EarthLink Spyware Blocker - FAQ

What is the purpose of EarthLink Spyware Blocker?

What are some different kinds of Spyware?

Are all spyware-type programs harmful?

What exactly does EarthLink Spyware Blocker do?

How do I download EarthLink Spyware Blocker?

How do I use EarthLink Spyware Blocker?

Why are some items not safe to disable?

Why would I want to allow spyware?

What are EarthLink Spyware Blocker alerts?

What is the purpose of EarthLink Spyware Blocker?

EarthLink's Spyware Blocker is part of a suite of applications (including Pop-up Blocker and Spyware Blocker]) designed to protect your privacy and enhance your Internet experience. It detects spyware programs running on your computer that can be used to collect information about your computer and your Internet usage without your permission or knowledge. When EarthLink Spyware Blocker detects a spyware program running on your computer, you will have the ability to disable the program.

What are some different kinds of Spyware?

• Adware - Pop-up advertisements that are generated from adware programs. These ads may appear at random intervals or can be based on the subject of a web site that you visit. Adware programs are typically embedded in free software downloads as a method of generating revenue.
  
  
• Tracking Cookies - Tracking cookies allow web sites to store and access information about your surfing habits and areas of interest as you surf from site to site. This data is stored in a small file on your computer. Marketing firms create profiles based on your personal browsing habits to target specific advertising to you.
  
  
• System Monitors - System monitors can log virtually anything you do on your computer, including recording keystrokes, email messages, chat room dialogue, web sites visited, and programs you run.
  
  Most system monitor programs are legitimate, but a few are not. For this reason, use EarthLink's Spyware Blocker to detect any system monitor programs that are running on your computer. You can then decide if you want the monitoring program to run on your computer. If your computer is a part of a network, it is very important that you consult your network administrator before disabling any system monitor-related program.
  
  
• Trojans - Trojans are malicious programs that hide out on your hard drive to steal or damage computer data.
  
  Trojans can be used to give unrestricted access to your computer or even used to attack computers or web sites while it is connected to the Internet.

Are all spyware-type programs harmful?

Not all programs that sound like spyware are harmful. Most are legitimate programs that help your computer or Internet experience by allowing a service provider to keep track of the needs of its customers.

For example, versions of Microsoft Windows, and many other common programs, include features designed to catch system "crashes," where a program unexpectedly stops working properly. The operating system takes a quick inventory of your computer setup, a description of the feature that crashed, and what was happening when it crashed. This information is sent anonymously to program developers to help prevent crashes in future releases of the program.

Browser "cookies" that store personalized information for a web site that you use frequently is a legitimate use of cookies. myEarthLink is a good example of a site that uses cookies. You can sign in to myEarthLink, personalize the content, and your browser will store these settings for the next time you visit the page.

What exactly does EarthLink Spyware Blocker do?

EarthLink Spyware Blocker detects and identifies spyware programs running on your computer and gives you the ability to disable them quickly and easily. In case you change your mind, you can easily re-enable any program that you have disabled.

How do I download EarthLink Spyware Blocker?

In order to take advantage of EarthLink Spyware Blocker, you must have EarthLink TotalAccess installed.

If you need to download EarthLink TotalAccess , click here.

If you already have EarthLink TotalAccess, first check to see if EarthLink Spyware Blocker already appears in the Protection menu. If it does not, you can download it by selecting Check for Updates from the Toolbox menu. For instructions on how to use Update Manager, Click Here .

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How do I use EarthLink Spyware Blocker?

To get started, click the Protection menu on the EarthLink TotalAccess Task Panel, then choose EarthLink Spyware Blocker.

For instructions on how to use EarthLink Spyware Blocker to automatically disable spyware, click here.
For instructions on how to use EarthLink Spyware Blocker to manually disable spyware, click here.

PLEASE NOTE: EarthLink Spyware Blocker does not actively scan for tracking cookies, so it's still best to run a scan of your computer from time to time.

Why are some items not safe to disable?

If EarthLink Spyware Blocker detects a program that is an integral component of a legitimate software program, it will mark it as unsafe to disable.

If you find that you have disabled spyware that you need, you can restore it. For instructions on how to restore spyware that has already been disabled, click here.

Why would I want to allow spyware?

If a program stops working correctly after disabling a spyware item, you may have disabled an important component of that program. Restore that item, then check to see if the program works properly again. If it does, you should add the item to the Allowed Spyware List so that it won't appear as spyware in future scans.

For instructions on how to restore a spyware program, click here.

What are EarthLink Spyware Blocker?

EarthLink Spyware Blocker alerts warn you when new spyware is running or activated on your computer. When enabled, you'll be alerted within minutes of an active spyware program. Then, you can scan right away and disable the item, or wait for a more convenient time.

PLEASE NOTE: EarthLink Spyware Blocker does not actively scan for tracking cookies, so it's still best to run a scan of your computer from time to time.