• American Writers & Artists Inc.

Quick Tip:
Side-Stepping Spyware

Two years ago, few people had heard of spyware. Today, spyware affects – no, make that infects – over 74% of all PC users.

Simply put, spyware are tiny programs that infest your computer through the Internet, usually through your Web browser.

While some types of spyware simply track what you buy on the Internet, others can wreak havoc on your computing life. Keyloggers, for instance, copy EVERY keystroke you make, including your logins and passwords.

Another type of spyware – called "dialers" – uses your modem to call pay-per-call numbers (similar to 900 numbers) that run up phone charges without your knowledge.

The biggest sources of spyware are security gaps in Internet Explorer (IE) – Microsoft’s browser (and probably the browser you use).

A good alternative to IE is a FREE browser called "Firefox." The Firefox website lists many reasons for switching over, but the biggest one is that it is almost impervious to spyware. Switching from IE or Netscape to Firefox is easy and fast.

Because it’s free and doesn’t do anything to your operating system, trying Firefox is safe and effortless. For more information, go to http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

How to Land Clients in 21 Days

How to Land Clients in 21 Days with Just Your Computer

How do I land my first client? It’s a question every aspiring freelancer asks eventually. Now, there’s a proven system for landing clients that removes the guesswork. Best of all? No cold calling. Learn More »


Click to Rate:
No ratings yet
Published: May 2, 2005

Guest, Leave a Reply
Please Note: Your comments will be visible by everyone.

You are commenting as a guest. If you’re an AWAI Member, Login to myAWAI for easier commenting, email alerts, and more!

(If you don’t yet have an AWAI Member account, you can register for free.)


This name will appear next to your comment.


Your email is required but will not be displayed.


Text only. Your comment may be trimmed if it exceeds 500 characters.

Type the Shadowed Word
Too hard to read? See a new image | Listen to the letters


Hint: The letters above appear as shadows and spell a real word. If you have trouble reading it, you can use the links to view a new image or listen to the letters being spoken.

(*all fields required)