Put simply, spyware refers to various programs and software that gets installed on your computer without you knowing. These programs then go on to cause "malicious" activity - some examples of this are:

1) Steal your personal information. Spyware can "spy" on what files are on your computer and capture the passwords and other personal information you enter while you are online.

2) Install various programs to your computer without your authorization. These programs have no use to you but usually will let someone else monitor what you are doing online. This is one of the biggest reasons computers start to "slow down".

3) When you are online, you are redirected to certain websites that have other harmful files such as viruses or other infections.

4) Without you being aware, spyware can change the security settings you have on your computer so that your computer is at an increased risk of getting viruses or having personal information stolen.

In short, Spyware is nothing but 'nuisanceware'!

Apart from the activity above, Spyware also slows down your Internet connection and make life miserable when you are surfing the Internet - many of those annoying pop-ups appearing out of nowhere are the result of spyware making its way on your system.

How does Spyware get into a computer?

Most of the time you will never know for sure where the spyware on your computer came from. It sneaks its way onto your computer in various ways - some examples are:

1) Many shareware and freeware software programs have Spyware built into them. Software such as music/video download programs are normally given away free, and sometimes they come bundled with Spyware.

2) Many programs that you download will come with spyware when you install them. These are usually "utility" type programs that offer some type of benefit - some examples are "toolbars" or foreign exchange rate calculators.

3) Another method used by Spyware developers is to mimic the operating system's messages so that you click on them. When you click on them the Spyware gets installed.

For example, if you are using MS Windows, the Spyware manufacturer may develop a pop-up that looks exactly like a message from Microsoft. When you are browsing, this pop-up may entice you to click on it - and when you do that - presto; you've just opened the doors for the Spyware.

How do you know if your computer is infected with spyware?

One of the first warning signs is that your computer starts to run a lot slower than before and appears a little sluggish. Spyware will slow down your browsing speed and your overall computer's performance.

Apart from the slowing down factor, you cannot really tell if there's Spyware installed on your system. Many people will just assume something is wrong with the computer hardware when their system slows down, however spyware is often the cause.

It's important that you protect your computer and make sure you destroy any spyware on your system starting today!

If you suspect computer is infected by Spyware, you have to move immediately and get it removed before it causes any more damage. There is Spyware in every nook and corner of the Internet, and chances are your computer is already host to several Spyware programs unless a quality anti-Spyware program is protecting your system.

You need a solid and reliable anti-Spyware program developed by a trusted manufacturer, and you need it as soon as yesterday! Remember, only top-ranked anti-Spyware programs can effectively remove the malicious Spyware from your computer and protect it from future Spyware attacks, so don't let yourself put it off. A quality anti-spyware program will scan your computer for any existing infections, kill them off, and then protects your system from any future infections.