|
What is Spyware?
Spyware is a catchall term for
several types of malicious software. The consequences of a moderate
to severe spyware infection (privacy issues aside) generally
include a substantial loss of system performance
and major stability issues (crashes and hangs).
- Adware
Unwanted advertising banners,
pop-ups, pop-unders, etc., in your web browser.
- Spyware
Spyware consists
of computer software that gathers information about a computer
user without the user's knowledge or informed consent, and then
transmits this information to an external entity.
How does it get onto your computer?
It often arrives attached to
other software that you intentionally install.
Many 'freeware' and 'Shareware' programs that you download over the net include
from one to several parasite programs that will silently install themselves as
you install the software that you actually wanted.
Some may also arrive in email. Unlike viruses, these
usually announce themselves.
Many install themselves on your system
when you simply visit a web site that hosts them. These are known
as 'Drive-by Installations'.
How do I get rid of spyware?
For your PC, there are several detection and removal
programs available from the internet.
|
