What is a Spyware and Malware

Defination: "What is a Spyware"

Spyware is information-gathering software that installs itself on your computer without your knowledge or consent.

Unlike viruses, spyware doesn't try to destroy your computer's functions.

Instead of being actively destructive, spyware collects data about you and tracks where you go on the World Wide Web. It then gives that information to spammers in order to deliver advertising to your computer and to install toolbars.

Spyware is programming that secretly gathers information about you and then delivers it to advertisers. People who download a considerable amount of free information, tools and games off the internet will find this is a common problem.

What is a Spyware and What Does It Do

Spyware gets onto your computer through programs that you download, such as free games and other programs. You find something that appears to be a useful piece of shareware or a fun game. You download the desired program, but unknown to you a piece of spyware comes along with it and installs itself on your computer.

Spyware is the latest take on the old Trojan horse trick.

Another way it can gain entry is in the form of a virus that gains access to your computer when you click on a pop-up ad or a link in an email. One particularly sneaky method is by way of a blinking pop-up ad that says, "Warning! This site may have spyware! Click here!" You click and have opened the door for the spyware download.

What is a Spyware according to Webopedia
Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes.
Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet; however, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else.
Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. Continue reading "what is a Spyware" according to Webopedia

The great thing about the Internet is that it brought the world into our homes. The worst thing about the Internet is that it brought the world into our homes, including those who want to gather information about us for profit. Privacy is a big concern for computer users today and we are all aware of the dangers of identity theft.

While spyware can be used by identity thieves, it is more a tool of low-level hackers who are looking for small payoffs with minimal risk. Unlike identity theft, spyware installation is unlikely to be traced back to any individual hacker and does not carry heavy legal consequences.

What is a Spyware Protection

Spyware is almost unavoidable for Internet users. Even if you are very cautious and never click on suspicious links that arrive by email or other means, spyware programs are likely to install themselves unknown to you and begin gathering data. Like parasites, spyware programs drains resources and interfere with the normal functioning of your system.

Read more on how you can fix your slow computer problems here

Spyware strains your operating system. If you find your computer is getting slower and slower or crashing a lot for unknown reasons, it may be time to check for spyware. It is a good idea to regularly run a spyware removal program as part of routine computer maintenance.

Most users now know that they need to run anti-virus programs, but not everyone has developed a routine for deleting spyware. While some antivirus programs detect spyware, it is best to have a dedicated program specifically created for detecting and removing spyware and malware from your computer.

What is a Spyware Related Posts

Previous Article » What is a Virus on a Computer | Next Post » What is a Computer Registry

Close spyware page
And return to Slow Computer page