SPYWARE!!! (08-05-05)
Watch out! This is Malicious Software intended to intercept or take partial control of a computer's operation without the user's informed consent. Many people have the misconception that spyware is a virus or a worm, but they generally do not replicate. Spyware is often installed without the user's permission and causes your operating system to become unstable. Spyware is usually installed when a company baits you with some kind of an offer. When you "accept" the offer, the spyware is installed. These programs run from the time you turn on your computer until you turn it off. Spyware monitors your internet usage and what sites you visit, then reports back to the creator of the program with your information.
The consequences of having Spyware on your machine can be detrimental to both your computer system, and your personal identity. It can cause a decrease in computer performance by more than 50%, and can also result in the theft of personal information such as your social security and credit card numbers.
Removal of the Spyware from your computer can be difficult, as the creators sometimes modify system files to make the program harder to delete. One way to remove these programs is by installing AD-Aware and Spybot on your computer. These are freeware products that help protect you and your computer.
You can find Ad-Aware at http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/
You can find Spybot at http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
