Spyware epidemic

[Mara]

If I had to pick a tech story destined to make more headlines this year, it's the topic of spyware -- generically, programs that are installed on your computers without your knowledge and which do things like track online behavior, deliver ads or in extreme cases, actually "hijack" your browser to sites you have no intention of visiting.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3619701/

[Terry Penrod]

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Spam, virii, hackers, pirates, campers, flamers, cheaters, trolls, adware, pop-ups, spyware... the web is a bloody mess.

Cheers, Terry

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[Mr. Natural]

I've said it before and I'll repeat it here. I believe people purchasing computers should be required to pass some sort of competency test and be instructed on basic computer security before being allowed to purchase a computer. OR allow them to purchase a computer, but if they want internet access, then they must go to a class to be educated on basic security techniques and how to maintain their computer. I say this as there are thousands if not millions of zombie systems on the internet right now contributing to the distribution of virii, spam and the like.

[Terry Penrod]

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I'd also like to see some rudimentary literacy skills testing and civility training required.

Cheers, Terry

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