'Parasite' software warning

Computer users are advised to beware of free Web services that advertise themselves as Internet connection speed accelerators or promise free prizes and raffles. Most "free" offers have hidden costs. In some cases these offers lure users into installing “parasite” software on their machines.

“Parasite” is a shorthand term for "unsolicited commercial software," that is, a program that gets installed on your computer which you never asked for, and which does something you probably don't want it to. In recent months, the parasite problem has grown enormously.

Two of the ways that unsolicited commercial software can make its way on to your machine are through freeware programs and pop-ups. Some freeware programs are “bundled” with parasites, which are installed at the same time. Sometimes Web sites (or pop-up ads) will try to fool you into clicking “Yes” by stating that the software is necessary to view the site, by opening endless error windows if you click “No”, or by claiming that the digital certificate on the code means it is safe.

For this reason, you should never click “Yes” to a "Do you wish to download and install..." prompt unless you are 100 percent sure you trust the publisher of the software, which might not be the publisher of the Web site you are viewing. Please read the dialogue box very carefully first.

Fresno State staff and faculty should first contact their local technical support person for any questions and assistance. Fresno State faculty and staff, without local technical support, should call the ITS Help Desk at 278-5000 for assistance or go to http://help.csufresno.edu to generate a work order.

For more information, contact Rafael Villegas, Information Security Services, ITS, at 8-3923.