Shopping - Anti-Adware and Anti-virus

Do you have Adware on your computer?

Some BCL readers have found that they are getting new windows opening over BCL.com.au pages and some of the retailers listed in these pages.

We do not pop open new pages with advertisements on your computer. If you get these pages, you most probably have adware on your computer. The most common adware is Zango and Hotbar.  Look at the bottom of the window that opens and you may see a message: "This advertisement is served by..."

Adware monitors all of your internet use and targets these advertisements depending on keywords in the pages or even the website address. This is done without the knowledge or permission of the website you were viewing.

If you have pages popping over BCL, please send details to bcl@bcl.com.au

Software to detect and remove adware and spyware

• Adaware from Lavasoft download a free version for personal use or the full version
  
• Trendmicro anti-virus and anti-spyware software for home, small business and large networks. To reduce the risk of virus infections, and of inadvertently triggering or spreading them to other people, Trend Micro provides some excellent articles to help you recognise and understand  viruses, phishing and other internet scams
    
• Symantec Australia/New Zealand 

Further Links on adware and spyware

• http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6122046.stm
• Ben Edelman offers consultancy and has conducted vast amounts of research on this topic. http://www.benedelman.org/spyware/180-affiliates/
• affiliatefairplay.com monitors the use of this software mainly in the US
• The Center for Democracy and Technology
• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zango