Spyware. If you like to download MP3, Visit porn sites, Gamble online, Or just cruise the Internet, you may be the victim of  Spyware. A lot of spyware comes from file sharing networks like Limewire. Kazaa, Morpheus, Gnutella  as well as sites that offer you free downloads. These sites may provide freeware, but at what price to your privacy and peace of mind.

What is AdWare, Spyware, and Cookies? Most all of this software is targeting you to sell you something. It is usually downloaded to your computer with or without your knowledge. Some of this software, such as Cookies, actually help you out, but much of this AdWare is not in your best interest. Spyware. As defined by Wikipedia, Spyware is "computer software that collects personal information about users without their informed consent. The term Spyware, which was coined in 1995 but wasn't widely used for another five years, is often used interchangeably with adware and malware (software designed to infiltrate and damage a computer respectively).”.  This type of software is advertised as helping desktop tools. In reality, this Spyware is gathering information on where you go and monitoring key strokes. In many cases you are delivered  popup ads on a frequent basis, further commercializing your online experience. Worst yet, some of these tools deliver Porn ads to you or your children's computer. Most free Internet toolbars are spyware in that they collect information on your searching habits as they personalize your web surfing experience. In many cases it’s a trade-off between giving up some privacy and enhancing your surfing experience. We recommend that you check and clean your system often. 

Many Internet sites install Cookies on your computer. For the most part Cookies are helpful in that they tailor a site to your preferences.  With no Cookies it would be very difficult for you to actually buy anything online, logon, or navigate through many sites.

Popups .  This is a marketing technique for displaying advertising. Originally Popup ads were only seen on porn sites, then gambling sites, and now is very common on many large sites. The passive pop-ads are at best no worst than commercials on Television.  It is hard to believe that anyone buys from one of these popup ads, but we must be buying as these popup ads are continuing to be very popular on the Internet. In some cases, popup screens attempt to install unwanted software on your system which can change your system configurations. Lookout for the dreaded gray install screen that you did not request. After seeing these types of popup ads, you should do a system check. You may have new bookmarks, home page may be altered, unwanted software installed on your system, or in worst cases you have a virus that alters or damages your system. There is software that can stop most popup ads. More and more the courts are getting involved and lawsuits are being filed against the more malicious forms of Spyware. All of us must stay aware of these threats to assure our privacy and our peace of mind. Watch out for freeware and file-sharing networks.

Click here to download some free trial spyware cleaning software.

Click here to learn some techniques to help keep your system clean.