Spyware, what it is and what it does. Basically, spyware is a program that is installed on your computer, usually after you have downloaded some type of program or visited a certain site. Once this program is on your computer, depending on which type is installed, it has the potential to monitor what you are doing without your knowledge.
In addition to having the ability to track your Internet browsing, it can also change your computer settings and display unwanted advertising. Types of spyware include adware, malware, parasiteware, and other types of software.
Many of these spyware applications are bundled with other applications, such as shareware and freeware, and like I said, you usually don’t know you have it. Some of these Internet pests have the ability to collect your email address, passwords, and even private credit card numbers.
Many of these programs send the information they collect to third parties who, in turn, serve you a lot of advertisements, hence the word Adware. This is also the reason why you may get a lot of popups.
The only real solution is to get a very good Anti-Spyware program. There are many of them on the market, and it is well worth getting one. Once you have some kind of Spyware program, you always have it and can run it whenever you want. Try to get one that is reliable and has been on the market for a while. Most offer you a free initial scan of your computer, so take advantage of it. That’s basically what spyware is all about.