What are spyware and adware?
Spyware or adware are little programmes that websites plant on your PC.
They are commonly used to spy on your Internet activity.
They can also slow down your PC and cause problems.
Your personal data and privacy can be threatened.
Adware is similar to spyware, causing unwanted advertising pop-ups, changing your default homepage, inserting strange icons onto your desktop or into your favourites, or resetting your chosen search engine.
Be careful when closing pop-up ads not to click anywhere but on the x in the box at the top right hand side of the window. Clicking buttons inside the window that say “Close” or “Agree” may install spyware on your machine.
What should you do to get rid of Spyware?
Run an anti-spyware programme.
Make sure it is regularly updated and scans your PC automatically.
There are several free pieces of software available which can scan your PC for spyware and remove it, for example at www.webroot.com, www.spywareinfo.com, www.download.com or www.tucows.com. Please note that Virgin Media does not accept any responsibility for external links, or any third party software you install on your PC.
Beware of the many websites out there promoting fake anti-spyware software, some of which actually install their own spyware and delete any other spyware they find.
If you think your PC has been infected by this type of software, many good anti-virus scanners can identify and delete it.
Find out more about Virgin Media PCguard anti-spyware.
