Monday, February 15, 2010

The Adware and Spyware Threat

Spyware and Adware are types of malware and have become constant threats to computer users. Spyware as well as Adware programs work their way into computers and can can be not only very annoying, but can also do damage to you and your computer in a variety of ways, including identity theft.

Adware is usually used for marketing purposes and is packaged within a program, game or software utility designed and distributed as freeware. In such freeware programs, most or all of the features are enabled for use; and, while you are using them, sponsored advertisements run in a small section of the software interface or are displayed as a pop-up ad box on your PC. When you stop running the software, the ads should disappear. However, some adware programs bombard your desktop with ads even though you're not using any of the aforementioned programs, which can be very annoying. You begin to lose control of your computer and may not be able to do your job well on your PC because of this.

Spyware may work and look like adware but is usually a separate program. Spyware, like adware, can be installed onto your computer when downloading freeware. While adware is more of an annoyance, spyware can be very harmful to you. These programs usually try to monitor your online activity and transmit information such as social security and credit card numbers to its creator. Some, are even sophisticated enough to download unwanted software on your computer. What makes spyware especially dangerous is that it is very hard to realize that your computer is infected with it until it is too late.

In order to protect yourself from such threats as adware and spyware, you should have an updated and effective spyware and adware removal tool. These programs can not only detect existing malware on your computer and destroy it, but also prevent them from being downloaded onto your PC.

For more help information about Adware and spyware visit http://www.squidoo.com/adware_software

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