A Common Computer Question Answered - What Is Spyware?
Almost everyone that has a computer that is connected to the internet has heard the term "spyware" before. However not everyone knows what it means and it is a fairly broad term that can get confusing at times. With that in mind, we are going to cover what exactly spyware is.
When you hear the term spyware, it is refering to programs or software that gets installed on your computer without your knowledge. These programs can cause all sorts of problems on your system - here are a few examples:
1) Steal your personal data or personal information. Certain spyware programs will "spy" on what you are typing and all the information you have stored on your system.
2) Install additional or unwanted computer programs causing the computer to perform well below par.
3) When you are online, you are redirected to certain websites that have other harmful files such as viruses or other infections.
4) Change computer settings to create holes in your system that will be used to attack it when required.
In short, Spyware is nothing but 'nuisanceware'!
Spyware is also notorious for slowing down your computer's performance and creating all sorts of pop-ups or annoying ads when you are online.
Wondering how spyware makes it way onto your computer?
Spyware is always introduced into a computer through deceptive means, and the user will have no clue when this infiltration happens. Here are some instances of how Spyware can enter your system:
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) A common way systems get infected is from "utility" type programs that are downloaded and come bundled with some form of spyware. There are all sorts of programs that are offered for free download on the internet - although they may serve a purpose many of them will also install spyware on your system.
3) There are some spyware programs that will try to mimic your operating system's messages in order to get on your computer.
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.
It's obviously important that you find out if there is spyware on your computer, but how can you find out?
Most people will start to notice their computer starts to slow down and they may also get more advertisements popup when they are browsing. Spyware is famous for making computers run a little "sluggish" - this is one of the first signs that your computer is infected.
Unfortunately, many people end up blaming their computer's hardware if their system is running slower than usual. More often than not it is nothing hardware related - it is the fact that spyware has made its way onto their computer.
If you haven't been paying attention to spyware, you must start doing something about it starting today!
Computer experts estimate that 9 out of every 10 computers have some form of spyware installed on them. It's crucial that you protect your system and personal information by using a top-ranked anti-spyware program.
Look for a spyware remover that has received positive reviews and that can remove any spyware that is already on your system (along with protecting against new infections). You want a program that scans your computer for any current spyware, kills off anything it finds and then provides protection against future spyware.
About the Author:
Click Here to find out how to use a free scan using the top-ranked spyware remover. You can also read spyware reviews to find out which software is recommended for your computer.
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