Internet Access (continued)

Symptom

Possible solution

 

 

My Internet browser

You may have spyware on your computer. Spyware is software that

home page changed to

usually runs silently in the background on your computer, collecting

something I did not want.

and sending information about you and your use of the computer to

 

another person or system on the Internet.

 

You can find and remove spyware from your computer by using any

 

one of a number of software programs available for this purpose,

 

including Windows Defender.

 

To scan for spyware by using Windows Defender:

 

1 Click the Windows Vista start button, All Programs,

 

then click Windows Defender.

 

2 Click Scan.

 

Note that many of the popular virus protection programs also

 

include tools that scan for and remove spyware from your

 

computer.

 

To avoid getting spyware on your computer:

 

￿ Do not install programs if you are not sure they come from

 

reputable companies. Check the company Web site carefully

 

for information about what is included with the program.

 

￿ Do not automatically click Yes when a download window

 

asks if it is OK to install a program on your computer. Read

 

the message in the window and ensure that it is a software

 

program that you really want.

 

 

Unwanted pop-up

This is typically caused by adware or advertising-supported

advertisements display

software.

on my computer when I

You can configure your Web browser to block pop-ups. For

am connected to the

example, in Internet Explorer, click Tools, and then click Pop-up

Internet.

Blocker.

 

 

To remove adware from your computer, use the antispyware/

 

adware program included on your computer (select models only),

 

or use any one of a number of available software programs that

 

remove adware programs.

 

Note that many of the popular virus protection programs also

 

include tools that scan for and remove adware from your computer.

 

 

Troubleshooting Computer Problems 49