Spyware (also known as adware) is a user Internet information gathering software tool. It runs in the background and is used advertising.
How does it get installed on my computer?
It may be installed just by accessing a website. It may also be attached to a “freeware or shareware” program such as WeatherBug, screensavers, or wallpaper backgrounds. It is very similar to a Trojan Horse.
Is it harmful?
In the past it was used to profile your surfing habits, so that you may be presented with advertisements of interest. Today, it is far more malicious, gathering email information, credit card numbers or passwords. It can permanently modify your browser and take control of your network settings. In some cases, it may even use your PC to relay files to others or distribute spam, without you even knowing it. Since it runs in the background, it eats up precious resources and bandwith, slowing down you computer’s performance.
How can I tell if I have spyware on my computer?
You will notice laggy computer performance, or your home page has changed by itself. There are many free utilities available to detect and remove spyware from your computer. Here are three popular titles, just to name a few:
The products above may be downloaded from www.download.com. If you wish, you may purchase a product that will attempt to prevent the spyware from installing onto your computer in the first place. You spyware software must be constently updated to keep current with the new variations of spyware that comes out, just as your antivirus software.
A Trojan Horse is a computer program that appears to be useful, but will in fact do damage to your computer. They can compromise your PC's security.
Why should I Defrag my hard drive?
