I’ve read some articles on Spyware, and I found that some are saying that in some cases, Spyware is or has become more of a threat than Anti viruses. Here are some basic questions to consider about Spyware:
1. What is it?
2. What does it do?
3. Should I be concerned about it?
4. What can I do about it?
I will try to explain as best as I can for each of the above questions. Starting with the first question -
What is it?
Spyware is programs that are downloaded without your knowledge when you access websites or install downloaded programs.
What does it do?
They collect information from your computer and send back to the companies they came from. This information can be anything from how you use your computer, personal information, system information etc. What it does can vary depending upon where it came from. It can also slow your computer down depending upon how much Spyware has infected your computer.
Shoud I be concerned about it ?
I think everyone should be concerned about Spyware and ADware. both can have a negative effect on your computer. These types of programs are not created equal. You never know what problems they will cause. Especially as new ones are being created as time goes on.
What can I do about it?
These programs – Spyware and Adware can be removed for FREE by programs that you can download for FREE from the Internet. The following is a list of programs available:
a. Spybot Search and Destroy
b. Spycatcher
c. Spyblaster
d. Adware SE Personal
The above are just some of the programs you can get to remove the unwanted Spyware and Adware from your computer. You can get these programs from http://www.download.com.
You should always back up your computer just in case problems are caused by running these types of software. Please read all instructions and/or warnings before using these types of software. I have found that it is best to have more than one kind installed on your pc. What one doesn’t get, the other one may. You need to be careful when making use of these programs.
In my experience with Spyware and/or Adware, I’ve seen that it doesn’t do as much harm as anti viruses, it’s just that it has other effects as listed above. If you need an anti virus software you can find some on Download.com as well.
Posted by Tim 
