What Is Spyware?

By: Mark Freeman

Spyware is a rapidly spreading online threat to your computer.
It is estimated that in the first three months of 2005 over 80%
of computer users had a computer unknowingly infected with
spyware. You may have unintentionally downloaded spyware on your
computer when you visited a site and downloaded software you
wanted, or, when you downloaded that cute cartoon e mail program
from your friend.

What spyware does is allow someone to observe your computer use
and track your behavior on the computer. Some of these programs
are keystroke loggers, adware and so-called system monitors.
Generally those that maliciously install spyware software on
your computer are being paid by a third party for the
information they gain from tracking you and hundreds of
thousands like you. It's said that spyware is a billion dollar
industry, one that isn't going away anytime soon.

A lawsuit was recently filed in New York against a Los Angeles
company called Intermix Media. The lawsuit is based upon the
State of New York's General Business Law which prohibits false
advertising and deceptive business practices and laws against
trespass. A successful lawsuit against Intermix Media could
spell doomsday to the spyware industry. Until then, you need to
know what to do to protect your computer from spyware.

Once on your computer spyware can be very hard to remove. At
it's best spyware will cause your computer to slow down. At its'
worst spyware can change settings on your computer and display
advertising you don't want.

There are many anti-spyware programs available on the market
today. You should perform an on demand scan of your computer on
a regular basis. 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.

Beware of free downloads of any type of files, music, video,
free wall paper, etc. These can have hidden spyware.

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