Spyware does not concern itself with etiquette of asking for your permission. It simply just invades with much evil intent with no respect for your privacy, and the Internet is its pathway to your computer.

A favorite trick is to install spyware when you are installing another program. Generally spyware comes from free programs offered on the Internet. These free programs are called freeware, or shareware. Technically, the spyware company has your permission, although the legal issues are not clear.

When a freeware or shareware program is installed, you are asked to agree to the terms of service or licensing agreement, which will contain information about the spyware being installed. Most people dont real the legal agreement and just select I Agree and install the program.

White-hat spyware simply annoys you with constant pop up advertisements. But I am sure this is not just white-hat annoyance to you, but more like something you have come to hate. This is how the producers of spyware programs earn a high standard of living. Some of these white-hat spyware programs just collect your browsing behavior for companies to perform scientific online advertising analysis. Yet I agree with you on this one too, that your browsing behavior is your own business.

The there are the black-hat spyware programs that have no remorse for their malicious behavior. They gather email addresses, passwords and even steal credit card information off your computer. The producers of such black magic use your personal information for their own use or sell it to evil doers like themselves.

Do I Have Spyware?

Here are some signs of spyware:

1)Constant random pop ups

2)Icons and toolbars just magically appear

3)Both your computer and Internet connection moves drastically slower

4)Your browser goes to advertising sites unexpectedly

5)The settings on your browser change unexpectedly

6)Advertisement windows are everywhere

If you have any of these issues, seek help quickly.

I dont want to seek any help, what can I do?

1)Get a reputable firewall program for your PC. If you have a Windows computer that was built within the last five years, then there is already a firewall built-in. Just make sure it is not disabled. Also virus protection software have firewalls integrated into the application.

2)The more you click, the more you receive. If you click on pop ups, you are basically saying I am real person that find your spyware application very useful.

3)Be careful what you install. Dont install software unless you know exactly what it is, and where it came from. If the company that makes it isnt a reputable one, dont install it or get expert advice.

4)Keep your PC up-to-date. It is wise to keep your automatic update feature turned on.

5)Use anti-spyware software. Most virus checking programs also check for spyware. Numerous other programs are available.

Never click on or purchase spyware cleaning programs that come from spam email or from popups! These are so-called spyware cleaning program are themselves spyware! Make sure that you buy spyware cleaning software from a reputable company or youll end up making your problems worse!

Once you have spyware cleaning software installed, run it often and regularly and delete any programs the software finds.