How did I get these programs on my computer?

Here are a few potential ways these applications might find their way onto your computer. Please keep in mind, this is not a comprehensive list.

Unintentional Download

You might intentionally download and install spyware or adware without realizing it has an unrelated, secondary purpose. For example, you might be told a program will keep your computer clock synchronized with the atomic clock. If it is spyware or adware, the program might also send information about your browsing habits to its author or display advertising pop-ups whenever you're online.

Software Bundle

Spyware and adware might be included (bundled) with programs you download and install. For example, many file-sharing programs require you install additional, unrelated programs that might be considered spyware or adware.

Unintentional Install

You might voluntarily but unintentionally install spyware or adware while surfing the Web. Sometimes, spyware or adware appears to be corrective software or a special plug-in that will help you view a site. Or, for example, you might be told a program will keep your computer clock synchronized with the atomic clock. If you don't know the source of the download or aren't sure what a program does, you can generally learn more by searching on the name of that program on Rogers Yahoo! Search.

Other Users

Someone else who uses your computer might install spyware or adware on your computer. They might do so unintentionally in any of the ways mentioned above, or they might maliciously install a program with keystroke logging, to capture passwords or other personal information.

Computer Virus or Worm

A computer virus or worm can install spyware that could allow someone remote access to your computer, turn your computer into a pornography or spam server, log keystrokes to steal passwords or credit cards, or perform other malicious acts.

Automatic Installation

Some unscrupulous companies use advertisements to automatically begin the installation process for their programs. By default, most browsers prompt you with a security warning to either continue or stop the installation process. Typically, these warnings don't offer a description of the program or tell you what it will do.

When you launch the "Anti-Spy" feature from the Rogers Yahoo! Toolbar and press the 'Begin Scan' button, Rogers Yahoo! Anti-Spy scans your computer against a list of known applications that display these unwanted behaviour. You can decide to review, remove or add to the Allow list any applications found in a scan.

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