Spyware 101

Definition:

Spyware programs make money for their publishers by reporting your Internet travels and sending you advertisements. Some also report your name, e-mail address, and other personal information. Many ostensibly free programs come with spyware or adware. The program installer doesn't always describe every program being installed.

Some sites that contain spyware:

• CNN.com: - Avenue A, Inc. tracking cookie.

• MSNBC.com - Advertising.com tracking cookie.

• About.com: - Advertising.com, Avenue A, Inc., DoubleClick and Gator.

Solution:

There are several products on the market that will search out the various spyware installed on your machine. At this time, we think Spybot is one of the best at finding spyware. Download Spybot for free at http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html. Run Spybot routinely to get rid of spywares.

Spyware and Adware

Any program designed to deliver ads or to get marketing information adware. However, Spyware is a subset of adware, focused on reporting personal information. You can get rid of adware using adware-removal tools like Lavasoft Ad-aware. Most adware-removal tools act like antivirus tools. They maintain a library of spyware filenames and registry keys, and search for and remove them from your computer. 

You can find more information on the FAQ page