Spyware has become more and more of a problem over the past few years and can wreak havoc on your computer. These unauthorized programs often run in the background of your computer taking up your computers resources and causing your computer to run slower.
So what is it anyway? Have you ever gone to a website and registered for a prize and suddenly found there are new buttons on your Internet Explorer toolbars? This is an example of spyware.
Spyware by definition is any program that installs itself, without knowledge or authorization from the user, with the intention of delivering unsolicited advertising or collecting personal information and sending it off to a parent company. It is also known as Adware or Sneakware.
As the threat has increased, a number of techniques have emerged to counteract it. These include a number of removal programs available that identify and eliminate unwanted, unauthorized programs. There are also several personal security programs available that include firewalls and spam blockers which reduce the chance of getting spyware on your system.