Spyware is a broad term used for certain types of software that are downloaded onto your computer without your knowledge. Malware has become a phrase that is used when describing spyware and adware.
Spyware is placed on your computer in order to track your internet surfing habits. It knows every site you visit and every page on that site. Spyware also collects your personal information through software that tracks your actual keystrokes. If you fill in a form to make a purchase all your personal information, including name, address and credit card information can be tracked. The potential abuse of spyware tracking is also being discussed in some businesses that store secure information, such as credit card numbers or even medical records.
Adware is another type of spyware. It doesn't work by tracking your information as spyware does, but what it can do is actually change your browser settings without your consent. It can cause pop up ads to show on your computer. It can even place a new toolbar on your computer. Most people are unaware they even have any type of adware installed on their computer until their computer starts to slow down.
The spyware business is a billion dollar a year industry with people getting very rich selling the information they steal about you. There is a case currently in court in the State of New York against a spyware company. The outcome of this legal case will hopefully mean the end of secretly placed spyware.
In order to not fall prey to these types of malwares there are steps you can take. First, don't download freebies. A lot of services that are offered to you as "free" such as free music downloads are free per say, but the price you pay is allowing them to place spyware software or adware targeted advertisements on your computer. Read any agreements about the software very carefully before you download it.
Run an anti spyware software program often along with your virus protection software. Generally spyware and adware are designed to be difficult to remove from your computer and they leave behind "ticklers" which reinstall the software.
Several software companies design programs for preventive maintenance. Most of the preventive maintenance software companies produce programs for facilities and businesses. Because many programs are adaptable, they can be used for different types of facilities. Some of the best know preventive maintenance software companies are SMGlobal, Inc., Sigma Data Systems, Inc., and Smart ware Group.
SMGlobal, Inc. manufactures FastMaint CMMS software. This program comes in basic, standard, and professional models, with the price ranging from $495 for basic to $2495 for the professional edition. Some of the features included in all editions are the ability to schedule maintenance work by date and to adjust the date, track inventory and supplies, and predict maintenance costs. FastMaint is easy to learn and can be used for a variety of facilities.
Sigma Data Systems, Inc. produces “I’mOnIt!” preventive maintenance software. This program costs $499 and has available support packages for $99 per year. “I’mOnIt!” can be used to track an individual worker’s productivity and expenditures, create a database of work orders, automatically schedule maintenance tasks, and record any emergency repairs made on equipment. “I’mOnIt!” is a useful program for any type of equipment maintenance and is useful for record keeping as well.
The Smart ware Group produces the Smart maintenance preventive maintenance software program. Several editions are available, ranging from a stand-alone version that costs $1,395, a network edition for $2,995 and $300 per additional user, and a handheld version for $650. With each addition, users have options for scheduling maintenance, ranging from hourly to annually, or to correspond with mileage or a meter reading. Smart maintenance is used by such prominent companies and institutions as Du Pont and the Federal Reserve Bank.
Each of the above listed preventive maintenance software company’s produces products that can be adapted to work for many different applications. When choosing a preventive maintenance program, it is important to keep the specific size and scope of your organization’s needs in mind. Each program comes with a 30-day trial to ensure a good fit prior to purchase.