Spyware, also called Adware, is software installed without your knowledge that gathers information about you and reports it to whoever controls the spyware. This information can include (but is not limited to) your internet browsing usage, passwords, email addresses, computer configuration, and possibly your name, age, sex, and other personal information. In addition spyware can be used to generate pop-up ads which, in addition to being annoying, can bog down the system resources of your computer and cause poor performance.

Common signs of spyware are:

• computer begins to run slow
• your internet browser redirects you to another Web site other than the one you intended to go to
• your home page has changed you are unable to change it back
• you have more favorites in your browser than normal
• your browser crashes
• you get a lot of pop ups

Spyware has to be installed on your computer to work, and they do their best to trick you into installing it. Some of the more common methods are:�

• opening spam email
• clicking on deceptive pop ups
• downloading free utilities, games, toolbars, media players, etc...
• file sharing programs
• visiting corrupted Web sites

You can help minimize the amount of Spyware your computer collects by following the few simple steps below:

• set your internet browser's security settings to default or high
• avoid peer-to-peer (p2p) filesharing software
• install anti-spyware software on your computer
• maintain a firewall on your computer
• don't click on pop ups, open suspicious emails, or respond to spam emails

There are a lot of spyware removal tools available. If you have an anti-virus/Internet protection software installed on your computer, it may come with a spyware removal tool. If you prefer, you can visit our Additional Tools section for links to some products that may be of assistance.