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The Risks Of Internet Booster Software

One method for speeding up Internet surfing is the use of an Internet Booster, also known as a Download Accelerator. For those surfers who are still on 56K dialup modems, the use of free Internet Booster software programs will seem like a no-risk deal.

Unfortunately, the extra "speed" you receive is quite minimal, and all too often you are installing more than what you bargained for.

 

The Internet Booster / Spy Ware Connection

What "Spy Ware" software does is make a list of where you go on the Internet and then send a detailed report back to a main server, thereby adding valuable information to a company's marketing database - observing what websites you visit, what ads you respond to, and what type of products you are looking for online.

Obviously, all of that information is a virtual goldmine for marketing companies, but it is so difficult for them to get. Oh wait, its actually very easy for them to get when Internet users willingly load the software that records such information straight onto their personal computers.

 

Many Are Tricking You Into Installing Spy Ware On Your PC

Just ask yourself this question - "Why would a company give you a very valuable product that speeds up your Internet browser . . . for free?" Sometimes just giving you a free Internet booster is not enough. They will add other "free" products with their Internet booster, or give you the chance to enroll in some big prize drawing . . . if you simply install their software.

Some of these programs will even launch pop-out windows that offer products based on what you surf for on the Internet. Still others work like a proxy service which runs at startup to ensure all your web connections are routed through their proxy servers. Every connection you make on the Internet, including "secure" connections, goes through the proxies and the information gained is logged and analyzed for sale to marketing companies.

If you suspect you already have such spy ware on your PC, you can use free software to detect and remove it. The leading such software is called Ad-aware from LavaSoft.

 

Does An Internet Booster Even Really Work?

Not every maker of Internet booster software is out to install Spy Ware on your PC, and there are a few commercial programs that can actually improve downloads on a 56k modem. However, most test results will show that while these kinds of programs aid in downloading large files such as high-resolution images, multimedia files, and software packages, they can also work to actually slow the download of smaller files.

In the end, you won't notice much difference by using an Internet Booster or Download Accelerator. The only truly noticeable difference in the acceleration of your browser will come when you finally upgrade from dialup to DSL, Cable or Satellite. For more, tips, articles and reviews on High Speed Internet, return to the home page.