Spyware

What Is Spyware?

According to Webopedia spyware is:

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.

They define malware as:

Short for malicious software, software designed specifically to damage or disrupt a system, such as a virus or a Trojan horse.

Basically they are not things you want on your computer. Cookies that your browser stores can also be spyware. Malware can also keep popping up adverts on your computer screen. To fight this menace I recommend a three pronged attack.

  1. Prevent the spyware getting on your machine in the first place I recommend SpywareBlaster as this adds a list of known bad sites to Internet Explorer's blocked list. Also see the PREVENTION section below.
  2. Regular scans using a program such as Ad Aware which is used to scan your machine for known spyware/malware.
  3. COMMON SENSE!!! A lot of programs, such as the file share program Morpheus, come with what they call adware. This sort of thing pops up adverts on your computer screen when you least expect it. There is no need to use this type of program as there are always cleane alternatives.

There is also a program called Spybot S&D which can both scan your computer for spyware AND immunise it. I personally recommend using all three of these programs.

I recommend that you run these programs atleast once a month and update them each time before you start the scan.

Other Programs

Here is a list of other spyware removal programs I have been told about.

PREVENTION - Some anti virus programs claim to be anti spyware as well but not to sure I would trust them. But you can download programs that run in the background like anti virus programs do and monitors for spyware activity. Microsoft is working on one they call Windows Defender and the makers of SpywareBlaster also do one called Spyware Guard and is available from the same site.

There is also adware but this can be a grey area as some programs are free but use adware to generate revenue to pay for the program and state that you have to install the adware to use the program.
For a more detailed explanation about adware and the differences between adware and spyware goto www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Internet/2004/spyware.asp.