Spyware and Adware
by Bravenet.com
email this articleSummary : Spyware and Adware are small programs that covertly gather information from host computers and transmit the collected information to points unknown.
Adware differs slightly in that it will also run advertisements on your computer. The ads usually appear as pop-ups, banner ads, or even as plug-ins for your web browser. Some Adware programs will change your homepage, add bookmarks, and/or add invisible links to websites that you might be viewing (Browser Hijacking).
Adware and Spyware have a lot in common with viruses, in that they can be very hard to remove from your system. Usually these programs are capable of re-installing themselves once deleted.
These programs can infect your computer in many different ways. Clicking on a banner, closing a browser window, saying "No" or "Cancel" to prompts, and many other actions can install these programs without you even knowing.
While looking around for a good anti-Adware and anti-Spyware program for your computer you must be careful as some of these programs are actually Spyware in disguise. Remember to always keep your anti-Adware/Spyware updated.
Here are some tried and true free Adware removal programs:
Ad-aware Personal Version (http://lavasoftusa.com)
Spyware Doctor (http://www.pctools.com)
Don't forget that it is always a good idea to install and use a Firewall.
Zone Alarm (http://www.zonealarm.com)
