Is your laptop been running slower than normal? Even the best college laptops may run slow from time to time. Are you worried someone may be able to access your laptop and steal your private information and use it against you? If so, these are feelings I have shared with you in the past.
Some time back, my 3-year old laptop was running so slow that I had to buy a new one. Or at least I thought I needed a new one. Then within a matter of weeks of surfing on the Internet, my new laptop was also running so slowly. In addition, some programs did not run well and I did not recognize some of the programs that were running on my laptop. Were these programs that were tracking my keystrokes on my laptop or programs I just not remember installing? I knew I had to find a answer and solution fast.
The truth is, we can all put up with a slow laptop but very few of us would want others to have access to our information, but that is exactly what can happen when spyware or malware is loaded on our laptops without our knowledge.
According to Spyware Nuker’s web site, “Spyware applications are programs and files that hide on your PC’s hard drive without your direct knowledge. These programs allow hackers and advertising companies to track your every move, both online and even when you work offline. They can track the websites you visit, the items that you buy online, the emails you send and receive, your Instant Message dialog, and worst of all they can even record your credit card number, personal identification numbers, and all of your passwords. If you use dial-up to connect to the Internet then spyware can be used to bill 900 numbers to your phone bill. This is just a short list of the harm that spyware can cause.”
The web site also provides statistics that show spyware is a huge problem effecting many people. “27.3 million Americans have been victims of identity theft in the last five years, including 9.91 million people or 4.6% of the population in the last year alone.”
In addition, it is very easy for your college laptop to become infected with spyware as “The majority of all downloadable games, music, screensavers, etc., can infect your laptop with SpyWare or AdWare. Most people do not know that after simply clicking on a random “pop up” ad, their computers may have been infected with SpyWare or AdWare.”
No matter how we get spyware, here are 10 very real reasons you don’t want spyware on your laptop.
1. Your laptop may start running slower
2. Some programs on your laptop will not run correctly
3. You may not recognize programs that are now on your laptop because they may have been installed there by a spyware related web site or program you loaded on your laptop.
In addition, you might be worried that:
4. Someone might be able to read your e-mails
5. Someone might be able to access your e-mail list
6. Someone might be able to see you track the keystrokes you type
7. Someone might be able to access your credit card information on your pc
8. Someone might be able to access your passwords list on your computer
9. Someone might be able to steal your social security number
10. Someone might be able to track all the web sites you visit
As I mentioned, most of these programs get on your laptop with out you even knowing, but another frustrating part is I recognized a few of these programs because I remember installing AND uninstalling them! So now I know that when we install some of these handy little utilities to track passwords online or programs to help with e-mail or keep track of the weather, even if we uninstall them, they may not be gone from our laptops. They are still in our laptops, waiting to spy on us, at the least.
A great way to find and remove spyware is to run a spyware detector and remover. Most spyware detection and removal software today offers a free scan to verify that you do or do not have spyware on your laptop.
The best laptops for college students need to be kept clean and free of viruses and spyware.
© 2010, Best College LaptopsThe best college laptops are designed to fulfill the student’s needs, whether that mean having a high-quality video card for gaming, large memory for school work or durability for travel. Find good college laptopswith tips from a systems administrator in this free video on computers.
© 2010, Best College LaptopsDepending what your need is for the laptop will determine if you really need the best college laptops or one that will cover your requirements. If your just a casual surfer of the net, college student or you need a good laptop for your business, each type of person will desire something different.
The person who goes on the internet just to check their e-mails or to chat with their friends will only require a basic computer with minimal amount of RAM as well as programs. They wouldn’t need to get all the up grades or even fill their laptop with major amount of gigs.
A college student, depending on what type of classes he or she are taking, must decide if they would want to get graphic programs or not. A big issue with students is that they want the laptop to be conveniently mobile. Some laptops are bulky and have some weight. The best college laptop is the one that works for that particular person.
As for the business man or women, their needs will also vary. First of all they need one that will not fail them. They will require a dependable laptop that can be mobile as well. Since a businessperson travels quite a bit he will need to make sure that he or she gets a long life battery and a back up one as well. The programs that they’ll need will also depend on what field of work they are in. In advertising one would need a laptop that has a few different graphic programs, while someone in banking would need spreadsheets and financial programs.
Whatever the need there’s a laptop out there for you. Making a list of exactly what you’ll be doing with it and using it for will help you in your decision.
Tags: Best College Laptops, Best Laptops For College, college, college laptop, laptop, Laptops, RAM
