Spyware, also known as "adware", is any of a number of programs that accumulates information from an infected user's computer with or without the user's knowledge. This information is generally used for advertising purposes.

Spyware generally gets installed along with another legitimate program. Often, but not always, the user is warned before installation that the spyware is included, but the notice is generally discreet and within a number of paragraphs consisting of technical date, so as to remain unnoticed. Upon installation, the spyware gathers information on the user's activity and sends it back to the company responsible for releasing the spyware. Spyware programs generally gather fairly harmless data such as the history of viewed pages, but can, in some cases, send back sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card information.

Spyware also ties up system resources, such as memory usage and hard drive space, as well as using bandwidth. It is not uncommon for a user infected with a number of spyware programs to have their internet connection slow to a complete halt. Spyware can also "hi-jack" the infected user's homepage, generally changing it to an advertising site and preventing users from changing back to their original homepages.

Once installed, a single spyware program can also install several other programs. Given enough spyware, not only will the user's internet connection be affected, but also the user's computer as a whole, often leading to system instability and general system sluggishness.

Keeping a computer completely free of spyware is virtually impossible, but there are several free spyware removal tools available for download. Two of the most notable are Adaware and Spybot Search and Destroy. Both programs will search out and delete or quarantine any spyware found on the computer. Much like anti-virus software, it is critical to keep these programs up-to-date with the latest spyware definitions. Both programs contain an "update" button on their main screens, which, when clicked, will check for and subsequently download any recently released spyware definitions. The definitions are free to download and do not require a subscription of any sort.

Occasionally these programs will identify non-spyware programs as spyware and attempt to remove them. It is rare for these programs to do this, but in some cases if an incorrect file is removed, the internet connection will cease to function. So it is important to keep track of the files being removed. If a "quarantine" option is available, it is recommended that the spyware files first be quarantined, and then deleted after verifying that the system is still running properly. Updating spyware definitions and doing a full system scan at least once a week will prevent spyware buildup and help keep a computer and its internet connection running at their optimal state.

If you believe you have spyware and would like assistance removing it, please do not hesitate to contact our support department.

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