updated Aug 18, 2008 8:55 pm | 6,384 views
Revision as of 19:50, 24 July 2007
Spyware is defined as a program that secretly monitors your actions on your computer. Any data collection program that gathers information about you and relays it to advertisers and/or other interested parties falls under this Internet jargon.
Spyware is any software that employs a user's Internet connection in the background (the so-called "backchannel") without their knowledge or explicit permission.
In order to not be considered spyware, silent background use of an Internet "backchannel" connection must be preceded by a complete and truthful disclosure of proposed backchannel usage, followed by the receipt of explicit and informed consent for such use.
Any software communicating across the Internet without these key elements is guilty of information theft and is properly and rightfully termed: Spyware.
The effects of spyware are varied and depend a lot on your system. The most common effects include:
The list could go on and on but I think you get the idea. So, do not just assume it is a virus when your system crashes, behaves strangely, or acts erratically.
Here are the main players in the defense against Spyware (in no particular order):
Spybot (Freeware), AdAware (comes in a variety of flavours; all with increasing levels of defense, control and cost), Pest Patrol (again, like Adaware it has a variety of Flavours), Spy Sweeper, Ewido, and A2Squared.
Spyware is software that gathers information about your Web-surfing habits for marketing purposes. Spyware "piggybacks" on programs you choose to download. Tucked away in the fine print of user agreements for many "free" downloads and services is a stipulation that the company will use spyware to monitor your web habits for business research purposes.
Spyware takes up memory and space on your computer. It can slow down your machine, transmit information without your knowledge, and lead to general computer malfunction. One of the most widely-used Web browsers, Internet Explorer is especially susceptible to spyware-related problems. You may choose to keep certain spyware programs on your computer in exchange for the free services that accompany them, but you should be aware of how that might affect your computer.