Spyware is malicious software designed to run on your personal computer and tell its author or sender all about your activities. Spyware or Malware can track your every online move and report it live while you surf. Spyware programs are unknowingly downloaded everyday, everywhere by unsuspecting computer users at work and at home.



The result is slow moving computers, identity theft, lack of productivity and frustrating pop-ups. Why are hackers doing this? They want to sell your information, use your information or steal your identity. Many of them also benefit from your clicks on their banners through affiliate marketing and are relentless in trying to force you to play their game.

You can fight back. You can arm your computer with software that removes these malicious software programs from your computer. Extensive lists online exist of known offenders. Many freeware packages are really adware. Pop-ups that offer you a free download to boost your systems performance are very often disguised spyware programs. Free smiley faces and toolbars or free arcade video game downloads are often filled with spyware that will maliciously steal your information for potential illegal activities or at the very least, slow your computer to a crawl and annoy you. Many people have complained of unknown pornography sources filling their computer. Others have complained of having their homepage reset regularly to advertisement filled pages that they don't want on their computer.

Programs do exist to combat this problem. A big question is regarding the use of free anti-spyware software versus products you have to pay for. Free spyware software may help you combat your problem but may be a program you have to continually run manually to get rid of spyware problems. Or, your free download may in fact be a fake software package that is really more Spyware itself and will further bog down your computer. Using a package that you have paid for will guarantee you results and should offer an automatic system that will continue to combat this problem for you as well as update itself to fight off the constant new threats that are out there every day.

You have the ability to arm your computer against attacks. You do not want your passwords, credit card information or other personal surfing and shopping habits broadcasted to a third party online. The risk is too great. You don't want disgusting pop-ups turning up on your computer when your child is using it. Everyone wants to be able to use the Internet and benefit from the convenience of chatting, paying bills, shopping and storing personal files such as family photos. Be careful about what you download and watch for suspicious behavior. And most of all be sure you've armed your system to deal with these problems!