Bits'n'Bytes

As heard on CJCD

Episode 22

I still get a fair number of phone calls from people who have clicked on a message that appeared on their screen and ended up getting tons of popups. The message is usually something like "Your system has critical errors. Please back up your work immediately and click on this link to be taken to the repair program you require." Unfortunately, the supposed cure is usually worse than the supposed disease. In most cases there is little, if anything, wrong with your system.

The message is generated by one of several different ways.

One way is a popup ad directly from the web site you're currently viewing. A lot of websites have opted for this form of advertising to generate extra income. To stop this form of ad, you need a popup blocker. Windows XP with Service Pack 2 has one built in. For people running other versions of Windows, Norton, McAfee and Trend Micro have all created popup blockers. Or, you could download the Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer, which also has one.

Another way spammers generate these popups is through Windows Messaging. Windows Messaging is a little program for network administrators to send messages to users on the network. Spammers have started using it to send messages to anyone who leaves Windows Messaging turned on. It's usually a window with a message in it, saying how badly messed up your system is and how you should download this program to fix it, and an OK button. The way to stop this method is simply to turn the Windows Messaging component off. If you're getting these types of popups and you want a hand turning Windows Messaging off, just give us a call.

Another way of getting the popups is if you have an adware program installed on your computer. The program may have been installed when you downloaded other programs. If you don't read the fine print on the agreement, and just click OK and install the supposedly free program, you're likely installing adware, too. The programmers want to get paid, so this is how they make their money. Some of the adware is easy to remove, some is a real pain. Once again, if you need help removing any of it, call us today.

Ever wonder what all the dot com, dot org, dot ca extensions mean on the internet? Stay tuned next week for a quick explanation.

I’m Computer Dave, thanks for your time.