Stop spyware in its tracks!

Spyware infects the vast majority of home computers today. After it's on your machine, it can be used to access your social security number, track every website you visit, and take control of your computer away from you.

If you work for a large company, odds are your company has purchased anti-spyware protection for you. But readers using home computers or running small businesses are on their own and vulnerable to infection. Many readers suffering with "slow connections" have in fact already been infected and don't know it.

Written specifically for the home computer and small business owner, this title is a straightforward, no-nonsense guide that explains what spyware is, how to avoid being infected with it, and how to remove it from your computer if you've already been "hit." Stopping Spyware cuts to the core of the problem of spyware and offers practical advice on how to deal with it.

This short guide explains the following:

• What spyware is and how it works

• How to protect yourself from spyware infections

• How to choose and install spyware protection

• What to do if you are already infected–or think you are

• How to protect your personal data and information

• Where to find tools and additional resources

© Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

Laura E. Hunter (CISSP, MCSE: Security, MCDBA, Microsoft MVP) is a Senior IT Specialist with the University of Pennsylvania, where she provides network planning, implementation, and troubleshooting services for various business units and schools within the university. Her specialties include Microsoft Windows 2000 and 2003 design and implementation, troubleshooting, and security topics. Laura has over a decade of experience with Windows computers; her previous experience includes a position as the Director of Computer Services for the Salvation Army, and as the LAN administrator for a medical supply firm. She is a contributor to the TechTarget family of websites and to Redmond Magazine (formerly Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine).

Laura has previously contributed to the Syngress Windows Server 2003 MCSE/MCSA DVD Guide & Training System series as a DVD presenter, author, and technical reviewer, and is the author of the upcoming Active Directory Consultant's Field Guide (ISBN: 1-59059-492-4) from APress. Laura is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Microsoft "Most Valued Professional" award in the area of Windows Server – Networking. Laura graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania and also works as a freelance writer, trainer, speaker, and consultant. You can reach Laura at laurahcomputing@gmail.com.

© Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

Preface

About the Author

The Spyware Menace

    What is Spyware, and How Does it Get Installed on My Computer?

    Is Spyware a Virus?

Protecting Yourself from Spyware

    Laying the Foundation: Securing Your Home Computer

    Protecting Your Computer from Viruses

    Securing Your Web Browser

    Using a Personal Firewall

Installing Anti-Spyware Protection

    Ad-Aware

    Spybot Search & Destroy

    Microsoft AntiSpyware Tool

    Choosing the Right Product

What If I'm Already Infected?

What If I Can't Fix It?

    What's the Worst-Case Scenario?

The Need for Data Protection

    Creating a Backup Plan

    Selecting Files and Folders to Back Up

    Selecting Backup Media

    Backing Up Your Windows Configuration

Summary

Useful Links

    Useful Software Downloads

    Helpful Tips & Information

    For Kids and Parents

Stop spyware in its tracks!

Spyware infects the vast majority of home computers today. After it's on your machine, it can be used to access your social security number, track every website you visit, and take control of your computer away from you.

If you work for a large company, odds are your company has purchased anti-spyware protection for you. But readers using home computers or running small businesses are on their own and vulnerable to infection. Many readers suffering with "slow connections" have in fact already been infected and don't know it.

Written specifically for the home computer and small business owner, this title is a straightforward, no-nonsense guide that explains what spyware is, how to avoid being infected with it, and how to remove it from your computer if you've already been "hit." Stopping Spyware cuts to the core of the problem of spyware and offers practical advice on how to deal with it.

This short guide explains the following:

• What spyware is and how it works

• How to protect yourself from spyware infections

• How to choose and install spyware protection

• What to do if you are already infected—or think you are

• How to protect your personal data and information

• Where to find tools and additional resources

© Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

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Pearson Higher Education offers special pricing when you choose to package your text with other student resources. If you're interested in creating a cost-saving package for your students contact your Pearson Higher Education representative.