What is Adware and Spyware?
Scott Brown
So you've heard of Adware, maybe even been a victim of spyware, but what is it exactly? Adware and Spyware is software which delivers ads via pop-up windows or a bar that appears on the computer screen. This is achieved by monitoring the users browsing activities and invading your privacy with pop-ups. Adware can include code that tracks a user's personal information and pass it onto third parties without the authorization or knowledge.
How does ADWARE/SPYWARE effect internet users ? These malicious components invade your PC and can be very difficult to remove, as well as causing your PC performance to drop significantly.
Various Symptoms - Sites adding icons to your desktop - Sites adding themselves to your internet favourites list - Toolbars and search bars attaching themselves to your browser - your default homepage and settings can be hijacked so you cant change them. - Adds extra advertising on webpages, or even replaces existing advertising. - Monitoring browsing habits for commercial purposes. - Gain access to passwords and credit card numbers - Slow PCs down by using up system resources.
Removing Adware/Spyware from your PC There are many programs available that will scan your system and clean off many type of Adware/Spyware. If you think you have Spyware or Adware then download one of these cleaning applications and scan your system, two of the most popular are Lavasofts Ad-Aware SE and Spybot which are both free to use.
About the author: Founder of AVmechanic Free computer help a Free Video Editing and Computer help community covering a wide range of topics.