Cases when Spyware Can Be Good

Written by Shelly V.

Monday, 21 August 2006

When the word spyware comes to mind it is not usually followed by happy thoughts. People associate spyware with computer pop-up blockers that enable them to block undesired pop-ups and computer viruses. Other thoughts are about privacy loss and invasion by unwanted predators. However, if you are a parent sometimes spyware can become a useful and necessary tool. Take for instance a keylogger . A keylogger is a device you connect to your computer to investigate the activities of its user. This may seem devious to some but in this instance it is better to protect that to find out the hard way that your children are visiting inappropriate sites or chat rooms. If they are not doing any unfavorable activities your children should not mind the device, that is provided you inform them you have connected it. There are basically two types of keyloggers . Both gather information and store it internally in the computer. The first is a program used through Windows that transfers the information to a hidden folder for later investigation. The second is a little device that connects to your keyboard and then to your computer. This type can be programed to store the information and transfer it to another computer for later viewing. Keyloggers are useful tools to obtain passwords and instant messenger screen names along with the capabilities to record full conversation that take place. They can display emails that are received and sent and show you what sites that have been visited while browsing the internet . It can also programmed to take pictures of the monitor at certain sites to display the content that is being viewed at that time. Todays teens can deactivate a computers parental controls quicker that it takes their parents to set it up. Using spyware parents have the ability to track the sites their children visit, read the emails they send and receive, and chatrooms they participate with. Parents can also see what time the child logs on and how long they stay on the internet when they are not home to see for themselves. The child's instant messenger friends are no longer a secret, the keylogger not only grants access to them but also their profiles. Parents can see complete instant message conversations from beginning to end. When a child minimizes the screen when their parent comes near the computer something is up. With spyware this is no longer an issue. After the child logs off the parent can activate the folder and view the entire conversation. No parent wants to believe their children behave inappropriately but as we all know children will do what they think they can get away with. Sometimes without their own knowledge they have unwittingly placed themselves in a dangerous situation. With the use of a keylogger parents can be aware of their child's activities on the internet and be able to keep their children safe from predators waiting in the wings for an unsuspecting person to step into their traps. A keylogger should not be used as a tool for invading your teenagers personal affairs, but rather as a monitor to ensure they are not engaging in dangerous activities or inappropriate behaviors. Maintaining a trusting relationship with your teenager will allow them to feel comfortable in communicating openly about their concerns. Keyloggers are also useful if you suspect your partner of dubious activity or possibly an internet affair. Internet affair have become a major reason for most divorces today. Instead of spending money on expensive private investigators you can obtain the information yourself by logging on to your own computer. Installing the spyware as indicated above you can find out if your mate has a new online lover and what their really saying to each other. As stated above, maintaining a healthy, trusting relationship is a key essential to any relationships success. Spying on a person just for the sake of spying is an invasion of their privacy and should be thought about long and hard. Once trust is broken it is very difficult if not impossible to regain.

 

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