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2.13. How Do I Remove Adware?
Surf with your eyes open!
Staff laptops are particularly vulnerable because they are admin users. Student laptops seem to pick up browser extensions that cause heartache.
"But I didn't do anything."
Often, as we use our web browsers, despicable websites (MacKeeper, Softonic, Download) love to wrap adware, and other carcinogens around legitimate software downloads. Furthermore, detestable people try to contaminate your computer during your surfing to their site.
Consequently, without knowing it, one malefically installs malignant software. I highly recommend you read this thesafemac.com paragraph describing a typical manipulation tactic. Malware corruption can occur to students and staff, but staff tends to be more vulnerable.
Feel uncomfortable if, out of the blue, your browser says to you, "Hey, you've got problems, or I can help remove that virus from your computer." The biggest lie, of course, is a message along the lines of "Trust me." If you have deliberately initiated a (legitimate) download, or are following instructions from a reliable, trustworthy source, you are likely OK.
The Safe Mac (@thomasareed, @thesafemac) is a reliable and trustworthy site for learning more about Mac malware.
Students
All
- Quit downloading, and stop sharing, your illegitimate and illegal files from Eastern European, Asian, Torrent, et al. sites.
- It is your assigned RPS computer. Never, ever let anyone else use it! Tell them the tech dept said so.
- File a Help Request.
- Ask your teacher for permission to get online during class, and then call the tech dept to take a look-see.
High school
- Come visit the tech dept in RHS 402.
Staff
- Don't respond affirmatively to uninitiated software install requests that you didn't deliberately seek out.
- It is your assigned RPS computer. Only let someone else use it in your classroom, in your presence.
- File a Help Request.
- If your browser is hiccuping, try running AdwareMedic from The Safe Mac.