Spyware, or software that is used to track your every move online, is one of the most serious threats that we face when using the internet and unfortunately it is all too easy to un-knowingly become a victim of it. That last piece of software that you downloaded, or that last download of mp3 music may also contain software that can display unwanted advertising, track your movements as you surf the web, collect personal information, and even change the configuration settings of your computer. These changes can include your home page and search page selection being altered and additional components being added to your browser. The speed at which your computer runs can also be affected or even worse spyware has been known to cause computers to crash altogether! Apart from the obvious, here are five good reasons why you need adequate spyware protection:

Number One - Personal details being used for identity theft. This one is scary and all too real. Un-authorized credit card charges, loans being taken out under your name, I'm sure you've heard the stories of what a mess this can make of people's lives.

Number Two - Ninety percent of all computers with an internet connection are infected with some sort of spyware. Ninety percent! That is one heck of a lot of computers. Even if a low percentage of this number are infected with spyware that can report back your private information how do you know your computer isn't one of them?

Number Three - Pop Up ads appearing without your consent, sometimes hundreds of them and almost impossible to get rid of. The content of these ads can also be of concern, as there is no way of knowing what will come up next, not pleasant for yourself and not the sort of thing that minors should be exposed to.

Number Four - Your computer systems speed can be greatly reduced once infected with spyware. This can be not only frustrating but when time equals money it can also be costly, very costly. The level of sophistication in today's programs means even a slight loss in computer processing speed can affect some programs immensely.

Number Five - If you have read this far and haven't cancelled all your Internet Connection Plans then you've done well! Seriously though I think the last and not least good reason to have adequate spyware protection is the pure inconvenience of what spyware can do to your computer. Literally hours can be spent trying to remove it once it takes hold and sometimes the removal cannot be done without damaging some of the installations already on your system. Removal would also be particularly hard if you are like me and have very little programming knowledge. I know I wouldn't like to fork out for someone to come and fix something that could easily have been prevented in the first place!

With more and more internet users becoming aware of potential threats when online, let's hope they all do their bit to stamp out this nuisance by being adequately protected and then everyone can have an enjoyable experience surfing the web.