How Do I Get Spyware On My Computer?

Anytime you visit a website you are putting yourself at risk of picking up a Spyware or Adware program.  These programs are set to download to your computer from various websites automatically, without your consent or knowledge.  Various downloaded programs also contain Spyware.

Because Spyware is commonly bundled with software downloads, attached to e-mails, or transmitted through networks, it can appear to be legitimate software, but once installed it can be nearly impossible to detect and remove without the help of a dedicated Spyware removal tool.

• Is Spyware Dangerous?
  Spyware and Adware are dangerous.  For the most part, these programs merely track the websites you visit and supply you with numerous popup ads based on the sites it tracks you to. However, there are a number of these programs which log your passwords, credit card information and other personal information to use against you, even to steal your identity.

• Is Spyware Illegal?
  Even though the name may indicate so, Spyware may not be illegal in all cases.  However there are certain issues that a privacy oriented user may object to and therefore prefer not to use the product.  This usually involves the tracking and sending of data and statistics via a server installed on the user's PC and the use of your Internet connection in the background.

• What Is Adware?
  Adware is Internet jargon for Advertising Supported software (Adware).  It is a way for shareware authors to make money from a product, other than by selling it to the users.  There are several large media companies that offer them to place banner ads in their products in exchange for a portion of the revenue from banner sales.  This way, you don't have to pay for the software and the developers are still getting paid.  If you find the banners annoying, there is usually an option to remove them, by paying the regular licensing fee.
  While this may be a great concept, the downside is that the advertising companies also install additional tracking software on your system, which is continuously "calling home", using your Internet connection and reports statistical data to the "Parent PC". While according to the privacy policies of the companies, there will be no sensitive or identifying data collected from your system and you shall remain anonymous. It still remains the fact, that you have a "live" server sitting on your PC that is sending information about you and your surfing habits to a remote location.  With this in place, you have absolutely no control over the information that is being sent.