Here are answers to some common questions about viruses and spyware.

What is spyware?

Spyware is software that can install itself or run on your computer without providing you with adequate notice, consent, or control. Spyware might not display symptoms after it infects your computer, but many malicious or unwanted programs can affect how your computer runs. Spyware can, for example, monitor your online behavior or collect information about you (including personally identifiable or other sensitive information), change settings on your computer, or cause your computer to run slowly.

What is a virus?

A virus is a rogue process that attaches or installs itself on your computer and onto your operating system. A virus is usually written to slow down or break components within a system, cause frustration to a user or to cause other malicious damage, specifically identity stealing or destruction of a computer network.

How can I tell if I have spyware or unwanted software on my computer?

You probably have some form of spyware on your computer if:

• You notice new toolbars, links, or favorites that you did not intentionally add to your web browser.
• Your default home page, mouse pointer, or search program changes.
• You type the address for a specific website (for example, a search engine), but are taken to a different website without notice.
• You see pop-up ads, even if you're not on the Internet.
• Your computer suddenly begins to start or run slowly.

There might be spyware on your computer even if you don't see any symptoms. This type of software can collect information about you and your computer without your knowledge or consent. Running Element TotalProtect whenever you use your computer can help you find and remove such software.

Where does spyware and potentially unwanted software come from?

Unwanted software can be installed by websites, downloaded programs, or a program you might install from a CD, DVD, external hard disk, or a device. Spyware is most commonly installed through free software, such as file sharing, screen savers, or search toolbars.

Can I get spyware without knowing it?

Yes, some spyware can be installed from a website through an embedded script, or program in a webpage. Some unwanted software requires your help to install through web pop-ups or free software that require you to accept a downloadable file. However, if you keep Element TotalProtect up to date and don't reduce your security settings, you can minimize the chances of a spyware infection.

How can I prevent spyware and viruses?

Run up-to-date anti-virus software. Programs such as Element TotalProtect can help prevent malicious software, spyware, and other potentially unwanted software or adware from installing itself or running on your computer. Many programs, including Element TotalProtect, can also scan your system automatically to find and remove spyware that might already be installed.

Keep your software up to date. Element Software periodically releases security updates to help prevent spyware from being installed without your knowledge. Element Software releases these security updates to all its products, including the Element Web Browser.

Review license agreements before installing software. When you visit websites, do not automatically agree to download anything the site offers. If you download free software, such as file sharing programs or screen savers, read the license agreement carefully. Look for clauses where you must accept advertising and pop-ups from the company, or that the software will send certain information back to the software publisher.

How do I remove unwanted software?

The best way to remove unwanted is to run up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware software that can monitor software that is trying to install itself on your computer, and also scan for and remove potentially unwanted software that might already by installed.