FAQ on Internet
Topic: Spyware/Malware
Version Information
This FAQ and the directions it contains applies to:
» AppRanger
» Internet Explorer 6; 7
How do I prevent spyware and malware from infesting my computer?
How do I prevent spyware and malware from infesting my computer?
In an ongoing effort to provide additional protection to you while you use your computer at EICCD, the IT Department has deployed a new program called AppRanger. You may notice a new AppRanger icon on your PC desktop. AppRanger is a software package that scans and cleans your computer for spyware and malware.
Spyware is computer software that collects personal information about users without their informed consent. Malware is software designed to infiltrate and damage a computer. Malware and spyware programs are installed in a variety of ways including just visiting web sites that allow these programs to be installed. Web sites install spyware primarily to assist with targeted advertising campaigns but spyware may also be used to collect passwords or other personal information for criminal purposes.
AppRanger helps protect your computer from both spyware and malware. AppRanger does its scanning and cleaning automatically so you do not have to do anything. Since this automatic scanning occurs only when you are browsing the Internet, AppRanger has no impact on your computer's speed while doing other work.
You may, if you wish, manually start a scan. To do this, follow these directions:
- Click on the START button in the lower left of your screen.
- Click on ALL PROGRAMS and then click on the AppRanger folder. Then click on OPEN APPRANGER.
- Now click on the SCAN icon.
- Follow the directions to clean the files and complete the scan once it has examined your files.
* For Your Home Computer
It is recommended that you run both a good spyware and good malware prevention program in addition to your anti-virus software. While EICCD does not endorse nor can officially recommend either of these products, both have been used successfully by many individuals. The first is "Ad-Aware SE Personal" (free) available at http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/select_your_product.php. The other is "Spybot: Search and Destroy" (free) at http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html. Install these on your home computers and then update the software before you run a scan once a week for a safer Internet experience.
* The Help Desk and the technicians are not available to assist with home computers including software installed from our software-at-home purchase program.
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