Spyware is a newer kind of annoyance.  Spyware programs run in the background of your computer and collect information about you, and how you use your computer.  This information is sent back to their place of origin, and then this information is usually sold along with the information from many other people.  A common customer of this information are marketing companies who then direct target you through annoying Pop -Up adds, Email Spam, direct Postal Junk Mail, or even phone calls. These programs are copied to your computer by a number of means, sometimes by a virus , but in most cases, are unknowingly installed by the computer user themselves.  This is done primarily by deceit, or by relying on a users ignorance.  For example, when installing software you have downloaded, those annoying “License” or “terms of agreement” notices that nobody reads frequently give the author permission to copy other programs (Spyware) to your computer.  So, in the process of installing one program, you have actually allowed several other programs to be installed, AND given them permission to Spy on you.  This is much akin to the use of discount cards at grocery stores.  Grocery stores offer the customer a discount (bonus) when you use your customer card (Spyware) so that they can track information about your buying practices, such as when you shop, how much you spend, what brands you prefer, how effective their add campaigns are, etc.  Most spyware programs do not directly harm your computer, but they can cause performance problems, or due to their intrusive nature, cause abnormal computer behavior.  Spyware can be scanned for and removed similar to viruses.

Below are articles pertaining to Internet and network security issues.

Spyware Software & Updates/Information

• SpywareInfo.com
• Windows Anti Spyware
• Spybot Search and Destroy
• Ad-aware
• Aluria's Spyware Eliminator
• BPS Spyware/Adware Remover