Q: Why clutter a computer with adware and spyware? Each evening before shutting down, I delete all the cookies stored in my browser. I use a firewall and anti-virus software. This procedure takes less time than using those two products. Granted, it takes away acceptable cookies, but they are replaced.
A: Hi, Tom. Deleting the cookies doesn't do a thing when it comes to spyware and adware. So you're not protecting your computer.
Besides, cookies got a bad rap years ago when they first came on the scene. I wish controlling spyware and adware were as simple as deleting cookies. But you need to use a special program, as is true with fighting hackers and viruses, to tackle the problem.
I consistently recommend one of two free programs: SpyBot Search & Destroy or Ad-Aware. You can download either at download.com.
Now, more about cookies: Some hacker and porno sites can be dangerous when it comes to cookies. If you stay away from places like that, cookies from most mainstream sites should not be a concern.
A cookie is a tiny text file that lets a Web site identify you on your next visit. So the cookie makes it possible to — for instance — customize the opening page at weather.com to give you the temperature in your old hometown each time you log on. Once you've customized the site, the cookie lets the Weather Channel site pull up the correct page just for you.
Q: Having heard and read the admonitions to be careful about what to do to avoid e-mail spam, I wonder whether there is there a list or source that does enumerate those specific spots on the screen on which not to click in order not to expose the e-mail address to a spammer?
A: Fred, it isn't a case of finding the right spots on the screen. Clicking or not clicking on some spot won't make any difference. However, there are ways to at least minimize the amount of spam you get. I once did a series of stories about spam and created this list of tips:
• Avoid listing your e-mail address on Web pages. Spammers use software that harvests addresses.
• If you must use your e-mail address on the Web, avoid using the @ symbol — it's what spamming software looks for. Type an address this way — bill(at)spamstory.com — on a Web page.
• Get a free e-mail account at Yahoo (yahoo.com) or Hotmail (hotmail.com). Use it to order merchandise or leave public comments. You'll still get spam, but most of it will arrive at the free e-mail account.
• Never answer a spam e-mail. Don't order, don't write to complain, don't use the link that offers to remove your name from mailings. Answering proves the e-mail account is active and may generate more spam.
• If you participate in online contests or fill in registration forms on the Web, use your free e-mail account.
• If your Internet provider offers free anti-spam software or services, use them.
• Don't check that box: When you sign up at a Web page, look for text toward the end of the form that says something like: "Yes, I want to be contacted by select third parties concerning products I might be interested in." If the box has already been checked, remove the check mark.
• If you receive a spam offer that sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is
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