Spyware is a general term used for software that performs certain behaviors such as advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent. You might have spyware or other unwanted software on your computer if:

• You see pop-up advertisements even when you're not on the Web.
• The page your Web browser first opens to (your home page) or your browser search settings have changed without your knowledge.
• You notice a new toolbar in your browser that you didn't want, and find it difficult to get rid of.
• Your computer takes longer than usual to complete certain tasks.
• You experience a sudden rise in computer crashes.

Spyware is often associated with software that displays advertisements (called adware) or software that tracks personal or sensitive information. That does not mean all software which provides ads or tracks your online activities is bad. For example, you might sign up for a free music service, but "pay" for the service by agreeing to receive targeted ads. If you understand the terms and agree to them, you may have decided that it is a fair tradeoff. You might also agree to let the company track your online activities to determine which ads to show you.

Other kinds of unwanted software will make changes to your computer that can be annoying and can cause your computer slow down or crash. These programs have the ability to change your Web browser's home page or search page, or add additional components to your browser you don't need or want. These programs also make it very difficult for you to change your settings back to the way you originally had them. These types of unwanted programs are also often called spyware.

The key in all cases is whether or not you (or someone who uses your computer) understand what the software will do and have agreed to install the software on your computer.

There are a number of ways spyware or other unwanted software can get on your system. A common trick is to secretly install the software during the installation of other software you want such as a music or video file sharing program. Whenever you are installing something on your computer, make sure you carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement. Sometimes the inclusion of unwanted software in a given software installation is documented, but it may appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement.

Adware is similar to spyware, but it generally asks you before installing itself and collects less personally identifiable data about you. At the same time, these can slow your computer down, cause your system to be unstable, and even open the door to hackers. Your PC can catch spyware just from visiting particular Web sites, or from installing certain freeware and shareware. Several examples can enter your computer through vulnerabilities in the IE browser and Windows, although some can also burrow in through other browsers, OSes, and applications such as instant messaging clients.

Adware is basically any program that is intended to support advertising revenue. In fact, this breed of software started out as a legitimate concept. The idea was that if advertisers sponsored a software program, then users could enjoy it for free. In practice, however, the concept has evolved and taken a rather sinister turn.
It is possible for adware programs to be installed on your hard drive without your knowledge as a result of visiting a website. In this way, adware easily finds its way onto the computers of innocent and unsuspecting users. Once on your computer, it can monitor internet use and pass information on to a third party. It can also make you the unwilling recipient of tons of "targeted" junk mail, or spam. The reason it is targeted is that the adware will have been monitoring your surfing habits and recording everything you do, or are interested in, on the Internet.

Symptoms of spyware
Let you know the evidence, if your computer has infected malicious spyware.

How to get rid of spyware
Discover the resources you can call upon to help remove snoopy software from your computer.

How to prevent spyware
Learn several ways you can help protect your computer against spyware and other unwanted software.

About Popup, Spam, Cookie
Learn more knowledge about Popup, Spam, Cookie and how to solve the problem of them.

If your PC has infected spyware, I recommend the following powerful products:

·Spyware Doctor
A malware & spyware removal utility that detects, removes and protects your PC.
·SpyBlocs
Trusted anti-spyware with quick and deep scanning.
·Spyware Detector
Scan, detect, delete and recover spywares with an option of quick and full scan.
·SpyCleaner Gold
Check your computer for any spyware and if found removes it.

See more security software ...