A Guide to Spy-Ware Prevention

How Much Harm Can it Do? More Than You Think

By Karl Withakay, published Mar 23, 2006
Published Content: 58  Total Views: 192,881  Favorited By: 13 CPs
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Internet spy-ware has been around for years. It's hidden in many programs. In this article, we'll discuss some of the obvious type of programs that spy-ware is hidden in and just what it does, as well as applications to effectively REMOVE spy-ware.

Just What IS SPY-WARE?

Spy-ware is an agent placed in various computer programs and applications that track your internet activity such as what sites you visit. It helps companies determine the tastes and or preferences of the people who are using their program. Initially it was intended for just that but it has evolved into a potential damaging issue as well as security and privacy concerns.

I Don't Care If They Know What Sites I Visit. What Harm Can That Do?

You would be very surprised to know just HOW MUCH harm spy-ware can do. These days, spy-ware can collect personal information such as your name, email address, or even your Social Security Number. Most spy-ware these days also will "tweak" or adjust your operating system (Windows xp, Windows 98, etc). Get a few of them (VERY easy to do) and they work against each other. Next thing you know, your computer is running much slower than usual and/or may be malfunctioning. It can be anywhere from a minor inconvenience with your computer to rendering your computer virtually useless. You'll never hear a computer service or repair person complaining about spy-ware. Spy-ware is likely putting their children through college with all the computers that they repair that spy-ware is directly responsible for.

How Does One GET Spy-Ware On Their PC?

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