Pop-Up Blow Out

Q: Hi, High tech! I have a friend who keeps getting pop-up web browser windows all the time. They are ads, for casinos, pornographic media, dating services, and various other junk! How can my friend get rid of this annoying garbage?

Signed Concerned Staff Member

A: Mmmmmm, The High Tech senses bad karma between computer and user. This is good. "Your friend" has ensured my job security, and the Cosmic All is pleased. Now let's talk about spyware:

Spyware watches an individual's web browsing habits and sells this information to advertisers who then custom-tailor pop-up ads to suit the browsing tastes of your, er, friend.

While the nature of these custom ads might be embarrassing, not all offensive pop-ups are the results of your friend browsing naughty sites at work! You should let your friend know that the OASIS tech support crew views spyware as an invasion of privacy and seeks diligently to remove it wherever they go. What's more, OASIS techs are good at putting an end to spyware!

But, how to prevent getting spyware in the first place? I'm glad you asked. Well, you know when you are browsing, trying to find something and a pop-up message says to “Click OK to install this software?” Well DON'T! That's like letting strangers into your home in the middle of the night; probably not a good idea! Offers to install software via your web browser tend to come from either low-budget websites (supported by pop-up advertising), or websites that deal in hacking, free music, pirated software, and pornography. So don't go there. And don't install freely offered software from someone you don't know. Also, tell your friend he shouldn't take candy from strangers.

Your friend,

The High Tech

***

Write In!

Brave enough to ask the High Tech a question? We thought so! You can give him or her your best shot at hightech@unc.edu.

The coolest/hardest/weirdest/most practical questions will win prizes! That's right! A prize if you impress the High Tech, so write today! All identites will be kept confidential.