Malware Or Spyware

By: Ryan Larson

Malware is a new term used to describe malicious "mal" software
"ware" that has no other purpose other than to destroy or
disrupt a computer. Spyware and adware are considered to be
malware.

There is only one reason for spyware to be put on your computer,
and that's to make money, and no, not money for you. When you
download those funny and comical files that your friends e
mailed to you, free video or music files, free wallpaper, etc.
spyware usually comes attached. The spyware industry is a
billion dollar industry. There are people getting very rich
selling the information they track about you and hundreds of
thousands just like you.

Adware is a software program that also is attached with free
downloads of many kinds. What adware does is cause pop ups on
your computer, even when you're done with the initial site you
visited. That means that anytime you're on your computer,
surfing, checking e mail, or even working, annoying pop ups will
appear.

There are ways for your to protect your computer. The first is
for you to perform an on demand scan of your computer on a
regular basis with anti spyware software. It is suggested that
you re-boot your computer after the initial scan and then
re-scan to make sure that there are no "ticklers" left behind on
your computer. These ticklers are designed to reinstall spyware.
Don't forget to run your regular anti virus software on a
regular basis.

Next, stay away from free downloads. Don't open up unsolicited e
mail from anyone. Delete it from your server without opening it.

It seems wrong that people can do this to you, and it is. It
would be nice if it was against the law too. Well, someday it
might be. There is a case in court in the State of New York
right now. The State is suing a Los Angeles based company called
Intermix Media for placing unwanted spyware on computers. If the
State of New York is successful it could be the end of spyware.

About the author:
This article courtesy of http://www.adware-remover-guide.net