Understanding Spyware and Adware

Spyware refers to any software program that, when downloaded, collects users personal information without their consent or knowledge. Spyware is often secretly downloaded after someone goes on a websites or downloads another program or file. Adware is advertising supported software that automatically displays advertising (usually in the form of a pop up ad). On many occasions adware is added to a person’s computer after purchasing or download a certain program or piece of software. The company that produces that application will then install adware software on the user’s computer in an attempt to direct them to purchase other products and services.

Spyware and adware can do a great deal of damage to your computer. Besides being annoyed with excessive pop-ups, these malicious programs can slow your system performance, leave your machine vulnerable to hackers, and even put you at risk for identity theft. This is because many of these programs secretly record and sell your information to other companies without you even knowing about it.

Having up-to-date anti virus and anti-spyware programs is your best line of defense when it comes to protecting your computer against spyware and adware. If your computer is already infected, there are many steps you can take to help restore your machine to fully functional status. If you are well versed around the computer, your best bet would be to wipe your hard disk clean and then re-install Windows. Before attempting this, you should make sure that you make a disk image backup of the disk so that you do not lose any important files or programs. If you are not very computer savvy and do not want to risk accidentally removing critical applications, the next best thing to do is to use an anti-spyware program. Many of these are free and can be easily downloaded and used.