What is Spyware?
Spyware is any program which secretly gathers user information through the user’s internet connection without the user’s knowledge. This program may be hidden as a component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the internet. The spyware then transmits the information to someone else. This information is used for many reasons. Some spyware is used strictly for marketing data collection, gathering and transmitting that information on to someone else. Spyware software may be installed legitimately to monitor security or workplace monitoring, and may be installed to maliciously violate the integrity of your computer.
Continually check for spyware and adware on your computer. A spyware free computer operates faster and connects you to the internet faster than an infected computer. Some computers may become so overrun by these software programs that they fail to operate properly and people resort to taking their computer to be repaired. Sometimes it appears that the computer has a virus, when in fact it is bogged down by spyware. The worse case scenario is having to have your system totally restored to reverse the problem. The best way to stay free of spyware is to stay up to date on your virus, spyware, adware and malware definitions, have an anti-virus, anti-spyware. firewall program on your computer. Run the security programs daily and stay alert to symptoms. The internet is meant to be used and enjoyed in spite of the possible problems.