Safe Internet Blog

This article exposes the downside of relying on free software to block popup ads in the wider context of adware and spyware protection.

Adware are commonly defined as any type of software which plays, displays or downloads advertisements on computers. Some adware are called spyware because their functions are invasive: They consist of obtaining then sharing some personal information about the users without their consent or knowledge. 

Adware popups have become a common irritation for most users and many are now looking for free ways to disable them. Google and MSN toolbars offer free popup blockers functionality and many users rely on them for protection. Only a minority of users know about the link between popups and spyware, and even fewer still, take the right steps to protect themselves. Most users only concentrate on blocking popups. Yet, in order to safeguard the users’ privacy, protect the integrity of their systems, whilst enabling a pleasant user experience, both the removal of adware and spyware and their prevention are necessary steps. By contrast, simply blocking popups whilst browsing creates a false sense of security. This is due to the fact that in reality, the most serious problem with popup ads is not that they are a permanent irritation, but rather that they are the symptom of spyware infection. This issue is clearly evidenced by the fact that many popups appear when computers are not even connected to the Internet.

Changing the browser settings is free and a step in the right direction

Blocking adware popups whilst browsing is easy enough. Changing the privacy settings so that popups can no longer appear on screen can be done as follows:

·      Select Control Panel in your computer 

·      Click on the Internet Options icon 

·      Click on the Privacy tab. 

·      There is a box next to “Turn on Pop Up Blocker”. 

·      Tick this box and you will block adware popups. 

Once the settings have been changed, users should adjust the privacy levels on their computer. Another option is to install the Google or MSN toolbar. Either toolbar can improve security when browsing the Internet. For more information, click on free popup blockers.

But, what about achieving complete protection? Are most users seeing the bigger picture?

Unfortunately, most users simply focus on blocking popups then forget that their computer is probably infected with adware and spyware. Popup blockers such as those offered by the Google and MSN toolbars, whilst useful are just dealing with one aspect of privacy and system integrity protection. For more information click on block spyware.

It is highly advisable, to think more broadly about the methods to safeguard the users privacy, and the integrity of their computers against the threat of adware and spyware attacks. Users should, in addtion, run the latest version of their anti-virus software, then eliminate adware and spyware using appropriate tools. Frequently users download adware and spyware unknowingly.

The most popular adware and spyware removal tools can both block and get rid of adware and spyware. The most popular adware and spyware removal tools benefit from frequent updates, which rely on research teams who review the latest adware and spyware threats. Using adware and spyware removal programs deals with the root causes of adware and spyware infections by removing undesirable software then blocking adware and spyware. This method is clearly more effective than relying on free popup blocker software. For more information click on adware spyware removal.

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There is much confusion about the need to clean Windows XP registry, this article provides an overview of the reasons and remedial actions

Rapid overview of Windows XP registry -Windows XP registry one of your PC’s key component. PC user should clean Windows XP registry regularly. Many refer to the registry as the heart soul and mind of Windows. The registry is used by Windows XP to store the devices and file associations of the computer. Registry is also used to store critical information on directories, drivers, Windows applications and much more. You should use a registry cleaner software instead of cleaning the registry manually, unless you are very familiar with Windows XP operating system.

Click on clean windows xp registry for more information 

Are you sufficiently familiar with Windows XP registry? – If so, continue to read
 
Taking a backup - When completing any repair process of Windows XP registry, mistakes can be made easily and damage your system further. Hence, taking a backup of your file is necessary. Fortunately users can now choose from several proven registry fix software. These tools can find the potentially questionable or unused references, and they prompt the user to review any entry that may cause a problem once removed.
 
Start menu - To begin cleaning Windows XP Registry manually, go to the start menu, and click on run. Type “regedit” in the text field, and press enter.
 
HKEY sections - Windows XP registry has many different entries separated in sections namely HKEY_CURRENT_USER, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, HKEY_USERS, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, and HKEY_CURRENT CONFIG. There are different entries in each section, which are related to various aspects of Windows XP operation. Click on the + symbol to clean XP Registry. You will see the plus sign next to the root directory. This operation will expand a more detailed list, additional directories to select from in this section will appear and this will make it easier, for you to find the entries needed to clean up the registry.
 
Entries causing conflicts - Next step to clean Windows XP registry is to erase the entries which are causing conflicts or are no longer required, such as redundant ActiveX components for example (click on repair activex for more information)
 
Clean boot records - It is also advisable to clean the boot records. This can be done easily by changing the list of programs that load when the system starts up. Look into the CURRENT_USER and LOCAL_MACHINE directories until you find the “Run|” and “Run Once” option. This enables cleaning the registry entries which trigger programs at startup.
 
Clean at least every six months – Users should clean Windows Registry at least twice a year to optimise the performance of their computer. This cleans redundant items. Machines which are extremely slow usually have a large number of software, or those where drivers are constantly being installed and uninstalled, require more frequent cleanups (click on computer extremely slow for more information).
 
However tempting a manual clean or repair may be, remember that, using the appropriate registry cleaner to repair windows XP registry is usually a superior solution than attempting this manually . Many registry repair software (i.e. the best ones) also offer both backup functionality to protect your data and will also improve computer performance.