Spyware is malicious software that collects information about a user and is installed on a computer without the user's informed consent. Not to be confused with a virus.

There are many different types of spyware.

• Adware - is a type of spyware that collects information about a user in order to display targeted advertisments to the user.
   
• Browser Helper Objects (BHOs) - is a plug-in for Internet Explorer which helps developers customize and control the browser.
   
• Browser HiJacker - is when a malicious application adjusts your browser settings without your concent. For example: your homepage has changed to a search page, dangerous sites have been mysteriously added to your Favorites, questionable websites are added to Internet Explorer's list of Trusted Sites etc...
   
• Keyboard Logger - logs all the activity of your keyboard and reports this information back to a remote computer. This information can be used to steal passwords, bank information etc...
   
• Phone Dialer - AKA - Modem HiJacker - this type of application changes the phone number dialed when using a dial-up Internet connection so charges are incurred on the users phone bill.
   
• Remote Access Trojans (RATs) - malicious programs that run on a user's computer which permits an intruder remote access to that computer.

How do I know if my computer is infected? What are the signs of spyware?

• slower than normal computer? - Is your computer having trouble performing routine tasks? Has there been a sudden increase in the amount of times your computer crashes? Does your computer not start at all?
   
• homepage has changed by itself? - Has your homepage been hijacked? Does it open to a search page that you did not specify?
   
• pop-ups driving you crazy? - Do they appear as soon as you turn on your computer? Are they for adult websites? Some spyware will bombard you with popups that aren't even related to the website you are visiting.
   
• browser settings have changed and you can't change them back? - When you open up Internet Explorer does it open to a search page that you did not specify?
   
• new browser toolbars installed - but not by you? - Is there a mysterious toolbar installed on your browser?
   
• phone bill sky-rocketed - Do you see charges on your phone bill for adult websites or 1-900 numbers?
   
• unexpected new or new icons in your system tray? - Are there applications running on your computer that you did not install?

*How can I remove spyware from my PC?

• Download, install and update anti-spyware software - you can find free spyware removal software such as, SpyBot Search & Destroy, AdAware or if you prefer, you can purchase spyware detection and removal software by clicking here.
   
• Disconnect from the Interent and run the anti-spyware application on the infected PC
   
• Boot into Safe Mode and run the anti-spyware applications again
   
• be patient - removing spyware and other malicious software can be a tedious task - be persistant
   
• AS A LAST RESORT - reinstall Microsoft Windows - if you cannot remove the infections from your PC (Warning: you will loose all of your data unless you back it up!)

How can I prevent spyware from getting on my PC?

• Install anti-spyware software before you get infected
   
• Install a software firewall - a firewall acts as a barrier between your computer and the Interent, you can find many free for personal use - software firewalls here. Find out what a firewall is and how to turn on the firewall built into Windows XP here.
   
• Keep Microsoft Windows Up-To-Date - with Windows Update. Microsoft often releases software patches which you can download and install to help prevent malicious software from being installed on your PC. You can find more information about Windows Update here
   
• Stay away from questionable Websites! - you know what I am talking about!
   
• Use a secure Web Browser - such as Mozilla Firefox
   

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