Defending Spyware and Adware

Spyware is becoming the largest menace of computers in the last year. Hidden away within free applications, these programs can spy on your computer activities and report home various information about your computer habits. Adware is another menace that is closely related to spyware. Just like Spyware, it can be secretly installed on your computer and will monitor what you do. Then, when the time is right, some Adware apps will display relevant advertisements. Did you ever visit eBay.com and then notice an advertisement for Ubid.com, one of eBay's competitors, pop up on your screen? If so, then you are infected with a bad case of adware.

How does your computer get infected? There can be a number of reasons why, but the most common reason is that you visit a Web site and are prompted to click Yes on some pop-up box to allow an application to install that you think is a game or some cool browser utility such as a search toolbar. Often, these utilities are spyware themselves and are also bundled with other spyware and adware. Unfortunately, users never seem to read the terms of service agreements that are presented when they are installing these free apps on their computers and pass right over the notices that this software will display ads and will monitor your browsing habits.

These next few sections will show you how to detect and remove spyware and adware from your computer, as well as what to look out for to protect your computer from getting infected in the first place. Additionally, you will learn how to use some of the new features of Windows XP Service Pack 2 to protect your computer from getting infected if you accidentally try to install spyware or adware.