You’ve probably heard of Adware and Spyware. There’s a new word for programs that deceptive advertisers coax people into downloading from the internet – “Ransomware”.

Here’s a scenario…

You go to a website and an official-looking pop-up window appears on your screen telling you that you have viruses and spyware on your computer. The pop-up may give you a “yes” or “no” choice to scan your computer – though clicking “no” has the same affect as the “yes” button. After a program is downloaded, it appears to scan your computer and shows you that you have several viruses or spyware. It offers to clean the junk off your computer for “only $29.99”. If you don’t buy the program you get more pop-up ads and (fake) Windows alerts. The only way to stop the pop-ups and scare tactics is to buy their software. They are holding your computer at ransom until you buy their software. Many people give in.

Here’s what really happening…You initially visited a website that gets paid every time a visitor clicks on one of the ads. These ads are made by clever and deceptive marketing companies that will do anything to coax you into clicking on the ad. Once you click the ad you’ve allowed the marketers to download anything onto your computer. Soon afterwards a program claims that you have a number of viruses or spyware programs on your computer. The names it shows are usually names of real threats – but they’re not really on your computer, it’s just another gimmick into making you think you need to purchase their program.

After seeing dozens of these programs on people’s computers in most cases I’ve discovered what people have really bought was a hoax, and an “Anti-Virus” program that slows down your computer and doesn’t protect you from any real viruses or spyware.These fake anti-virus/anti-spyware companies are trying to sell you something. The internet makes it easy for them to make money off of millions of naive computer users. Remember they are trying to sell you something, don’t believe everything you see on the internet or from a pop-up window.If you get a pop-up window that you are unsure whether it’s an official Windows message, or just an advertisement you can check by visiting a trustworthy website. Close all browser windows, go to Start > Run and type in www.ctreno.com. That should open your default internet browser to Computer Tech’s home page. There is nothing on the Computer Techs home page that should generate a pop-up window or advertisement.

Cant’ get DSL? Don’t want Charter Broadband? Now there’s a new high-speed internet option in certain areas of town – Clearwire Wireless Broadband internet service. Their service offers download speeds up to 1500 Kbps (compare that to about 40 Kbps for most dial-up internet service). Clearwire officially launched service in the Reno/Carson City/Minden/Gardnerville area on March 14. As a promotion to get people to sign-up for their service they are offering residential service at just $19.99/month for your first 3 months (+$4.99 monthly modem lease fee). This is a savings of $10 to $17 per month for your first 3 months! A minimum 1-year contract is required. If you sign-up for a 2-year contract, the $50 activation fee is waived. You can find out more about their service at www.clearwire.com or contact your Computer Techs technician for a demo – we are Authorized Representatives of Clearwire. Don’t delay – the promotional rate expires April 30.