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Internet Security
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Close Pop-up Ads: Don't Click No!
Even
though you are probably very aware of the dangers of viruses
and spyware, it is possible that you
are downloading those very things onto your computer without
even knowing it. As you surf the internet, you surely have
encountered pop windows. Most likely you simply close
them and keep going on with what you are doing. However,
what you may not know is that closing those windows may be
the worst
thing you can do. The people who create pop up windows are
sneaky and are certainly not out for your best interests. In
many cases, what you think may be a simple move to rid yourself
of an annoyance is really a way for you to end up with a virus
or spyware on your computer.
You will find that many pop up windows and ads look like they
are standard windows boxes. They have in them a message or
alert and likely a button at the bottom. It usually asks something
to the effect of “would you like your system scanned for spyware”
and then offers you choices of buttons for “yes” and “no.”
Sometimes it’s even an alert and only one “close window” button.
Either way, you must be alert with these pop ups.
The boxes that show up on your screen may seem pretty innocent
or even useful. Plus, you probably don’t pay it much attention
because you saw that there was a way to get rid of the box
quickly by clicking “no” or “close window.” The truth is that
if you are getting a pop up in the first place, there is cause
for concern. In most cases, those buttons are not what they
appear to be. In a large number of cases, if you click
either button or anything on the pop up, you will end up downloading
a virus or some sort of spyware. So by simply trying to close
the window, you are probably causing harm to your computer.
There
is a proper way to click out of a pop up box. Many system
security experts will tell you that you click on the “x” in
the corner of the pop up window, instead of those option buttons
it gives you. The only problem is that many of the windows
will mimic that “X” and trap you once again. Remember to always
be a little bit suspicious when it comes to pop up windows.
Just the fact that someone is even using pop windows is reason
to be very cautious of anything having to do with that window.
There
is another option, and it is likely the one that will
be the safest with any pop up window situation. The way is
to find the pop up in your task bar. Move the curser over the
window and right click it. You will get a menu and from that
you can select “close.” However, from time to time you may
get a pop up that is not listed in your task bar. All is not
lost in such a case. Simply right click on the task bar and
you will get your task manager. Find the pop up in there and
click the “shut down” option for that window. This will safely
and easily rid you of the pop up without putting you in danger
of accidentally downloading spyware or viruses onto your computer.
We live in an age of technology. With that technology, comes
danger, because as with anything there are always people trying
to take advantage. Viruses and spyware are certainly no exception.
Even though you are most likely fully aware of the dangers
of downloading software about which you are unsure, you may
still be doing it without even knowing what you are doing.
Often times, those annoying pop ups that spring up all over
your screen as you surf the net are actually traps. You click
the button to close or to say no and actually end up clicking
a link to download spyware. There are, however, safer ways
to close those windows. Whenever you are confronted with a
pop up window on your screen, take precautions so that you
do not end up with unwanted viruses or spyware on your computer.
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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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