HP Firebird User Manual page 53

Internet Access (continued)
Symptom
My Internet browser
home page changed to
something I did not want.
Unwanted pop-up
advertisements display
on my computer when I
am connected to the
Internet.
Possible solution
You may have spyware on your computer. Spyware is software that
usually runs silently in the background on your computer, collecting
and sending information about you and your use of the computer to
another person or system on the Internet.
You can find and remove spyware from your computer by using any
one of a number of software programs available for this purpose,
including Windows Defender.
To scan for spyware by using Windows Defender:
1 Click the Windows Vista start button, All Programs,
then click Windows Defender.
2 Click Scan.
Note that many of the popular virus protection programs also
include tools that scan for and remove spyware from your
computer.
To avoid getting spyware on your computer:
Do not install programs if you are not sure they come from
reputable companies. Check the company Web site carefully
for information about what is included with the program.
Do not automatically click Yes when a download window
asks if it is OK to install a program on your computer. Read
the message in the window and ensure that it is a software
program that you really want.
This is typically caused by adware or advertising-supported
software.
You can configure your Web browser to block pop-ups. For
example, in Internet Explorer, click Tools, and then click Pop-up
Blocker.
To remove adware from your computer, use the antispyware/
adware program included on your computer (select models only),
or use any one of a number of available software programs that
remove adware programs.
Note that many of the popular virus protection programs also
include tools that scan for and remove adware from your computer.
Troubleshooting Computer Problems 49