What is Spyware?

      Spyware, in general, is a group of programs that collect data without the user's knowledge or their express permission. This information is then relayed to advertisers and different companies.
      Most of these programs monitor your activity on the Internet--the web sites that you visit, the search keywords that you use, etc. This data can then be used in conjunction with Adware to display pop ups that might interest you. For example, if you search for a Logitech computer mouse, the Spyware will record that search, and pop up an ad for quickcam.

What is Adware?

      Adware is a group of programs that generate pop up ads on your screen when you are on the Internet. They display a variety of different ads and information. After a while, these get very annoying.

Why do I have Spyware and Adware?

      Spyware and Adware can be installed on your system in a couple of different ways. Some programs that you download for free include this software when you install them. This allows companies to collect advertising fees on the software, but still provide the software to users for free. If you read the license agreement, there is usually a small paragraph about the program. For example, Kazaa installs the following Adware programs: DoubleClick, Cydoor, SaveNow, BullGard, and MatchNet......all of which display pop up ads. You can read their 'no spyware policy' here .
      You can also get Adware and Spyware from visiting different web sites, usually the lesser of the two evils, but they still monitor your activities.

How can I prevent this?

      The best way to prevent Spyware or Adware from being installed on your computer is to be monitor the programs that you install and the web sites that you visit. Peer-2-Peer, and other File Sharing programs are known for including Adware and Spyware. Kazaa and I-Mesh are among the top offenders.
      If you get pop up windows, make sure that you close them by clicking the 'X' in the upper right hand corner. Do not click OK, or Yes in any of the windows. This can install software, Adware or Spyware.

Programs Become More Invasive

      Update April 26,2004: Some of the Spyware and Adware programs have been re-written to make them harder to remove. Removal of these invasive programs maybe a two step process. First, install and run the Adaware software as described below. If, after scanning your system you continue to have problems, and in particular with Internet Explorer download, install and run CWShredder. Recommended programs to remove Spyware and Adware

March 2006 - We are now recommending the use of Windows Defender for removing spyware and adware. Installation instructions

Ad-aware and Spybot Search and Destroy are also designed to remove Spyware and Adware. They have good reputations and both do a good job of removing the Spyware and Adware from your computer.

• Installing and Using Spybot
• Installing Ad-Aware
• Using Ad-Aware