupboard that doesn't look like typical office furniture and use attractive storage boxes that can be displayed neatly on shelves overhead.

HOW TO MAKE IT WORK...
• Be sure to include good task lighting for doing paperwork, with ambient lighting for dining.

• Unless you're working, be scrupulous about keeping the dining table free from books, paper and clutter.

• Use subtle colour coding rather than labels to distinguish your tax files from your bank statements.

• Check that you have a telephone connection nearby.

Create a special area
The key to incorporating a workable home office in a bedroom scheme is to make sure that the desk or work area is concealed. A clever shelving unit can be made to hide a neat study area behind it.

HOW TO MAKE IT WORK...
• Create a calm rather than cluttered space by reserving some shelf space for favourite pieces of art or craftwork.

• Paint walls and shelves in a pale neutral shade to give the room a spacious feel.

• Consider covering the partition wall with felt so it can double as a pinboard.

Conceal Shelves and Filing
Create neat hidden storage with two false pillars that also serve to divide an office area from the rest of the room. Shelves can be tailor-made to suit your particular requirements and positioned so they are within easy reach of the desk.

HOW TO MAKE IT WORK...
• Paint the pillars and shelves the same colour as the walls of the room to give the scheme a cohesive look.

• Keep the room streamlined with a contemporary desk and fit a letter rack along its length to hide wiring and provide handy access to stationery supplies.

•Add a strong aesthetic element, such as the blind used here or a painting, to soften the office feel.

You can find more information on home office ideas and home office products at house to home, helping you create a look you'll love

Hidden Spy Cameras - All-Seeing Eyes

By Nahshon Roberts

With the advent of reality shows, more and more people are becoming aware of the possibility of using hidden cameras to spy on other people for different reasons. Seeing people in their most unguarded moments can be fascinating. Camera manufacturers have taken advantage of the fact that people want to have hidden spy cameras similar to that of James Bond or the popular prank shows of television. This has since contributed to the steady rise of the hidden spy cameras industry.

While most hidden spy cameras are used to capture harmless pranks on video, there are other uses that are not as wholesome. Voyeurs spying on their neighbors and secretly filming other people having sexual intercourse shamelessly utilize hidden spy cameras. Hidden spy cameras, however, are not just for people with nefarious plans. Hidden spy cameras are also great tools to keep watch over your home and loved ones, thereby ensuring peace of mind. They can be used to make sure that your children are treated well by their nannies and babysitters. Similarly, they can also be used to catch criminals or philandering spouses. Hidden spy cameras are so effective and handy, in fact, that they are even used by law enforcement agencies, such as the police and the FBI.

Strings or No Strings Attached
Hidden spy cameras can either be wireless or wired. Wireless hidden spy cameras have concealed transmitters that send captured images to a remote recording equipment. Wired hidden spy cameras, on the other hand, are connected to recording equipment, like VCRs and PCs, through a physical cable. Wireless cameras rely on battery power, while the wired sort has the advantage of a ready power supply.

Its Hidden for a Reason
As the name suggests, hidden spy cameras are always concealed. They are usually hidden in everyday, nondescript objects, such as clocks, calculators, radios, teddy bears, and even plants.

Recent breakthroughs in wireless technology now allow hidden spy cameras to transmit videos real-time. So, not only can you see the action as it unfolds, you can take the necessary action as well. All you would need is a PC or laptop with an Internet access to view your hidden spy cameras. You can even do online surveillance, if you wish. You can also set up your hidden spy cameras in such a way that they trigger alarms or send emails to you when suspicious activities are captured.

If you don't have this technology, however, don't fret. Most hidden spy cameras can be set up to work unattended. They can record hours of video and can be plugged into your VCR or PC directly for review. This way, you don't miss anything and can gather solid proof of misbehavior.

Hidden Or Not, You Still Want the Best
There are a few things to consider when investing on hidden spy cameras. You have to take into consideration the range of the video you wish to capture. Wide-angle viewing is also a nifty feature to consider. It allows you to view the captured video from several vantage points.

For image quality, you need to consider your hidden spy cameras' resolution. Invest on hidden spy cameras that can automatically adjust to varying lighting conditions so you can get the clearest images possible. This way, you don't miss what happens in your home or office when you're out.

See more with hidden spy cameras! Whether you need wired or wireless spy cameras, you can choose from a host of home surveillance cameras when you visit video-surveillance-guide.com today.