What is Spyware or Adware?

Spyware and adware are programs designed to snoop on your surfing habits. The companies that create and spread spyware and adware make money selling your information or presenting you with ads when you are surfing the web. They can slow down your computer significantly and sometimes make it almost impossible to surf the web without a pop-up window every couple of minutes.

Adware is often included in shareware or freeware programs, or as cookies downloaded through innocent-looking web pages. At times you will be asked to download some extension for your web browser to view something you want. You should be very careful as many of those web pages are trying to get you to download their adware programs.

Spyware acts like a computer virus: it can install itself without your permission, watch what you do and report information back to its masters. This could include email address details, the web sites you regularly visit and other personal information to help advertisers target you better with pop-ups and spam. In the worst cases, spyware can track your keystrokes and deliver passwords and online account details into dubious hands. It will also start slowing down your computer's performance.

There programs are sometimes also referred to as Malware (Malicious Software). It's all basically the same thing - a nusiance for you and potentially a security risk.

Most adware and spyware are not illegal and thus rampent throughout the web. In most cases, users willingly give permission to install the program. The companies providing the spyware, though, are deceptive in how they present the program or the license agreement. The Federal Trade Commision is working on improving these deceptive practices.

There are many programs out there to help you find the spyware on your computer and remove it. We have put together a list of the best free anti-spyware programs on this web site. Some programs will also survey your computer on a regular basis automatically to ensure nothing has installed itself. If you get any advanced virus programs, they usually have a spyware removal component.