Spyware is a \”malware\” or malicious software that is placed on
your computer without your knowledge. This can happen when you
visit online web sites offering free downloads of games, when
you download videos or music, or any share files, such as when
you download that comic e mail from your friend. Spyware
programs are piggybacked into your machine at the same time you
download a file. Spyware is infecting millions of home computers
today.
Spyware tracks your on line computer habits. It knows each site
you visit and what you have looked up on that site. Some spyware
even tracks each keystroke you make, including every bit of
information you fill out on a form, such as name and address,
and credit card information when you make a purchase. This has
some in the online world worried that this can lead to identity
theft and stealing of credit card numbers. Your computer surfing
habits and personal information is then sold to businesses. The
spyware business is a billion dollar industry, with lots of
people getting rich selling your information without your
knowledge.
Another problem with spyware is that unless you run anti spyware
software often, you don\’t know that spyware been installed until
your computer starts to slow down. By the time your computer
slows down due to spyware you could have as many as six or seven
different spyware programs running in the background.
You can get rid of spyware by running any of the number of
anti-spyware programs available on the market today. Run these
programs often. Some suggest that after you run an anti spyware
program that you re-boot your computer and run the software
again to make sure there are no \”ticklers\”. Ticklers are
designed to reinstall spyware.
The best way to avoid spyware is to stay away from downloading
freebies. Don\’t open unsolicited e-mail, delete it before you
open it. When downloading any software, even legitimate software
programs from the internet read the end users agreement
thoroughly. Some of these agreements will state that they are
installing spyware type software, and by you downloading their
program you are agreeing to let them put spyware on your
computer. If you know this then you have the ability to say yes,
or no and protect your personal information.
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This article courtesy of http://www.adware-eliminator.net