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What is Internet Clutter? If you find that your Internet browser has become slow and lazy, it is possible that your computer is being bogged down by internet clutter. While you surf the internet and trade emails, you may be unknowingly collecting files that pile up and get in the way of doing the things you want to do.
There are several different types of internet clutter.
COOKIES
These are files that are automatically downloaded onto your
computer when you visit a site. The main function of a cookie is
to identify the user’s computer for future visits. Information
such as your username or password are collected in cookies so
that re-entering a site is easier. But as you surf the internet,
you can also end up creating a trail of dishonest cookies which
can be used to track your activities. This type of cookie is
often used by “data-mining” companies that use the information
to target advertising and pop-ups. These “bad” cookies build up
on your computer and eventually make everything you do painfully
slow. Removing cookies, or even disabling them, can make your
computer faster and safe
CACHE FILES Any kind of file that is stored on your computer to catalogue your activity falls under this category. Technically, a cookie is a type of cache file. While most cache files are used to make your life on the Internet easier, they also have a tendency to become a drag on your computer. Over time, many cache files can collect – wasting hard drive space and eventually slowing your computer.
Keeping your cache files to a minimum is important for guaranteeing that your computer is running at top speed.
HISTORY INFORMATION Other information stored on your computer that can lead to lessened performance and decreased security belongs in this category. Your saved history includes statistics on your web browsing, such as your most frequent and recent stops on the Web. It also lists your recent searches, documents you’ve viewed recently, profile selections, and even the information on forms you’ve recently filled.
Much of the information under the umbrella “History” can be a threat to your security and especially your privacy. This information can also be used to launch more advertisement windows and make browsing all the more frustrating.
DISHONEST ADWARE These nasty programs are members of the “malware” family that collect as a user clicks on disreputable links. Dishonest adware is designed to infiltrate your computer without your knowledge or consent. It displays or downloads advertisements any time the software is triggered.
SPYWARE Running in the background of your slow computer may be spyware programs, also members of the malware family. Spyware is capable of much worse than simply spying on your computer. It can collect personal information, install additional software, change computer settings, and even redirect your Web browser. The results of spyware are significant: low security, slow connection speeds, and sometimes the complete loss of browser functionality.
SPAM Unless you’re in dire need of cheap prescriptions, bodily enhancement products, and matchmaking programs, you probably feel like you’re constantly under attack by spam. These annoying attempts to get your attention by offering deals too good to be true are among the oldest “black hat” marketing strategies on the Web.
Spam is generated to sell products to lists of email addresses. Often, you are on these lists because some unethical company sold your contact info. Other times, your email address was just randomly generated by a script that send millions of these emails a day.
Hopefully you know already that you should never, ever click on the links in a spam email. More often than not, they will lead to malware / spyware that will damage your computer. Much of this software is also designed to open the floodgates of your computer and let more bad software join the party.
It is important to keep internet clutter to a minimum for your privacy and security. Doing so can also improve the performance of your browser and make the Web a more enjoyable place.
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